Lesson 1Main carriage monitoring: sailing plans, ETA/ETD tracking, transshipment handling, exceptions managementCovers monitoring the main transport, reading carrier timetables, following ETD and ETA, handling transfers, and responding to hold-ups, shifts, and other issues using carrier systems and inner methods.
Reading carrier schedules and rotationsUsing ETD and ETA tracking toolsManaging transshipment connectionsHandling rollovers and blank sailingsDealing with weather and port congestionCustomer updates and status reportingLesson 2Container pickup, stuffing, stowage planning and VGM: container types (40' HQ), lashing, weight verification procedure and VGM complianceExplains container collection, loading, and securing, stowage planning with carriers, and Verified Gross Mass calculation, recording, and sending to ensure safety and SOLAS rules.
Coordinating empty container pickupSelecting suitable container typesSafe stuffing, blocking and bracingLashing methods and cargo securingVGM calculation and documentationTransmitting VGM to the carrierLesson 3Export customs procedures in China: export declaration (CIQ inspection where relevant), export license checks for electronics, customs filing timelines and common holdsDescribes China export border steps from data gathering to declaration, including CIQ checks, export permit reviews for electronics, submission times, and managing usual holds or refusals.
Export declaration data requirementsCIQ inspection triggers and scopeExport licenses for electronicsCustoms filing timelines and cut-offsTypical export holds and resolutionsCoordination with Chinese brokersLesson 4Pre-shipment coordination under FOB Shenzhen: responsibilities of shipper, consignee, and agent; required information checklistDetails pre-shipment teamwork under FOB Shenzhen, clarifying duties of shipper, receiver, and local agent, and listing needed operational data and papers to reserve, plan, and carry out the load properly.
FOB Shenzhen roles and risk transferShipper operational responsibilitiesConsignee and forwarder obligationsKey booking and cargo data checklistProduct, packing and HS detailsEscalation and communication channelsLesson 5Documentation package preparation: commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration, certificate of origin, letter of indemnity scenarios, and BL issuance options (sea waybill vs. original BL)Describes compiling a rule-following document set, including invoice, packing list, export declaration, origin papers, indemnity letters, and proper bill of lading type, while dodging common mistakes and hold-ups.
Commercial invoice content checksPacking list accuracy and structureExport declaration data alignmentCertificates of origin and legalizationLetter of indemnity use and risksSea waybill versus original BL choiceLesson 6Post-delivery tasks: POD collection, claims initiation, detention/DEM billing, return of empty containersExplains actions after cargo delivery, including proof of delivery gathering, starting damage or shortage claims, figuring detention and demurrage, and setting timely empty container returns to avoid added costs.
Collecting and validating PODDamage and shortage claim stepsEvidence collection and deadlinesDetention and demurrage calculationEmpty container return proceduresClosing files and performance reviewLesson 7Inland delivery to Chicago: port pickup vs. intermodal rail to Chicago, drayage coordination, final-mile trucking, appointment scheduling at distribution centerCovers choices for shifting cargo from US port to Chicago, comparing port haul plus rail against direct trucking, and explaining ramp, chassis, appointment, and distribution centre needs coordination.
Port pickup and terminal proceduresIntermodal rail routing to ChicagoDrayage and chassis coordinationFinal-mile trucking arrangementsAppointment rules at DCsManaging delays and accessorialsLesson 8Booking and space confirmation: booking timelines, carrier booking reference, cut-off times, confirmation follow-upOutlines requesting reservations, following carrier times and limits, getting booking confirmations, and checking space hold, equipment access, and timetable changes with carriers or NVOCCs.
Gathering data for booking requestSubmitting bookings to carrier or NVOCCUnderstanding booking referencesCY, VGM and documentation cut-offsSpace protection and waitlist tacticsMonitoring booking amendmentsLesson 9Import customs in the USA: ISF filing, arrival notice, customs entry (CF 3461/7501 process), bond types (single entry vs. continuous), potential entry holds and examinationsExplains US import border steps, including ISF submission, arrival alerts, customs entry prep, bond choice, and responding to holds, checks, and possible fines while keeping cargo flowing.
ISF data elements and deadlinesArrival notice review and actionsCF 3461 and CF 7501 entry flowSingle-entry versus continuous bondsTypes of customs holds and examsWorking with customs brokers
