Lesson 1Main carriage monitoring: sailing plans, ETA/ETD tracking, transshipment handling, exceptions managementCovers how to monitor the main carriage, interpret carrier schedules, track ETD and ETA, manage transshipments, and react to delays, rollovers, and other exceptions using carrier tools and internal procedures suitable for African logistics.
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 how containers are picked up, stuffed, and secured, how stowage is planned with carriers, and how Verified Gross Mass is calculated, documented, and transmitted to ensure safety and SOLAS compliance in Zimbabwean operations.
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 Chinese export customs procedures from data collection to declaration, including CIQ inspections, export license checks for electronics, filing timelines, and how to manage common holds or rejections for Zimbabwean traders.
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 coordination under FOB Shenzhen, clarifying responsibilities of shipper, consignee, and local agent, and listing the operational data and documents needed to book, plan, and execute the shipment correctly in Zimbabwe.
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 how to compile a compliant document set, including invoice, packing list, export declaration, origin certificates, indemnity letters, and the correct bill of lading type, while avoiding common errors and delays for African shipments.
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 activities after cargo delivery, including proof of delivery collection, initiating damage or shortage claims, calculating detention and demurrage, and arranging timely return of empty containers to avoid extra costs in Zimbabwe.
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 options for moving cargo from the US port to Chicago, comparing port drayage plus rail versus direct trucking, and explaining coordination of ramps, chassis, appointments, and distribution center requirements for Zimbabwean logistics.
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 how to request bookings, respect carrier timelines and cut-offs, obtain booking confirmations, and follow up on space protection, equipment availability, and schedule changes with carriers or NVOCCs in African trade.
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 customs steps, including ISF filing, arrival notices, customs entry preparation, bond selection, and how to respond to holds, exams, and potential penalties while keeping cargo moving for Zimbabwean importers.
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
