Q:
What information is required to obtain a quote from Smile?
A:
Please provide the specific cargo details including commodity name, quantity, weight, volume, cargo nature (e.g. general cargo, battery category, etc.), expected date of arrival, and date of cargo readiness. Smile will select the most suitable transportation mode and the most competitive pricing scheme based on the information provided.
Q:
What regions does Smile have overseas agents in?
A:
Smile has established long-term cooperative partnerships with agency organizations in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan (China), the United States and Canada. These agency enterprises boast extensive experience in import and export operations in their local markets, providing services covering a wide range of logistics modes including sea freight and air freight, and functionally equivalent to our overseas branch offices. With high-quality services and competitive pricing, we have earned continuous trust and widespread recognition from numerous customers.
Q:
What are Smile's payment terms?
A:
The default payment method for Smile's clients is payment upon invoice issuance, with full freight payment usually settled after the vessel's departure or before the flight's takeoff. Clients with timely payment records or large order volumes may apply for monthly settlement terms. We support multiple payment channels, including corporate bank accounts in RMB and USD, as well as Alipay.
Q:
What should I do if I don't know the documentation requirements for first-time import or export?
A:
Leveraging its extensive professional experience, Smile will assist you in completing all export-related documents required (including customs declaration forms, packing lists, commercial invoices, etc.) based on the information provided by the client. If assistance is needed for import/export right filing or certificate of origin application, we can also provide corresponding support. We offer comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process, from document preparation to cargo packaging, loading and transportation.
Q:
What should I do if the cargo is damaged?
A:
Smile generally recommends that clients purchase transportation insurance. In the event of any incident, you may contact the insurance company for claims with the insurance policy at the earliest time possible. The insurance companies cooperating with Smile have established branches in major regions around the world, enabling timely coordination and handling of cases. In case of cargo damage, please preserve all relevant evidence immediately, contact the insurance company as soon as possible, and notify Smile simultaneously to assist with follow-up matters.
Q:
What are Smile's invoicing policies?
A:
The freight invoices issued by Smile are, by default, set as tax-exclusive, and we provide tax-free VAT electronic ordinary invoices. For domestic business involving pickup, customs declaration and other services, if VAT special invoices with tax points are required, our company can also provide such invoices. For customs declaration invoices that need to be issued by customs brokers, we will provide full cooperation.
Q:
Under DDP terms, which party is responsible for customs clearance?
A:
If the client requires Smile to provide transportation services under DDP terms, Smile will, by default, conduct customs clearance operations using the consignee's company information and pay the tariffs and VAT on behalf of the consignee. All customs clearance documents will be prepared based on the consignee's information, and the consignee is required to have completed the import qualification filing in the customs system.
Q:
How is the billing volume calculated for different types of cargo?
A:
For LCL sea freight, charges are usually calculated based on cubic meters (CBM), and the billable volume is determined by the higher value between the actual volume and the volumetric weight. The conversion standard for volumetric weight is: 1 CBM = 1000 kg.
For air freight, charges are generally calculated based on kilograms (KG), and the billable weight is determined by the higher value between the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight. The conversion standard for volumetric weight is: 1 CBM = 167 kg.
Q:
What should I do if the cargo is subject to customs inspection?
A:
The inspection of general cargo is usually a random sampling procedure, which is a probabilistic event. If the cargo is selected for inspection, you shall timely provide the corresponding documents for the shipment, including packing lists, commercial invoices, contracts, etc., in accordance with customs requirements, and truthfully respond to the customs' inquiries about the cargo. If it is not during a period of key inspection, the cargo can usually be released relatively quickly. Smile is equipped with full-time customs declaration staff who will coordinate and handle the matter on-site, and assist and cooperate with the customs to complete the inspection process at the earliest possible time.
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