FAQ's
A helpful list of questions and answers to assist in any queries you have.
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- What is a Customs Invoice? This is an invoice that is used by customs to determine the amount of duty tax to apply to the shipment if the goods are travelling to a Non EU destination.
- This is an invoice that is used by customs to determine the amount of duty tax to apply to the shipment if the goods are travelling to a Non EU destination.
- What is the maximum weight I can put into a box?
- The maximum actual or volumetric weight that can be packed into any one box is 32kg.
- What is volumetric weight?
- It's the weight you are charged (as apposed to the actual weight) following calculations made on the dimensions of your goods.
- How do I calculate the volumetric weight of my shipment?
- You simply need to multiply the height x width x length in centimetres. If the shipment is going via air courier simply divide this figure by 6000 and if the shipment is going via road divide by 3000. You then simply round the total up to the next whole kg and if this figure is greater than the actual weight this is what you are charged.
- What does transit time mean?
- Transit time is the amount of time a consignment takes [in days] to be delivered
- Does transit time include weekends or public holidays?
- Transit time is based on working days and does not include weekends or public holidays
- What is DDP?
- DDP is a term used by freight and courier companies and means "Delivery Duties Paid". This service enables the shipper to pay for any duties taxes that are levied by customs as opposed to the consignee. This is only available to certain destinations so please check with the Operations Team to see if your destination country offers this service.
- What is Free Domicile?
- Free Domicile is very similar to the term "DDP" although this service means the shipper is responsible for both duties and local taxes that are levied by customs. Again, this is only available to certain destinations so please check first before shipping.
- How do I calculate duties and taxes?
- Every product shipped through the freight and courier network falls into a category and has a "tariff code" assigned to it. This tariff code has a percentage linked to it that is used by Customs to calculate the duty taxes to be applied. The percentage is used on the entire shipment value and freight costs associated with the shipment.
- How can I pay for duties and taxes?
- If available to the destination, then there is a fee to be paid for selecting either DDP or Free Domicile service in addition to the taxes that are levied by customs, which are invoiced upon receipt of the customs charges
- What is domestic?
- Domestic is a term used by the courier and freight industry for shipments travelling within the UK.
- Which carrier will my consignment be travelling with?
- We use a number of different suppliers and agents to ensure we are offering the best prices available at the time of shipping. Each shipment travels with one of our preferred partners and this information is available by talking directly to one of the Operations Team members.
- How do I obtain a hard copy POD?
- In some cases the need may arise where a physical copy of a driver's run sheet or the recipients signature is required. In such cases you will need to speak to the Operations Team so that we can obtain this for you.
- How do I claim for damages?
- You need to ensure that you sign for the parcel at the time of delivery as "Damaged". You will then need to contact the Operations Team who will issue the necessary forms for you to complete your claim.
- How much will my shipment cost?
- Depending on the size of your shipment, where the goods are going to and how fast you want the goods to arrive all have a factor in calculating the cost for delivery. Speak to the Operations Team and they can guide you through the options and associated costs.
- When does a consignment need to be accompanied by an invoice?
- You will need an invoice for any consignment travelling outside the EU that is non documents over 5kgs. Documents over 5Kgs will need an invoice outside the EU. These invoices can be either in the form of a Pro Forma or a Commercial invoice.
- What is a Commercial Invoice?
- These are invoices travelling with goods that have been sold. They are used in exactly the same way as Pro Forma invoices for customs purposes.
- What is a Pro Forma invoice and when would I need to send this?
- If the goods that are being shipped have already been paid for by the consignee prior to them being shipped, the consignor is required to provide a Pro Forma invoice. This shows the amount paid in order that the receiving authorities can appropriate duty and tax in line with the value and commodity code.
- What is a Commodity Code?
- Every product is assigned a commodity code by Customs & Excise. This code denotes the level of duty payable against the product to the receiving customs authorities. This code and therefore the level of duty may change from country to country and varies by product.
- What is DDU?
- DDU stands for Delivery Duty Unpaid. This is when consignee (or the recipient) is billed the duties and taxes relating to the shipment upon delivery.
- Can I arrange for a shipment to be collected from an alternative address and returned back to my location?
- Quite simply yes! Please either call or email the Operations Team who will be able to arrange this collection for you.
- Can I book a forward collection?
- Forward collection is for consignments that are collected from a remote location to be forwarded on to another location. Again this is possible through the Operations Team - please email or phone through the collection / delivery details along with pieces and weights and we will be happy to organise this for you.
- What is an Overnight service?
- The Overnight Service is a service as obvious as it sounds. We collect a consignment on day 1 and deliver on day 2 - any time up until 17.30 hours. This does not include weekends, so any consignments shipped on a Friday, will de delivered the following Monday.
- Can I book a timed delivery in the UK?
- We have a wide range of specialist timed services available from a pre 09.00, pre-10.30 or pre-mid-day as well as dedicated same day options upon request.
- Can I have a timed delivery into Europe?
- We are able to offer timed delivery to virtually all capital cities in Europe. Please call to confirm service availability.
- Why do I need to put my dimensions in on the booking?
- The dimensions of your parcel need to be detailed at the time of booking to determine if the dimensional weight is greater then the actual. If the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight you will be charged for the former.
- What is a EUR1 form?
- An EUR1 form entitles originating UK or EU goods to lower import duties, usually zero in certain countries.
- Can you arrange all the documentation that will be required for our international shipment?
- All staff are trained in the documentary requirements for international trade, including Letters of Credit, and will be pleased to advise on any specific request.
- Can you liaise with our suppliers and improve the efficiency of our supply-chain?
- Capital Logistics has proven experience in co-coordinating shipments from multiple suppliers to meet the timeframe of our customer.
- How much do you charge?
- Capital Logistics aim to be the leader in local reliable cost effective logistic services. Please see how much value for money you could be getting by contacting us and request a quote from the team.
- How much Duty/Tax is payable?
- Through our global network we are able to inform customers on local duty and tax liabilities on almost any product in almost any part of the world.
- How much notice do you need to arrange collection?
- Capital Logistics takes a flexible approach to collections. Give us a call and we'll let you know what we can do and how we can accommodate your timeframes.
- Will you arrange pickup from our warehouse and delivery at the other end through to our customer?
- Capital Logistics provides a comprehensive door to door service including clearing goods through the Customs formalities for both export and import worldwide.