SEA IMPORTS (Full Container Load)
When handling sea freight imports, we require a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading in order to process customs clearance. Prior to proceeding with the clearances and payments for any and all shipments, a clearing instruction must be filled in and signed. In the instance that the cargo being imported requires a special license/permit, we will need those particulars as well. Once the customs clearance has been affected and the cargo dues submitted, we then have to pay the landside and terminal handling charges to the shipping line and organise transport to pick up the container and return it once it has been offloaded.
(Less than Container Load) –
The same process as the above applies, the only difference is that we make payment to the nominated agent directly and we must await for the depot to unpack the container prior to picking up the cargo.

SEA EXPORTS (Full Container Load)
For sea exports, we can do the booking on behalf of the client or the client can book directly with the shipping line. In the instance that we do the booking, we provide the client with quotations from a few shipping lines and they can ultimately decide which one they prefer. Once that is done, we book a date with the shipping line and proceed to submit customs clearance and cargo dues. Once the line has confirmed the stack dates, we organise a transporter to pick up the container and return it to the terminal once it has been loaded. Prior to vessel departure we submit the shipping instruction to the shipping line on the client’s behalf, with all the information that needs to be on the bill of lading. Depending on the country the cargo is going to, we might be required to process documents such as the certificate of origin (COO), EUR 1 and so forth. Also, depending on the type of cargo, we may have to provide further documents such as phytosanitary certificates, ITAC permits, etc.
Less than Container Load
Shipment is delivered to the nominated agent and they ensure the goods are cleared and declared appropriately. The same documentation is required in order to submit customs clearance.

AIRFREIGHT IMPORT
When expecting an airfreight shipment we need an airwaybill, commercial invoice and packing list in order to submit customs clearance. Once the cargo has arrived, we pay the handling charges and deliver the cargo to the specified address.

AIRFREIGHT EXPORT
For these shipments we send the client quotations from different airlines and once one as been approved, we book the earliest convenient flight and deliver the cargo to the airline depot. We then require the commercial invoice and packing list in order to submit customs clearance.

Disclaimer
Customs, Port Health and SAPS stops are done randomly on any and all shipments that enter or leave the republic. Should these incidents happen, we as Thembani Shipping will assist with handling the process as efficiently as possible. Please ensure that all documentation submitted to the agents are up to date and all cargo is declared on the documentation in order to avoid penalties or delays in the release of your shipments.