Doubts and Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you will find answers to the most common questions about our Bulk Cargo service. From the products you can transport to delivery times and cancellation policies, we have compiled the key information for you to make informed decisions. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

1. What type of products can I ship?

We specialize in solid and non-hazardous industrial raw materials, which are normally transported in big bags.

2. What is the minimum quantity I can order?

100 metric tons is the minimum quantity you can ship, however, the most competitive prices are found for shipments over 500 tons.

3. Does WIT handle the import to Mexico for me?

No, WIT is only responsible for the shipment from the Chinese port to the Mexican port. You must be registered in the “Importer Registry” to access this service. The service is ideal for companies currently importing in containers and looking to migrate to bulk cargo.

4. Does WIT handle the export from China or is it the Chinese supplier?

Your Chinese supplier is responsible for being the product exporter, and they will appear on the BL (Bill of Lading or Sea Way Bill) as “Exporter”. WIT is responsible for coordinating with the supplier in China the delivery of the products at the port; once they arrive at the port, WIT is responsible for loading onto the vessel, transport, and delivery at the destination port.

5. Can I consolidate products from different suppliers in a single shipment?

Yes, it is possible to consolidate products from different suppliers, provided they meet the volume and packaging specifications. Our team can coordinate the delivery of each supplier at the port of origin and manage the joint load.

6. What is the booking process?

1)Quote: Request an online quote to calculate routes, dates, costs, volume, and product.

2) Final quote: WIT will send a final quote confirming dates and availability. This document normally has a maximum validity of 48 hours.

3) Booking: By paying 10% of the total quote, the remaining 90% will be paid by the deadline for material delivery to the Chinese port.

4) Delivery coordination: WIT coordinates with the Chinese supplier for the material delivery to the port.

5) Departure: the material is shipped, and the import documents are uploaded to the WIT platform.

 

7. What are the delivery deadlines?
  • Booking date: 45 days before ETD
  • Delivery date to port in China: 15 days before ETD
  • Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) from Chinese port to destination
  • Transit time: varies from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the route port.
  • Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
  • If you require the Product Inspection service, the cargo must be ready a minimum of 30 days before ETD.
8. When are my import documents sent?

The maximum time for delivery is 15 calendar days after the date of departure from the Chinese port.

9. What is the transit time?

It can vary between 4-8 weeks

10. Can my shipment be delayed?

Yes, unfortunately, arrival dates can vary due to adverse weather conditions, port congestion, or force majeure. It is important to have a material arrival flexibility of 2 weeks after ETA.

11. What happens if my material is damaged?
  • The estimated damage percentage in bulk cargo is 3-4%, however, our damage rate is an average of 2-3%. This is an important topic that we recommend our clients add as a potential cost.
  • If the cargo is damaged and the damage is greater than 10%, it is necessary to submit a request to the insurer to claim damages. Load Inspection reports are essential to demonstrate to the insurer that the products were correctly loaded at the port of origin and that the damage occurred during sea reight or during unloading at the destination port.
12. Is cargo insurance included?

The service includes ‘port to port’ or ‘pier to pier’ sea freight insurance, which covers the cargo from the port yard of origin in China until its arrival at the port of destination. This insurance covers common risks in sea freight, such as loss or damage during the voyage, and provides an additional layer of security for each shipment. The specific coverages, such as protection against general average and damage in transit, are detailed in the individual insurance policy for each shipment. Our team ensures that you have all the corresponding documentation and international logistics terms, such as the BL (Bill of Lading), insurance certificates, and other essential documents for a secure and reliable operation.”

13. What are the cancellation policies?

Once the 10% down payment is made, it is non-refundable. However, if your shipment changes dates, it is possible to change it by notifying 30 calendar days before ETD.

14. Can the dates change?

Yes, it is possible to change them by notifying 30 calendar days before ETD.

15. How does document management work on the platform?

All import documents, from the BL to quality and insurance certificates, are centralized on our online platform. You can access them at any time, facilitating tracking and downloading for your internal records and customs processes.

16. What happens if the weather affects my material or unloading?

The weather is an important factor in sea freight. In case of adverse conditions, our team will notify you of any possible delay or adjustment in the departure or arrival schedule. Additionally, the transport insurance includes coverage for damage due to extreme weather conditions.

17. When is the payment made?

10% is paid upon booking, and 90% is paid when the material is delivered to the port. This date is a minimum of 15 days before the estimated departure from the Chinese port.

 

18. What is the price of the service?

To know the specific price, we need to know the product, volume, port of origin, destination, and dates. You can quote online, and in about 48 hours, you will receive a final quote with vessel availability, arrival port, departure, total price, and price per ton.

Prices vary throughout the year and fluctuate greatly, so each quote is personalized.

 

19. Can I transport products in 50kg bags?

Yes, we offer the option of transporting products in 50 kg bags inside big bags, which facilitates cargo handling and ensures its protection during sea freight.

 

20. What happens if my supplier has no export experience?

At WIT, we coordinate with the supplier to explain every necessary step, from packaging to delivery at the port. However, it is essential that the supplier is authorized to export in China.

 

21. Can additional quality inspections be performed?

Yes, our team in China can perform additional inspections to verify specific characteristics, such as particle size, density, and moisture content, ensuring that the material meets your specifications.

 

22. What happens if my cargo needs additional storage at the port?

We offer storage options at some ports. However, it is important to coordinate these needs in advance, as costs and availability may vary depending on the port and the season.

23. What should I do if I need to change the destination port in Mexico?

Changing the port is not possible once the cargo has been received at the port of origin.

24. How can I track my cargo in real-time?

You can access our online platform for departure (ETD) and estimated arrival (ETA) updates, as well as the status of the documentation.

25. What happens if the material does not meet the agreed specifications?

However, if you did not contract the service, the physical or chemical conditions are 100% the responsibility of the supplier of origin. The service includes supervision at the port, so you will have all the necessary arguments to file a claim with the supplier if necessary.

26. What type of documentation do I need to import into Mexico?

It is essential that you are registered in the importer registry and have the necessary import documents, such as the BL, insurance certificate, and commercial invoice, which will be available on our platform.

27. What happens if my cargo is detained at customs?

WIT delivers the material to the port, but the import is the responsibility of your Customs Agent in Mexico. We recommend working with an agent experienced in importing bulk materials.

28. Can I receive a notification of a change in delivery dates?

Yes, if changes in departure or arrival dates are anticipated due to external conditions, our team will send notifications through the online platform to keep you informed at all times.

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Explore routes and costs

We know that every shipment is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you need more information or have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us. The first step to start is to quote on our online system, where you can obtain a personalized quote and continue the process easily and quickly.