MX - FAQ

1) What is a container?

A container is a large metal box (20', 40' or 56' x 8' x 8') that is able to be transported, stacked, and stored. It has become the premier form of moving cargo.

2) Can I transport my vehicle overseas?

Yes, if it fits inside a container (container opening: 7'6" x 7'8") then it may be transported anywhere that the container, can go. If it does not fit inside a container then it can only be moved from Port to Port. The vehicle title, and in many cases, a copy of the owner's driver license is also necessary.

3) Can my cargo be picked up from my house?

Most Truckers will not go to residences because most residences are either not equipped to handle the loading or are not safely accessible for the truck.

4) What is a Lift Gate and do I need one?

A lift gate is used for loading cargo from the ground into the truck. Many warehouses are equipped with platforms that alleviate the use of a lift gate, but sometimes it is still needed. It must be requested.

5) How much does Customs cost and can I pay up front?

Usually Customs (Import, foreign) is paid at the time of transaction. That is, it is paid during the time your cargo is being cleared on the destination end. Customs vary from country to country and there is no way to predict how much it will cost.

6) Which is right for me, shipping by ocean or air?

Shipping by air is much more expensive than by ocean; however, it is much faster. If you have a small amount of cargo, it might be feasible for you to ship by air instead of ocean. On the other hand, if you have a larger amount (such as a container-sized load) or there is no urgency for your shipment to arrive, ocean might be what you are looking for.

7) For my shipment: what responsibilities are yours, what responsibilities are mine, and what responsibilities are the consignees?

The Shipper (you) is responsible:

to inventory your cargo's contents, weight, and dimensions. An exact piece count is required.
to properly prepare your cargo for overseas shipping
to send us detailed Shipping Instructions including origin and destination addresses, phone numbers, emails, etc. The form is available on our web site.
to ensure that all consignee requirements have been taken care of including the tax/duty exemption for the cargo
to be the central organizer and administrator who ensures your shipment's success from beginning to end
to pay your invoice(s) in the time agreed upon

Missionary Expediters will work on your behalf on whatever terms we mutually agree upon. Routinely however, the freight forwarder is responsible:

to get you competitive rates from the various service providers
to make bookings with the preferred ship lines and drayage companies here in the USA
to find services for foreign on-carriage overseas and to book them accordingly
to file your shipment with US Customs for export and to oversee any necessary fumigations, inspections, etc.
to create documentation to your specifications after bookings are made and to send those documents to the consignee
to pay invoices from the various service providers up to the point of discharge, and to bill the shipper

***Once the documents are in the hands of the consignees, the shipment becomes their responsibility. All information necessary to track the cargo, the agent information, and the importation information is contained in those documents.

The Consignee (or their clearing/forwarding agent) is responsible:

to know all local customs clearance requirements and to prepare accordingly
to track the cargo until it reaches the port of discharge and to other transit points until it reaches their customs clearance depot. Chase after the shipment, do not wait the shipment to chase after you.
to send any documentation necessary to the port of discharge and sometimes to other transit points
to pay all DESTINATION CHARGES and/or DELAY CHARGES to the ship line, the port authority, Customs, and their agents
to perform customs clearance even before it arrives or within the free time at the port. Any delays may result in high penalty fees from the carrier and the local port authorities.
to take the cargo to the final destination(s), i.e. their warehouse(s)

***Any changes to the above mentioned responsibilities must be agreed upon beforehand by all parties. Any changes in who DOES something or who PAYS for something must be specifically spelled out before the shipment is booked.

8) How do I ship a vehicle?

When shipping automobiles, all 40’ and 45’ containers must be loaded with no more than two (2) units. All 20’ containers may only be loaded with one (1) automobile. Quantity restrictions do not apply to vehicles such as ATVs, watercrafts, motorcycles, and other smaller vehicles as long as they are properly blocked and braced.
Motor vehicles with wheels must be securely blocked and braced.
Automobiles and larger vehicles must have all four (4) wheels on the floor.
The original title or bill of sale must be in the name of the Shipper or the Consignee, free of liens. We must clear the title with US customs before exporting the vehicle.
The shipper must have an accredited survey*** performed AT TIME OF LOADING THE CONTAINER and presented to Missionary Expediters prior to us delivering it TO THE PORT. They survey must include at least two (2) digital photographs showing the inside of the loaded container and each disengaged battery. The accredited survey must state the following:

Loading: The cargo is loaded in the container, and is blocked and braced in a seaworthy manner.
Batteries: All batteries are disconnected with the cables safely secured and insulated to prevent short circuit or spark.
Fuel: The survey must state whether fuel is drained from the vehicle(s). If fuel is drained and the engine is run to a stall, the booking will be amended to non-hazardous.

All costs associated with cargo deviating from the above policy will be the responsibility of the freight-paying party.
For the purposes of this policy, motor vehicles are self-propelled, and include, but are not exclusive to, the following: automobiles,

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