Here are some tools, procedures and helpful hints to minimize Customs-related issues that might cause further delays to your Japan shipments.

The pandemic has created additional port congestion globally, especially in transpacific markets. Japan is currently facing a lack of equipment and trucking at all ports, a lack of vessel space due to export delays and increased lead times for bookings. Now more than ever, choosing the right logistics partner is crucial for the successful navigation of Japanese Customs.

Before choosing a logistics provider and shipper for your Japan cargo, make sure they have real assets on the ground combined with local knowledge and expertise relating to:

• Customs requirements, import procedures and formalities
• Prohibited and restricted import commodities to Japan
• Complete and flexible knowledge of all Japan ports
• Proper and appropriate use of the Japanese language and social customs (critical, and more important than ever)
• Required shipping documents

Navigating Japan Customs Requirements, Import & Export Procedures and Formalities

It’s important when doing business in Japan to understand the import requirements and documentation:

• The commercial invoice should be as descriptive as possible for each line item.
• The packing list should always include the exact contents and measurement of each pallet/container including the gross and net weight of each item. It must be specific and free of spelling errors.
• When completing Customs documents, list each commodity separately, providing detailed description of each line item, including what it’s made of and how it will be used.
• Keep multiple piece shipments together, label them individually and the package too.
• Use heat-treated pallets and wood packaging materials in compliance with ISPM 15.
• Legibly print the commodity’s country of origin/manufacturer to indicate where your cargo was manufactured, grown or produced.
• Always include contact information of the shipper and the consignee (contact person, phone number and email addresses) on your shipping documents.
• Declare the accurate value for your item, even if it’s being provided to the recipient at no charge (for example, sample or not for resale).
• Make sure information is consistent across all required Customs documents.

When exporting to Japan, documentation and procedures are also critical, including:

• Shipping and import formalities start with the logging of an import declaration and end with the issuance of an import permit after the necessary examination and payment of Customs duty and excise tax.
• Any person wishing to import goods must declare them to the Director General of Customs and obtain an import permit after the necessary examination of the goods.
• Correct packing, proper marking and labeling are critical to smooth Customs clearance in Japan, as noted above.

Required Shipping Documents to Clear Customs in Japan

Minimum required shipping documents include a commercial invoice, packing list and an original, signed bill of lading or air waybill (if shipped by air).

Additional documents may be required depending on commodities shipped.

Each line item on the commercial invoice should be as descriptive as possible, and the packing list should include the detailed contents and measurements of each container, including the gross and net weights of each package or pallet. Importantly, Japanese Measurement Law requires that all weights and measures on a packing list be Metric System values.

Understandably, this process is complex and will require an experienced commercial freight shipper such as DGX-Dependable Global Express, to help save time, money and stress. Don’t hesitate to request a free consultation with us. We have knowledgeable, local assets on the ground and throughout Japan to move freight successfully in and out of Japan. For more information, visit here. Read on for more valuable information for shipping to or from Japan.

Prohibited and Restricted Import Commodities in Japan

Japan’s prohibited imports include:

• Narcotics and related utensils or drug paraphernalia
• Firearms and firearm parts including ammunition
• Explosives and gunpowder
• Precursor materials for chemical weapons, germs that are likely to be used for bio-terrorism
• Counterfeit goods or imitation coins or currency
• Obscene materials or goods that violate intellectual property rights
• Other restricted items included but are not limited to certain agricultural and meat products, endangered species and products such as ivory, animal parts and fur where trade is banned by international treaty

Japanese government agencies also impose tight restrictions on certain commodities including:

• Aerosols
• Animal feed
• Auto parts
• Batteries
• Chemicals
• Cosmetics
• Food additives
• Fruit, nut and vegetable preparations
• Fur
• Meat and fish products
• Medical devices
• Personal effects and more
• Pet products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Toiletries
• Toys

General Shipping Advice to Japan

There are five major base ports in Japan: TOKYO, YOKOHAMA, NAGOYA, KOBE and OSAKA. These five ports account for the bulk of Japan’s overall international container traffic by ocean.

Average transit time from USA to Japan by ocean:

From US West Coast (direct service)
14-20 days

From US East Coast (all water service)
30-40 days

How to select your Destination Port

Always consult first with your buyer (importer and their Customs broker) as some imported products, such as apparel, furniture or general merchandise, can be brought into Japan after undergoing the Customs inspection at the nearest port of entry.

Note that Japan imposes restrictions on the sales or use of certain products including health-related goods such as medical products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and chemicals.

If food-related items are being imported, the importer must submit a “Notification Form for Importation of Food” to the Quarantine Station. You will then be asked to ship to the designated port with a Quarantine Station where on-site inspection will be performed to verify the food poses no threat to human health.

• Japanese Customs reviews and evaluates these types of products for import suitability before shipping to Japan. Licenses from the relevant regulatory agencies may also be required.
• The use of certain chemicals, food additives and cosmetics is severely regulated. Make sure to do your research before shipping.

Proper and Appropriate Use of the Japanese Language is Critical to Success.

Communicating properly in Japanese is essential to connecting with local business partners and their target consumers in both person-to-person communications as well as promotional materials. If, for instance, you want to move the import process along quickly and successfully, you must make sure product labeling and requirements are written in proper Japanese language and abide by government regulations.

Being respectful of the Japanese culture is a fundamental requirement for companies wanting to build a trusting relationship with their Japanese partners. The Japanese society is complex in nature—including unwavering respect for age, both hierarchical and group-oriented. In addition to delivering high quality products and services expediently, be prepared to invest the time necessary to build long-term relationships with your Japanese partners.

DGX also believes in long-term relationships, with a consultative and transparent approach to international shipping. We can guide you through each step of your next Japan shipment, navigating current congestion-related issues, minimizing unnecessary customs delays and avoiding unneeded headaches.

As part of the personalized attention provided to every customer, DGX assigns a dedicated sales agent at the front end of your shipment planning.

To learn more about shipping to Japan, read our previous blog post, “Need export shipping advice to Japan?”

For a free consultation and rate request, call us at (888) 488-4888, Ext. 2011 or email us, and/or visit our DGX Japan destination page.

In the commercial shipping industry we’re often at the mercy of nature and humankind as a course of business. Starting well over a year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic is by far causing more unprecedented disruptions to the infrastructure of global transportation and logistics than experienced in contemporary times.

The continuing spread of the virus and the mitigation strategies to prevent further spread have caused extraordinary delays in the global transportation supply chain including:

• Heavy port congestion
• Person power shortages
• Trucking shortages
• Warehouse delays
• Labor disruptions
• Cargo surges from big ships
• Infrastructure needs
• Marine terminal productivity
• Increased volumes
• Equipment shortages

As an international asset-based provider, DGX-Dependable Global Express has access to more and accurate reporting from our global hubs than might be reported elsewhere. Some of our overseas directors report the following information which we encourage you to report out further across your company and within your network:

Shipping to and from China:

• Lack of space due to major surge of import volumes into the US
• Increased lead times for bookings
• Port congestion
• Vessel and ship delays
• Major increases in freight rates

Shipping to and from Japan:

• Serious lack of equipment at all ports
• Lack of space due to export vessel delays
• Increased lead times for bookings
• Lack of available trucking
• Substantial increases in freight rates

Shipping to and from Singapore:

• Equipment shortages
• Lack of space in warehouses in Singapore
• Port congestion
• Increased lead times for bookings

Shipping to and from Australia:

• Port congestion and related capacity constraints
• Overflow of empty containers
• Increased lead times for bookings
• Substantial increases in freight rates
• Vessel schedule changes

Shipping to and from New Zealand:

• Port congestion
• Vessels being pulled from rotation by major carriers
• Major increases in freight rates
• Increased lead times for bookings

These shipping and logistic issues—along with rail and ramp delays—mirror the current transportation situation in the US.

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve had to work extra closely with our US and international customers to help navigate the unforeseen short and long-term challenges. With our years of experience and extensive network in the shipping industry, we’re slowly but surely helping them to be successful.

Our approach:

• We strategize with our customers on a case-by-case, shipment-to-shipment basis for shipping and logistics.
  
  
• We take a flexible approach to sea freight, switching origin and destination ports when more optimal, and creating new inland routing scenarios or alternatives.
  
  
• We’ve pivoted FCL (Full Container Load) shipments to LCL (Less-than Container Load) in certain cases, and rebooking later FCLs.
  
  
• We closely monitor booking lead times for all ports and make adjustments as needed.
  
  
• For time sensitive freight, we implement airfreight options.
  
  
• We have a “hands-on” approach to managing the door delivery of your goods.
  
  
• We stay on top of trucking shortages or delays and make fast changes as needed.
  
  
• We encourage our customers to purchase very cost-effective insurance for all shipments and can even provide insurance quotes and details upon request. Securing marine cargo insurance has become even more critical in light of the recent surge in cargo vessels in peril.

DGX will guide you through these temporary challenges as we look toward to the future in 2021 and 2022. As part of the personalized attention that we provide to every customer, DGX assigns you a dedicated sales agent at the front end of your shipment planning.For more information, call us at (888) 488-4888 ext. 2011 or email us to get started today.

Resource for port related information can be found here.

Before considering ocean and air shipping internationally, it's crucial to understand Incoterms, the internationally recognized set of rules that define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers at each transportation touchpoint along the way.

With the worst global pandemic in 100 years, many challenges face shipping and logistics to and from the Philippines.

There have always been regional logistics challenges, isolated and unique to those regions. However, for the past 11 months, the pandemic has created a global set of challenges that almost every major port in the world is experiencing. The Philippines is no exception. Current challenges include:

• Very high rates
• Congestion
• Longer transit times
• Blank sailings
• Aircraft taken offline
• Lack of equipment

Regarding Imports to the Philippines, since the quarantine period began, there have been delays such as:

• The unpredictable arrival of vessels
• Customs
• Delayed issuance of the invoices and/or delivery orders
• Internet connection problems/issues
• Limited labor force

The customs clearance process which took no more than two days before the pandemic is now averaging four to five days. This time frame is affected by the limited workforce. Some positive news, there have been recent improvements by the Philippines BOC (Bureau of Customs) including the hiring of more customs officials and the new e-customs clearance system. However, the clearance process still requires additional improvements and refinements to speed and automate the process.

Other shipping issues in the Philippines include issues with operations:

• Irregular or no flight schedules do to closed offline global airports
• Some airlines currently are not flying out of Cebu or Manila
• Some airlines are not offering express rates
• Space availability
• Equipment shortages with ocean shipping lines
• Some ocean carriers are not accepting bookings or they cancel bookings due to "non acceptance" at origin/destination for lack of space and/or trans-ship hub congestion
• Some air carriers, ocean carriers and consolidators may not communicate any delay notices departures or delays in transit
• Carriers may change originally scheduled vessels in trans-ship ports, resulting in longer transit times
• Delayed connecting flights
• Perishable goods may not be prioritized and spoilage is a problem
• Advance export/import clearance processing is no longer allowed in the Philippines, due to the recent misdeclaration of an endangered species shipment that was exported from PH and was found to have no proper documents in Singapore

Port Problem and Factors

• Many ports are also experiencing delays due to inefficiencies, including shortages of the proper crane and other equipment or inadequate port space
• Shortage of port and airport personnel due to Covid-19 pandemic
• Lack of communications with airlines and shipping lines. For shippers and forwarders this challenge is very time-consuming and slows up processing. Most cp numbers are not working or out of reach. Customer service is poor since many are working at home without the level of supervision we have seen in “normal” times

We see in the future that shipping will be experiencing delays and failures globally and in the Philippines. These delays and lack of communication affect us all.

We find that freight forwarding companies are in a critical stage today as they need to be competitive, adaptive, and much more. We are all now adjusting to the “new” normal.

We predict that for both Air and Ocean shipping, rates and expenses will continue to be high. We have found peak season and arbitrary surcharges being charged by most of the ocean carriers. Some of these increases seem to be generating profits, possibly making up for some of the huge losses the carriers absorbed when the market had overcapacity and extremely low rates.

Currently, the ability to purchase container space on a vessel becomes a herculean task. Securing space on “next vessel” sailing, even after you get a rate quote, is maybe a 50/50 chance at best. The likelihood is that bookings for container space will be pushed out three or four weeks. 

Additionally, rate guarantees are shorter. Instead of 30 days during pre-COVID-19, now it’s just two weeks. At times, surcharges are being charged and those can be changed again at time of booking.

To manage your way through many types of obstacles, please contact our DGX Philippine office for a free consultation: email us here or call us today at +63 2 7738 3359.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a pest that potentially can have a severe impact on the Australian agricultural industry if not stopped from entering the country.

The bug feeds on many different plants and can severely damage fruits, vegetables and crops. Currently the BMSB has expanded rapidly throughout Europe and North America and is causing serious damage to regional agriculture businesses.

Due to the danger of this pest for our Australian farmers, the Australian government has implemented measures to stop the beetle from arriving on its shores. 

During the BMSB season which usually runs from September to May, it is mandatory to treat certain commodities (target high-risk goods) that are manufactured in or originating from countries that are known to have the bug (target risk countries).

The following countries below have been categorized as target risk:

Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Canada Croatia Czechia France Japan (heightened vessel surveillance will be the only measure applied).

Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Italy Kazakhstan Kosovo Liechtenstein Luxembourg Montenegro Moldova Netherlands

Portugal Republic of North Macedonia Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United States of America

Goods that are classed as target risk goods are not required to be treated but are subject to onshore intervention through random inspections upon arrival in Australia. Only target high-risk commodities are mandated to be fumigated by the Australian Department of Agriculture.

There are three acceptable BMSB treatments which are:

• Heat
• Methyl Bromide
• Sulfuryl Fluoride

The treatment needs to be performed by an approved treatment provider offshore or onshore. There are currently 210 approved offshore treatment providers across many countries.

The offshore treatment for break bulk cargo is mandatory and untreated break bulk cargo identified on arrival will be denied discharge and will be directed for export upon arrival.

Please note that containerized cargo FCL (full container load) and FCX full container with multiple house bills of lading) can be treated offshore or onshore.

LCL (less than container load) and FAK (freight all kinds) containers with target high risk goods are currently managed at the container level.

More details on the upcoming BMSB season can be found here.

DGX-Dependable Global Express highly recommends that if your goods fall under the target high-risk group and come from a target risk country you get your goods fumigated at origin to avoid delays and extra costs upon arrival. As in previous seasons, DGX’s USA to Australia FAKs will be treated by an approved treatment provider at origin. 

Should you need advice or consultation regarding the BMSB measures, call on the professionals at DGX. Email us, reach out to your local office or call toll free in the USA at 1-888-488-4888 and we can help you.

DGX specializes in international ocean and air freight and offers a unique package of end-to-end shipping services.

Due to the current pandemic and the closure of international borders, the majority of airlines have grounded their fleets. This has left the Australian airfreight market with an extremely limited number of flights, reducing the space available for cargo; and with exuberantly high freight rates.

Some air cargo is being converted to sea freight to avoid the high airfreight costs. However for urgent orders, the transit time is often not timely or feasible.

But not to lose hope, we've found an alternative for you to consider: International Courier Service. It's a great alternative we offer our DGX customers who need to move time sensitive orders to Australia. The costs compared to airfreight are competitive, goods face fewer delays than the remaining airfreight services, and they have a shorter transit time than sea freight.

International Courier Service won't work for all shippers due to the strict limits on package sizes and weights. But for smaller orders that are time critical, this method of international delivery is working quite well in the current environment.

DGX-Dependable Global Express is a full service international freight forwarder offering a comprehensive range of shipping services, including International Courier Service. If you need assistance, please reach out to your local office, email us, or call toll free at 1-800-488-4888, and we can help.

The port of Sydney, Australia is currently experiencing severe congestion. The congestion has been caused by multiple factors including industrial actions and bad weather. As a result, the congestion has caused significant vessel delays, Sydney port omissions and change of vessel rotations.

Due to an increase in costs, ocean carriers have introduced a Sydney Port Congestion surcharge of USD 280-350 per TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent) for any cargo to or from Sydney. 

Unfortunately, this surcharge also means that LCL (Less Than Container) rates will increase by USD 13 w/m for cargo to or from Sydney.

The ongoing issues have prompted shipping line Maersk to temporarily cease accepting any bookings to Sydney until at least Thursday, October 1, 2020.

With this port congestion, Sydney is also currently facing a problem with their empty container depots which have reached their capacities. Some have closed their doors for dehiring or returning empty containers.  

It’s estimated there is currently an imbalance of approximately 30,000 TEU in Sydney. Under normal circumstances these containers would have been re-used or repositioned to Asia. But with a variety of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping lines have not been able to move out enough empties to alleviate the congestion. 

Many importers are currently facing extra detention charges as their transport companies are unable to dehire containers in a timely manner. It’s anticipated shipping lines will dedicate some export vessels to reposition empty containers throughout October and/or November to hopefully solve this problem. 

Should you need advice or consultation regarding any of these measures, the experienced shipping and logistics professionals at DGX stand ready to help. We offer a unique package of shipping services. Please email us, reach out to your local office or call toll free in the USA 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you. 

We specialize in international ocean and air freight shipping since 1999.

For shipping, the Covid-19 virus has changed the ways of doing business. It’s more complicated. There are many restrictions. And although some restrictions are being lifted slowly, almost everyone is faced with the problem of how to get orders from suppliers to consumers in a timely manner.

Globally, airlines are in a difficult position with many international borders still closed for passengers. Much of the air freight cargo travels traditionally on commercial passenger flights and they carry products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables, retail inventories, pharmaceuticals, clothing, spare parts, machinery and much more.

While commercial passenger flights still remain grounded, many airlines today are providing “cargo only” flights or “freighter aircraft” services. These flights carry freight only and are able to move across international borders and provide a solution for time-critical supply chains. The shift made by airlines from traditional passenger flights to providing cargo-only flights has been a welcomed change, helping to increase air cargo capacity and move time-sensitive goods.

Cargo-only flights differ from regular passenger flights in several ways and have a big impact on the costs of using dedicated cargo planes:

• Cargo only flights operate on a limited schedule as compared to passenger flights, operating perhaps only 2-4 times per week.
• The cost to use this service is higher since it is a specialized aircraft and there are no passengers to cover the fuel/operating costs.

At DGX, we research the chapest and most reliable options for shipping overseas based on needs and priorities. If you are experiencing problems or delays with your domestic transport, please reach out to our experienced customer service team.Contact us at your local office, email us or call toll free 1-800-488-4888 (US only) and we can help you.

Here are specific shipping and logistics export tips for entering the Japanese market from an experienced shipping company.

Air shipping is rapidly becoming a more popular method of shipping goods as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In life or death situations such as those for vital emergency operations domestically and abroad, the expediency of shipping by air freight can make all the difference in meeting urgent deadlines. When fast, safe, and dependable delivery of vital supplies is a must, then air shipping provides the speed of movement in hours vs days or weeks, to any operation globally.

The impact of COVID-19 is great. The pandemic has turned freight forwarders like DGX into first responders, responsible for getting essential supplies and products into the hands of the front-line responders worldwide.

Shipping costs have risen exponentially due to factors beyond the freight carrier’s control. A vast majority of global air cargo is flown on passenger aircraft. As flights have been cancelled, capacity has diminished, creating an environment where some passenger airlines are contracting charters to fly cargo only. Turning a passenger aircraft into a full cargo operator comes at a higher cost as there are no passengers to offset the operating costs of the flight.

Unwittingly, the sense of urgency has multiplied the complexities of the supply chain all across the world. We urge you to consider using an experienced domestic and international freight forwarder to simplify and untangle the myriad of logistical challenges that we are experiencing like no other time in history.

Since 2003, DGX-Dependable Global Express has been helping customers navigate the complexities of the air shipping and delivery process. With extensive experience in global air freight shipping, we keep our customers thoroughly informed and updated every step of the way, offering a unique package of comprehensive shipping services: air freight, ocean freight, logistics, warehousing & distribution, trucking and more.

If you need assistance, please reach out to your local office or call us toll free 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you.

Be sure to look for a company that offers all aspects of the supply chain: storage, warehousing, shipping, logistics and distribution.

No matter where your business is based—globally, in the U.S., on Guam or one of the Hawaiian Islands—DGX-Dependable Global Express is here to offer multi-island storage, warehousing and distribution. Our state-of-the-art warehousing facilities help reduce expensive back-of-the-store storage, increase your retail store sales footage and restock shelves faster by storing “hot” inventory items in our safe and secure warehouses.

Our deeply experienced staff at asset-based locations on Guam, Oahu, Maui and Kona on the Big Island are here to customize a program to service your needs. Call toll free 800.488.4888, Ext. 1740 or email us for more information as well as for international and domestic ocean freight forwarding and airfreight services.

We offer:

• Pallet positions for warehousing available at all locations
• “Pick and Pull" service
• Same day and last mile shipping and delivery services
• Inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment
• State-of-the-art warehouse management software connecting Guam, Honolulu, Maui, Kona
• Kauai and Hilo service from Oahu weekly
• Inter-island ocean and air transfers
• Asset-based terminals, trucks and drivers
• Commercial, retail, hospitality deliveries
• Dedicated sales staff

Whatever your requirements are for your shipping and warehousing needs, our team of dedicated professionals at DGX is available to coordinate with you. We will work to make the processes easier for you.

To find out more about DGX and Dependable Supply Chain Services, please contact us today at 800.488.4888. We can certainly help you in navigating your needs to get the best value and services for your goods.

The law of “General Average" is a shipping term that matters when dealing with cargo insurance, bills of lading, and the legal issues of international freight shipping.

• The law of general average is a principle of maritime law whereby all stakeholders in a sea venture proportionally share any losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole in an emergency.
  ~Wikipedia

It’s the shipping principle of maritime law. General Average occurs when a voluntary sacrifice is made to safeguard the vessel, cargo or crew from a common peril, for example, a fire. If the sacrifice is at issue, all parties shipping on the vessel contribute to the loss based on their cargo’s value whether their shipment was damaged or not. Appointed adjusters will assess the value of each shipment on board and apply a formula that determines the financial contribution of each cargo owner.

If you’re a cargo owner with shipments onboard a declared “general average” vessel, the likelihood of having your cargo released timely is dependent on how soon you can post a security. The security must be in the form of a cash deposit, bank guarantee or bond. If the cargo owner has cargo insurance, the “average guarantee” is posted by the insurance company. Having cargo insurance is beneficial to cargo owners as it not only provides coverage for damaged goods but it facilitates the release of their cargo.

The General Average and Salvage Adjusters will appoint collecting agents to prepare and collect securities from each of the parties concerned in the cargo on board. Cargo will only be released upon receipt of the required security.

 The following forms will be required:

• A copy of the cargo commercial invoice
• An Average Bond form to be completed and signed by the owners of the cargo. 
• An Average Guarantee form to be completed, signed or stamped by the insurance company (when insured). 

The Average Bond and the Average Guarantee form should be sent to the cargo insurer along with the bill of lading and commercial invoice for any insured shipment.

If you are the NVOCC or international freight forwarder (freight shipping company) like DGX-Dependable Global Express, you should pass along any General Average paperwork to the cargo owners and advise them to contact their cargo insurers to arrange the guarantee. Unfortunately, for uninsured shipments, a cash deposit will be required in place of an insurers’ Average Guarantee. Adjusters will advise the amount of the cash deposit required.

If you need international container shipping, please contact your local DGX representative with questions or if you need additional information. Our global express shipping team will be glad to further explain the benefits of securing international cargo shipping insurance.

At DGX we offer a unique package of shipping services. If you need assistance, please reach out to your local office or call toll free 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you. We specialize in international ocean/sea and air freight shipping.

What most people don’t know is New Zealand's trade is predominantly imports and their exports are world famous consisting mostly of dairy products, meat, produce and wine. Here's what you need to know when shipping to New Zealand:

By ocean: there are five main seaports for shipping freight into New Zealand:

• Auckland
• Tauranga
• Centrepoint (Wellington)
• Lyttelton (Christchurch)
• Otago (Dunedin)

By air: Auckland airport handles 90% of airfreight into NZ with Christchurch handling a small amount per year. DGX-Dependable Global Express has offices in both locations.

Environmental Regulations: Although the New Zealand people are some of the most laid back and down to earth people in the world, there is one thing they take very seriously--their environment. New Zealand has strict controls on what is imported into their country to protect their flora, fauna, and human health.

Every shipment entering the country must be given clearance by a government body called the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) as well as their customs department.

MPI has extensive controls in place to protect NZ from biosecurity risk. There are strict controls on a wide range of biological products and commodities including:

• Plants and plant products, including wood and timber
• Animal products and animals
• Biological products and organisms
• Food
• Vessel and aircraft, containers and cargo
• Children’s products

With decades of experience, the dedicated team at DGX is ready to assist with all the right documentation and guidance for special projects, break bulk, container shipping and/or airfreight to New Zealand. We also handle specialized products from hazardous goods to organic foods. We are committed to offering the most reliable, timely and cost-effective solutions.

New Zealand is also a gateway to all the Pacific Island--territory which DGX provides hassle-free Less than Container Load (LCL) service to, including all the major islands from the US.

Our team specializes in US trade and we also offer imports and exports worldwide. With a unique package of shipping services, please reach out to your local office, email us, or call toll free at 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you.

DGX-Dependable Global Express. The Supply Chain Partner You Can Depend On.

If you want to start shipping commercially to the Philippines, here are the primary steps to help guide you:

1. Find the right shipping partner
2. Package your goods
3. Choose the right level of service
4. Provide shipping details to your shipping partner (i.e. pieces, weight, dimensions, and any special requests or needs)
5. Print the shipping labels and documents and attaching them to your package
6. Pass the shipments to the carriers/forwarder

New to the Philippines? A bit of background

• Comprising more than 7,157 islands, the Philippines is home to 107 million people, and the population is expected to grow by two million every year.
• International ports include:
• Manila (north/south)
• Cebu
• Davao
• Cagayan de Oro
• General Santos
• International Airports
• Manila
• Cebu

Important Philippines shipping guidelines
The Philippines have unique standard operating procedures and policies, and definitely different implementation of their import rules versus other countries. There are always worldwide logistics standards that apply but there are unique ones for the Philippines.

Consider the following when shipping from the USA to the Philippines:

• The Customs Administrative Order (CAO) is a fee levied by the Philippines Bureau of Customs and applies to all imports entered for consumption through a Formal Entry Process.
• Their back-door customs charge is a fee charged by Philippines Bureau of Customs for an entry that is time critical and put in the front of the queue.
• The Philippines Bureau of Customs runs under a red/yellow/green light system.
• Green means approved and getting released immediately.
• Yellow means it is flagged for a document review.
• Red means it’s a 100% intensive exam, for documents and cargo.

When cargo is destined for the Philippines from the USA, one of your resources is DGX Philippines. We offer a fully integrated shipping and logistics solution such as Full Container Loads (FCL), Less Than Container Loads (LCL) for ocean freight, and air freight. We also offer trucking, customs brokerage, warehousing, distribution, and 3PL services.

If you a one-stop, experienced shipper to help get you to the Philippines, please reach out to your local office or call toll free 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you.


For DGX in Cebu:
63.32.3830158
info.philippines@dgxglobal.com

For DGX in Manila:
632.7738.3359
info.philippines@dgxglobal.com

Australia’s import restrictions and biosecurity requirements are some of the strictest in the world. Thus, it’s important to have a reliable and competent freight forwarder to guide and support you in shipping to Australia. Here are the important shipping factors you need to know.

Import requirements
Commodities such as food products, pharmaceuticals, animal products, firearms, vehicles and other have to meet certain import requirements and might even require an import permit. To see if your goods have to meet special requirements you can verify the requirements in the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).

Biosecurity Risks
The goal of biosecurity inspections is to reduce the risk of imported pests and diseases into Australia.

One of the most important biosecurity risks is due to the rapid expansion of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) in Europe and North America in recent years. Because of this, the Australian authorities have imposed mandatory fumigation during the BMSB risk season (September 1 through May 31 inclusive) for certain commodities and depending on the origin of the goods. Read more about BMSB fumigation here. During the stink bug season, it’s important to work closely with an experienced, knowledgeable freight forwarder to avoid delays and extra costs upon arrival of your goods into Australia.

Additionally, some commodities—like goods that are destined for rural areas or personal effects shipments—have a higher risk of being chosen for biosecurity inspections upon arrival into Australia.

Import Documents
To ensure that the import process goes smoothly it’s important that the import paperwork is complete and correctly filled out.

• All import shipments require a commercial invoice with values for all items listed. Zero values are not accepted by customs. An example would be promotional materials.
• All Less-than-Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipments require the shipper to fill out a packing declaration on company letterhead including address and phone number, and needs to be signed and dated.
• An Australia Packing Declaration form can be downloaded from DGX - Dependable Global Express.
• Additional paperwork such as manufacturer’s declarations, asbestos declarations, ingredients lists, etc., might also be required. 
• The USA and Australia have a free trade agreement, the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), in place which enables consignees to claim a preferential duty rate if the goods meet the AUSFTA Rules of Origin. In order to claim a preferential duty rate, a supplier has to issue an AUSFTA certificate on company letterhead including address and phone number, and needs to be signed and dated. More information on AUSFTA can be found here.

Transit Times to Australia Ports

• Transit time from the West Coast of the USA to Australia is around 20-40 days.
• Currently there is only one direct weekly service from the West Coast to Australia with Sydney and Melbourne being direct port of calls and a fortnightly call of Adelaide.
• Currently there is no direct service into Brisbane and Fremantle from the West Coast.
• The transit time from the East Coast to Australia is around 29-45 days.
• There are currently multiple services from the East Coast to Australia with direct calls to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Check here for DGX’s sailing schedule to Australia ports.

Packing Material
Packaging material for import shipments must not contain prohibited materials such as:

• Straw
• Peat
• Hay
• Chaff
• Used fruit and vegetable cartons

Additionally, all wooden packaging must be heat treated or fumigated before being imported to Australia.

Australia is the country of kangaroos, koalas, beautiful beaches and laid-back people. But being an import nation, Australia is also very protective of their environment and their local industries.

Before shipping any goods to Australia, consult with your trusted freight forwarder, such as DGX, to ensure you understand all import requirements and know what kind paperwork is required. Give us a call toll free at 1-800-488-4888 and we can help you safely and efficiently ship to Australia.

There are five major base ports in Japan: TOKYO, YOKOHAMA, NAGOYA, KOBE and OSAKA. These five ports account for the bulk of Japan’s overall international container traffic by ocean.

Average transit time from USA to Japan by ocean:

From US West Coast (direct service)
14-20 days
From US East Coast (all water service)
30-40 days

How to select your destination port?
Always consult first with your buyer (importer and their customs broker) as some imported products, such as apparel, furniture or general merchandise, can be brought into Japan after undergoing the customs inspection at the nearest port of entry.

Note that Japan imposes restrictions on the sales or use of certain products including health-related goods such as medical products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and chemicals.


If food-related items are being imported, the importer must submit a “Notification Form for Importation of Food” to the Quarantine Station. You will then be asked to ship to the designated port with a Quarantine Station where on-site inspection to verify the food poses no threat to human health can be performed.

Japanese Customs reviews and evaluates these types of products for import suitability before shipping to Japan. Licenses from the relevant regulatory agencies may also be required.

The use of certain chemicals, food additives and cosmetics is severely regulated. Make sure to do your research before shipping.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Customs Delays
Always work with a trusted freight forwarder or customs specialist to ensure your shipping is done properly.

Japan’s prohibited imports include:

• Narcotics and related utensils
• Firearms and firearm parts including ammunition
• Explosives and gunpowder
• Precursor materials for chemical weapons, germs which are likely to be used for bio-terrorism
• Counterfeit goods or imitation coins or currency
• Obscene materials or goods that violate intellectual property rights
• Other restricted items include but are not limited to certain agricultural and meat products, endangered species and products such as ivory, animal parts and fur where trade is banned by international treaty

Japanese government agencies also impose tight restrictions on certain commodities including:

• Aerosols
• Chemicals
• Food additives
• Meat and fish products
• Fruit, nut and vegetable preparations
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical devices
• Cosmetics
• Toiletries
• Toys
• Pet products
• Animal feed
• Fur
• Auto parts
• Batteries
• Personal effects and more

Again, be sure to consult with commercial freight handlers, such as DGX,  to go over the required documents BEFORE making your shipping arrangement.

Understanding Japanese import requirements and documentation
Importantly, it’s important when doing business and commerce in Japan to understand import requirements and documentation such as:

• The commercial invoice should be as descriptive as possible for each line item. The packing list should always include the exact contents and measurement of each pallet/container including the gross and net weight of each item. Be specific and free of spelling errors.
• When completing customs documents, list each commodity separately, provide detailed description of each line item, including what it’s made of and how it will be used.
• Keep multiple piece shipments together, label individually and package well.
• Use heat treated pallets and wood packaging materials in compliance with ISPM 15.
• Legibly print the commodity’s country of origin/manufacturer to indicate where your cargo was manufactured, grown or produced.
• Always include contact information of the shipper and the consignee (contact person, phone number and email addresses) on your shipping documents.
• Declare the accurate value for your item, even if it’s being provided to the recipient at no charge (for example, sample or not for resale).
• Make sure information is consistent across all required customs documents.

When planning to import goods into Japan, the professionals at DGX -Dependable Global Express are ready to help. We have the experience, knowledge and reliability to ship your goods to Japan as smoothly and as safely as can be done.

We offer a wide variety of shipping services including cargo shipment by air, by ocean, logistics, oversize/project cargo, and when shipping hazardous materials to the job site. Door-to-door service is also available.   For any questions, please give us a call at 888.488.4888; or email us today for help with your shipment to Japan and a free rate quote!

DGX-Dependable Global Express is now offering same day or next day delivery service to new and existing warehousing customers. Our Guam shipping operation is now providing local warehousing and same day/next day deliveries to customers.

Also new, customers who need multi-location warehousing with same day or next day delivery on Guam will now have access to tracking and inventory information. Thanks to a new software system, customers can now interface with their systems and ours, allowing access to inventory records, inbound/outbound data histories, order processing via direct entry into our new system, among other information and features.

The new inventory coordination will provide the locations of all your items we’re storing as well as an inventory of all items on hand. The system interfaces with established e-commerce software to ensure if you order the goods to be pulled, packed and shipped; we are able to get the job done within the same or next day.

Deliveries are currently made during normal weekday business hours, Monday through Friday 7:30AM to 4:30 PM, local time.

Same/next day service to your Guam Customers is now a reality. Contact us today to get a rate quote or use our convenient online rate quoter to get a rate quote for your Guam shipments.

It could be either depending on your shipment and circumstances. It might surprise you that air shipping may very well be less expensive even though that’s contrary to supply-chain-savings logic because air shipping is traditionally a higher cost mode of transport than ocean freight.

Often, the economics of ocean freight shipping are less costly because of the relatively lower cost of transport, and, when shipping by ocean, economies of scale are achieved compared to an expensive aircraft capable of carrying only a fraction of the cargo.

However, not all shipments are created equal. Ocean shipping is not necessarily the overall least expensive shipping method. Air shipping will be least costly if a speedy and timely delivery is important. Consider the potentially high cost of not delivering your goods on time, per contractual agreements, resulting in lost sales, lost profits and/or lost opportunities. If products, materials, parts, samples, equipment or other vital components of your business do not arrive by agreed-upon deadlines, then there really is no cost savings of using slower, less expensive ocean shipping.

When considering whether to ship by air or sea, don’t forget the increased monetary opportunity being able to spread your products farther than you ever thought possible.

At DGX-Dependable Global Express, we specialize in International ocean freight, plus domestic and international air cargo shipping. If you need assistance, please reach out to your local office or call 888.488.4888 toll free and we can help you.

There are six major items to consider in determining your overall cost to ship Less than Container Load (LCL) freight shipments to either Guam or Saipan.

• Packaging
• Commodity Being Shipped
• Measurement of the Freight
• Special Handling Considerations
• Shipping Company Dependability
• The Ocean Carrier the Shipping Company Selects to Move Your Shipment

More detail here:

1. Packaging. Always package your shipments/product to minimize the total space used. LCL shipments are billed based on the space (cubic feet) they use. Saving space with your packaging or wrapping/crating, will determine how much it costs. For example, if you have a small broom you’re shipping, unscrew the handle and save the space by shipping it alongside the broom itself, instead of connected to it.
   
   Once you’ve minimized your packaging, however, don’t lose sight of proper wrapping and palletizing to avoid potential damage issues as your shipment is traveling thousands of miles in (sometimes) very rough seas.


2. Commodity Being Shipped. Higher value goods will usually cost more than items of lower value. For instance, food products will cost less to ship than fine furniture based on the risk of damage. Items with a low damage factor will cost less than items that might normally get damaged easily.
   
   If you can find a freight forwarder to ship a fragile commodity (which usually means new, still in the packaging, not antique or glass, or other items of high value), factor in the cost of insurance. If the cargo is irreplaceable, you will want to pay more and have a crating expert package it. In the end, it’ll cost you less to get it there in one piece than in many.


3. Measurement of the Freight. Ensure the dimensions of your shipment are accurate and complete. If you obtain a quote based on inaccurate or wrong dimensions, then the actual freight charges could cost you more. Your dimensions should include the highest point, the widest point and longest point of your shipment if palletized or in individual boxes.
   
   Cubic feet are computed by multiplying the length of the freight in inches by the height of the freight in inches by the width of the freight in inches. Those total inches then get divided by 1,728 inches to determine the total cubic feet of what you’re measuring. If you have multiple pallets, boxes or crates, this process needs to be followed for each pallet, box or crate and then all the cubic feet totaled. This then determines the size of your shipment for pricing purposes. If you palletize the freight, then measure the freight once nested on the pallet, using the same measurement process outlined above. Visit our FAQ #6 for detailed information on how to measure your shipment.


4. Special Handling Considerations. Determine if your shipment will require special handling or delivery needs at the destination. Something requiring a residential delivery, or to a place of business with an inside delivery, will usually cost more than something delivered curbside. If you need trash taken away after your delivery, it’ll probably cost more if there’s a large volume.


5. Shipping Company Dependability. Ensure you are working with a company such as DGX-Dependable Global Express, who is reliable and an expert at shipping to Guam or Saipan. The cheapest quote isn’t always the least expensive by the time your cargo has arrived at its destination. 


6. The Ocean Carrier the Shipping Company Selects to Move Your Shipment. There are currently two ocean carriers moving shipments from the United States to Guam and Saipan.
   
1. Matson Navigation Company (Matson) moves Guam and Saipan shipments/containers into Hawaii (from Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles and intermodally). From Los Angeles, the container will be stowed on the vessel to go directly to Guam so it is not unloaded from one vessel and reloaded onto a second vessel in Hawaii. Oakland and the Pacific Northwest Guam containers get taken off the vessel in Hawaii and reloaded onto the vessel originally departing out of Los Angeles. The transit time out of Los Angeles to Guam via Matson is 11 days.
   
2. American President Lines (APL) takes the containers to Yokohama, Japan, where they unload the containers off that vessel and a few days later reload them onto a feeder vessel into Guam and Saipan. Transit times are from Los Angeles and vary from 21 to 30 days, assuming all goes well and the container does have documentation necessary to transit the foreign port.
   
DGX suggests not using APL due to their inconsistent transit times, to ensure that customers will know exactly when their cargo will arrive and keeping DGX a Dependable choice.

If your freight shipment is time-sensitive and needs to go to Guam quickly or you’re worried about damaging the contents of the container, we recommend Matson as your choice.

If it’s inventory replenishment items that can withstand loading and unloading through the various ports, and you can build the longer transit times into your logistical needs, we suggest APL. But be sure your products can be stowed and then re-handled in and out of containers through the various ports without damage. APL may work because the rates are less expensive.

If your forwarder is using APL to Guam or Saipan for your LCL shipment, consider DGX for more consistent transit times because we use Matson most often. As an LCL freight shipping company, DGX wants the container handling minimized so there is less chance for mishandling or damage.

To find out more about DGX and Dependable Supply Chain Services, please contact us today. With nearly 40 years in the shipping business, we can certainly help you in navigating these waters to get the best value and service for your goods.

Due to the differences in the two countries’ political systems, shipping to China from the US can be challenging and confusing since China’s regulatory processes are controlled and dictated by a single-party governing body. New tariffs (especially retaliatory tariffs), customs regulations and other import related processes and regulations may be authorized and enacted with very little or even no grace period.



The Chinese government imposes tight restrictions on commodities such as personal effects, secondhand vehicles, liquor, tobacco, waste paper, dangerous goods, metal scrap, returned merchandise, etc. It is strongly recommended that you consult dependable transportation professionals at the origin and that they work with their counterparts in China to ensure every required document for imports into China are in place before the goods being shipped are en route. This will avoid consequences such as fines, delay of released goods, cargo abandonment and related costs. China Customs even has to right to confiscate your goods upon arrival at the destination.

Disputes on customs classification in China can be costly, lengthy and sometimes arbitrary while cargo is being held in China Customs. Appealing arbitrary customs decisions in China can prove to be difficult as the government grants relatively limited due process rights.

Should you need advice or consultation, the professionals at DGX - Dependable Global Express stand ready to help. We have the experience, knowledge and reliability to ship your goods to China as smoothly and safely as can be done. We offer a unique package of shipping services including cargo shipment by air or ocean, logistics, oversize/project cargo, hazardous materials, to the job site, door-to-door, Final Mile/Last Mile, White Glove, after hours/weekends and trade shows/conventions.

Give us a call today at 800.488.4888 and we’ll help answer questions and get you a rate quote!

Whether you’re shipping one order per year or managing an entire supply chain of goods from the USA to Australia, there are required customs rules and regulations specific to Australia that must be followed. For example:

• All shipments must abide by the US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA)
• All shipments with solid wood packaging materials such as pallets, crates, shipping materials, dunnage, etc., must be properly stamped with ISPM 15 compliance markings.

Be sure the international freight forwarder you select has the expertise to make sure your shipment complies to all Australian shipping nuances.

Additionally, here are some of the benefits of air freight shipping to Australia:

• Air shipping will move your cargo in hours vs. days, weeks, or even months compared to ocean shipping. Almost all major airlines today utilize modern, efficient aircraft fleets to carry passengers and air cargo over long hauls around the globe, with Australia being one of those key long-haul destinations.
• Air shipping is also more likely to be on time due to air freight's networks and daily flight schedules.
• Another benefit – unlike the perils of sea freight shipping, shipping by air is one of the safest modes of transportation today.

You will be happy to know air shipping to Australia is really quite simple. DGX - Dependable Global Express is an experienced, customer-service focused international freight forwarder that will responsibility to engage in navigating all aspects of the shipping rules. If you consider us, all of your freight forwarding and logistics details will be covered.

Contact us today or get a free online rate quote here.

In order not to pay more to ship goods, products, parts, or materials, airfreight may be the best choice for many reasons but primarily because it’s fast. Air allows your goods to be delivered in a timely fashion as often the bottom line for businesses hinges on making deadlines. For example, it may be imperative to get samples delivered to a prospective buyer quickly for a new product line whether it’s across the country or on the other side of the globe.

Not only is air cargo fast, it’s:

• Reliable
• Easy to insure against shipping perils
• Much easier than shipping via ocean
• As affordable as ocean shipping to transfer the risk
• Conducted in highly secured environments that are built upon vast global networks

All of these factors afford more peace of mind and helps to keep the shipper’s integrity whole intact by delivering on time and intact.

Air equals speed to market, speed to factories, speed to job sites, and speed to the recipients.

Looking to ship by air? Contact DGX - Dependable Global Express today for a competitive quote.

Global multi-materials sourcing, multi-parts sourcing, multi-finished goods sourcing have increased today’s global supply chain complexities. It’s likely that today’s sourcing is a multi-country endeavor. Air freight is the key to accomplishing final deliveries within tight deadlines. Air shipping is often the glue that binds shippers to their clients.

• Fuel costs
• Operating aircraft types
• The mix of cargo
• Global regions
• The goods being shipped, size and details do matter!

Whether shipments require “next flight out” expedited service, or a consolidated-time-deferred service with economic savings in mind, airfreight is still much faster than a boat or ship on the ocean. DGX-Dependable Global Express navigates customers through the complexities of the air shipping process. If worried about carrier liability limits, we can fully insure your goods if necessary for best protection, transferring the risk of the shipping perils.

We keep things simple. We communicate excellently and thoroughly. Call us today for an air freight rate quote today!

DGX - Dependable Hawaiian Express creates superb value by offering excellent shipping, to and from Costa Rica, at competitive pricing.

For the past 10 years, DGX, in conjunction with its Costa Rican partner, Transportes Mundiales Bensa, has been offering weekly direct service from Los Angeles to San Jose, via Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.

With our company service provider goals of reducing freight charges and transit times from the West Coast of the USA to Costa Rica, our direct service from Los Angeles separates DGX from any other freight forwarder in the Costa Rican market. It’s the special combination of the direct route and fast transit times.

West Coast cargo can more easily move to Los Angeles as opposed to routing via Florida which is expensive and cumbersome.

Additionally, trucking companies have been increasing their overland rates lately due to fuel surcharges (coupled with decreased service levels due to weather issues and driver shortages), and Aeromexico has stopped its direct weekly freighter from LA to SJO. Lastly, a rise in ocean rates from Miami to Costa Rica. Given this set of issues, customers can better control their costs by taking advantage of our West Coast-to-Costa Rica service.

Recently, we changed our Costa Rica service for the better and can deliver your goods in 10 days as opposed to 17. A major advantage to our service! Most importantly, DGX sailings cut off on Fridays and sail on Wednesdays, as opposed to other providers that service this destination via Miami.

We will continue making a major difference to all customers shipping from the West Coast by providing options that simply make more sense with great rates and fast transit times.

DGX is committed to our customers shipping to and from Costa Rica. We're creating superb value by offering excellent service at affordable rates.

What is an acceptable transit time for shipping from the U.S.A. to Guam?

There are two carriers that currently provide ocean service from the U.S.A. to Guam. One carrier has a transit time of two weeks with an arrival of Tuesday every week. The other carrier has a transit time of three weeks with an arrival of Thursday or Friday.

At DGX - Dependable Global Express, we pride ourselves in moving product for businesses as fast and problem free as possible. Thus we choose the quicker carrier to Guam – the one with the better on-time record. Our carrier has an on-time record of 78%, based on an ETA of 59 minutes or less. The alternate carrier has an on-time record of only 23%, less than one in four of their ships are on time.

DGX also offers the latest cut-off times in the industry to receive freight on the west coast, as well as we offer deliveries in Guam within 48 hours of container availability. This gives you a total transit time from the west coast of 17-18 days. The other carrier would provide a 30-day service from the west coast to Guam, due to earlier carrier cut offs and transshipment through a foreign port. Check out our ocean sailing schedule.

Five options and details to consider when thinking about longer transit times:

1. Your product availability is delayed meaning you’ll need to keep more inventory in stock. This costs your business more money.
2. Vendor payments are due just as product is being delivered on Guam, based on net 30 day terms.
3. Business competitors may receive their product earlier and are able to deliver and complete the sale sooner—thus you lose the sale.
4. Not having your product before the weekend can affect your total weekend sales.

Four benefits of faster transit times and later cut offs:

1. Last minute orders can make the same week sailing and arrive in 17-18 days.
2. Less inventory needed increases profitability.
3. Having inventory on hand to sell before payments are due to vendors.
4. More sales and better customer loyalty because you always have inventory in stock.

With slower transportation and lower transportation costs, is it worth the added expense of higher inventory levels and the risk of losing customers and sales waiting for product to arrive?

Call DGX today for a rate and sailing time quote to see how we can save you both time and money.

To facilitate the shipping of your freight to or from New Zealand, as one of the Dependable Supply Chain Services, DGX - Dependable Global Express provides a wide range of forwarding services.

With an established DGX-owned and operated office in Auckland, New Zealand along with an exclusive partnership in Christchurch, NZ we offer the most reliable and cost effective solutions to all your shipping needs.

Our web-based tracking capability provides visibility and peace of mind to all of our shipping and logistics customers. You may view the status of goods, orders and shipments easily and in real time. Promptly access information whenever needed!

DGX prides itself on weekly consolidated service from all origins within the continental USA to any destination within New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

With dedicated specialized customer service representatives at both origin and destination, we can assist you with any type of move whether it be LCL, FCL, air or a special project cargo need.

Contact our local DGX New Zealand office today!

DGX simplifies the ocean or air shipping process for you. As an international freight forwarder, we offer full logistics services to and from the Philippines as well as comprehensive supply chain solutions. And we’ve done so for thousands of international business partners.

Our international freight forwarder services extend to ocean and air freight, customs clearance haulage, and project cargo handling and management. Our partnership with top-tier air and sea carriers provides competitive rates, flight or vessel schedules, booking flexibility as added value to our customers. We ensure the integrity of the shipment is maintained, taking all necessary steps to deliver the goods complete, intact and more importantly, on time.

Here’s just how simple it is to ship your freight to the Philippines via ocean or air cargo shipping with DGX:

1. Visit DGX’s Philippines' office page and request a rate quote via telephone, fax, email or use our convenient online rate quoter.
2. Within 24 hours, you will receive your competitive rate quote.
3. If rate is acceptable, sign the contract and the booking of your freight shipment will be coordinated at DGX.
4. We’ll help instruct as to how to provide to us and conveniently, provide your shipment status for tracking and monitoring.
5. Upon successful completion of cargo shipment, we’ll send your Proof of Delivery and invoice you.

Visit us today for all your Philippines freight shipping needs.

There are 6,000 miles of ocean to cross for your cargo to arrive in Guam – the equivalent of going from Los Angeles to New York and back again. The ocean is not a smooth paved highway, but rather comprised of vast, turbulent seas with swells as big as four-story buildings through which sea faring vessels need to navigate. The vessels get knocked around quite a bit, causing cargo loaded inside containers to shift and move during transit.

In order to minimize any damage caused by the often rough trip, the shipping professionals at DGX - Dependable Global Express always take extra care when loading your freight by adding dunnage and cardboard inside the containers to safely secure the loads from shifting and moving about inside your containers.

As a shipper or supplier shipping items to Guam, here are a few shipping tips to help ensure your products arrive safely and intact:

• Always load heavier items on the bottom of pallet, with lighter product on top.
• Use three to four layers of shrink wrap to help keep the load from falling off the pallet.
• If your boxes are soft cardboard, use corner protectors before wrapping, so boxes are not crushed when wrapping.
• Minimize the exposure of products that can be easily scratched by adding protective covering or have the item crated.
• On bagged freight, for example: flour, rice, concrete; use cardboard on the sides prior to wrapping with shrink wrap to prevent bags from being torn.
• When shipping 55 gallon drums, secure drums to a pallet with suitable banding material.

These are just a few safety tips for Guam shipping. By doing your part, you can help ensure your products will arrive safely to your destination and ultimately to your customer.

At DGX we will always do our part as your Dependable partner!

When it’s time for you to choose a freight forwarder to handle urgent shipping matters, DGX - Dependable Global Express is ready to help. For air cargo solutions, it’s our reliability, efficiency and skilled high performance standards which are setting new benchmarks in shipping.

Flexible flight schedules and a robust network of contracted carriers with dependable air routes make it simple and effective to move products.  From priority express to consolidation cost savings services, DGX offers a variety of air cargo products allowing our clients to easily decide what works best for them.

To make it even easier and less stressful, our competitively priced air cargo insurance makes it easier to transfer the risk of any shipping peril whether across the country or across the world.

We stand ready to serve all of your needs for air cargo and freight forwarding.  Contact us today by your preferred method: phone, email, live chat.

DGX - Dependable Global Express stands ready to serve all of your air cargo and shipping needs. Here are eight great reasons to use us to ship your cargo via air freight:

1. FAST. Air freight services are vital when your goods must be delivered over longer distances quickly. It’s the best and fastest transit compared to any type of surface transportation.
2. QUICK INVENTORY TURNS. For higher valued goods, air freight enables a supply chain with fast and consistent deliveries to convert your high value inventory into dollars through faster inventory turns. An example: apparel for retail stores cannot be sold if it’s not on the shelf.
3. SAVES MONEY. When your production line or machine breaks down, although the replacement part may not be expensive, it could be a vital component to getting your production back up and running. Using air freight transport saves you money in many cases where productivity and getting product to the market are critical to your bottom line. Using air freight is the expedited tool that makes this happen.
4. VALUE PRICED. Even when shipping low value goods or materials that are not needed for immediate replacement, you need an effective way to deliver goods faster than ocean carriage but without the high price of expedited airfreight. DGX - Dependable Global Express offers an advantage with our consolidation air service that benefits you by customizing delivery at a cost somewhere between next-flight-out air freight and slower ocean service.
5. FLEXIBILITY. You have flexibility in flight schedules compared to ocean sailing schedules, resulting in faster and more dependable routes available through a large network of origin and destination airports.
6. INSURANCE SAVINGS. You save on cargo insurance premiums because air freight shipments have a short transit time and extremely high level of security, reducing risks to insurance underwriters, and lowering costs.
7. LOWER STORAGE COST. Warehousing is less expensive for you because we offer just-in-time air freight deliveries that reduces warehousing space to keep items in stock.
8. FAST CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. Your international air shipments are generally cleared by Customs within a matter of hours which in turn helps air cargo operators and ground handlers to be much more efficient with your cargo.

Shipping to or from China can be made a lot easier when working with the right Logistics Service Provider. DGX - Dependable Global Express owns its offices in mainland China and Hong Kong and provides a wide range of Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) ocean services worldwide, and global air services shipping to/from China.

As an ocean master-pack consolidator, DGX is able to accept LCL cargo anywhere in the continental United States and deliver to anywhere in mainland China and Hong Kong with weekly scheduled sailings via our Long Beach gateway to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Our dedicated customer service representatives offer professional logistics assistance and supply chain solutions in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese. DGX is capable of servicing e-commerce clients from U.S. to  Mainland China via the  Hong Kong Freeport.

DGX also specializes in servicing the Hawaiian Islands shipping to and from China. Whether mainland China or Hong Kong, for air shipments or ocean FCL and LCL, DGX can ease your shipping burdens and provide you the transportation solutions you need.

When shipping to Japan, the customers DGX - Dependable Global Express handles are driven by the need for shipping accuracy, the quickest/fastest time to destination and the quality of how the merchandise looks. Your items arriving in Japan have to look “untouched,” like they are brand new and have not been handled multiple times in the shipping process.

Knowing which carrier to use and which service to use are extremely important since this ultimately determines your time to destination. DGX customers have high expectations when it comes to shipping timeline accuracy and any deviation from the initial schedule is unacceptable to many customers.

What makes DGX different in how we do things?

First, we offer both full container load (FCL), and less than container load (LCL) services to a multitude of destinations in Japan. FCL's can be offered to virtually any destination in Japan that can be reached by road once discharged from the ocean carrier. Our LCL service includes direct containers weekly to three ports, routed to the ultimate cargo destination. Our weekly LCL service includes following base ports in Japan: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka.

Our Japan office monitors these containers daily to ensure timely releases from our carriers and we strive to distribute the cargo to our customers/consignees in the fastest, most efficient manner available.

We stay focused on finding shipping solutions to our customers; we don't just arrange to ship.
Dependable. From Start to Finish.

Numerous options are available with shipping ocean freight to Puerto Rico, either by a LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipping service.

FCL is considered easier because the container is the package. It’s less of a logistical challenge than moving a smaller LCL shipment where packaging and reliance on a common carrier/trucker (to pick up and deliver your goods to a dock for re-handling into a container) may become crucial. There are a variety of carriers that will move your container to Puerto Rico including ocean carriers who actually own or operate the vessels, freight forwarders, and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC’s).

There are also household goods movers who are used to move your freight depending on whether it is a business to business (B2B) move, a business to consumer (B2C) move or a household goods/personal effects shipment.

Pricing can depend on whether it’s a one-time shipment or a series of commercial shipments, as well as how pricing is negotiated with the shippers. There are also rail options depending on where the origin of the move is, trucking options and seaport options.

To quickly help you with logistics-related shipping, call a freight forwarder, like DGX-Dependable Global Express, and ask about all the options available to you.

For LCL, many service options exist but they are mostly limited to freight forwarders and NVOCC’s. What makes DGX unique? We ship directly off the West Coast to Puerto Rico via Jacksonville FL. Others may ship over to Panama and then to Puerto Rico, but as a result, the origin of the freight changes from USA to Panama which means upon arrival into Puerto Rico, your shipment is treated as a non-USA shipment for duty purposes. By shipping via DGX from the West Coast, trucking and related costs to Florida or Houston can be avoided. Another benefit: the merchandise is handled fewer times in and out of containers and trucks.

Other items to consider when shipping to Puerto Rico:

1. Many U.S. based shippers exporting to Puerto Rico need to file AES (Automated Export System, when applicable). Since Puerto Rico is considered a USA territory, many do not realize a AES filing is necessary, however all standard AES filing requirements and policies apply.
2. Importers and consignees also need to provide their BRN (Business Registration Number) also known as the MRN (Merchant Registration Number).
3. Vessel vs. barge? FCL service to Puerto Rico (via Jacksonville, FL) is offered by DGX via two services, vessel and barge. Vessel shipping has a shorter transit at a higher cost. Barge is also available with longer transit time but at a more competitive rate.
4. Logistically, your shipment of a West Coast FCL primarily consists of loading onto a domestic trailer for pick up. Trailers are then moved via rail to the DGX Jacksonville FL’s Container Freight Station (CFS) where the cargo is trans-loaded onto direct ocean carrier equipment.

You always have shipping options to consider. One of your goals should be to educate yourself on all options to determine which best suits your needs. Another goal is to select the company that can best handle your shipment. DGX stands by ready to answer all your questions and can deliver on all your shipping needs. Call DGX today at 888.488.4888 U.S. Toll Free or 310.669.8888 Local.

Shipping ocean freight to or from Guam can be a complex situation for a variety of reasons. Only one carrier services Guam directly with a USA stop-off from the USA mainland – Matson Navigation Company (Matson). Matson’s transit time from Long Beach (SoCA), which includes a stop off in Hawaii, is 12 days from Long Beach to Guam, four days longer from Oakland and five days longer from Seattle.

American President Lines (APL) also ships containers to Guam but their transit time is not less than 23 days from Los Angeles, and perhaps longer depending on the vessel the Guam container gets loaded on and the foreign port where unloaded before being loaded onto a feeder vessel into Guam. APL does not offer any alternative transit times for container shipping to Guam from Oakland or Seattle, but modern day trucking services will allow them to service those areas, although less timely than the Matson direct service.

APL and Matson both have fully developed and integrated rail services to complement those container loads shipping to Guam from origins other than the West Coast. They are both well-respected carriers, and have a lot to offer shippers or consignees. Ask yourself how important the transit time is for the container load move to Guam and can you afford a delay in your goods arriving? If these conditions are ok, then a less expensive container load rate to ship to Guam available via APL transshipment is probably your best value. But if you need speedier transit time due to shipment arrival expectations or container content damage, are worried about humidity while on the vessel, need additional handling of the container during the transshipment process, price/value is not the sole focal point, and/or a delay might hurt business profits, then Matson is a better alternative.

A shipper to Guam also needs to be aware that Guam has its own Customs offices, officers, and laws, in addition to USA Customs offices, officers, regulations and laws. Guam Customs is responsible for, among other things, ensuring the goods arriving from the USA have submitted a commercial invoice, and consignees pay a Guam Use Tax or Gross Receipts Tax, as appropriate. The tax is 4% of the cost of the goods shipped into Guam if the merchandise is not held for resale and is used in the business. If you are working with a freight forwarder such as DGX - Dependable Global Express, the law requires the forwarder to collect taxes on taxable goods and remit it to Guam authorities. The rule of thumb is that if it’s sold as part of your normal business, no use tax is due; but if the goods are supplies and overhead items to be used in your business rather than sold, then a 4% Use Tax applies.

Another complex issue when using APL is that due to the vessel arriving at a foreign port prior to transshipping to Guam, an Automated Manifest System (AMS) has to be filed, meaning the shipper must provide the Harmonized Code tariff number for what they are shipping. DGX can help you with that should you decide you’d like to move your containers to Guam through us.

There are also eastbound services available from Guam to the USA mainland or Hawaii, and additional information we can provide for shipping from non-USA origins into Guam. DGX also offers container load and less than container load services from the Hawaiian Islands to Guam. We look forward to responding to your requests for further information - just email us today!

The most important issue in shipping to, from or within India currently is the new India Tax reform scheduled to take effect July 1, 2017. This new tax structure will have a direct impact on logistics providers and cost structures. Whether shipping full container loads (FCL) to India, or shipping less than container load (LCL) shipments to India, this new law will impact ultimate cargo and logistics costs.

Currently, each of India’s 29 states taxes the goods that move across their borders at various rates. As a result, freight that moves across the country is taxed multiple times. The Indian government is about to roll out the new indirect tax program, GST, which has been in the works for over 12 years.

The impact of the GST on the individual companies located in India:

• The consumer durables sector is expected to witness maximum drop in the logistics costs as a percentage of total sales, as their warehouses are built in certain specific states to avoid interstate tax.
• Consumer-oriented industries are going to realize a higher impact from GST on their operations model rather than capital intensive industries, since they will work with cheaper labor and travel further to markets.
• As individual companies react to the changing of the law, the long-term economics of doing business efficiently outweigh the economics of where to be located to avoid being taxed. It remains to be seen what the ultimate impact will be on the economy or the country, but DGX predicts the Indian Government will rise to the challenge and make adjustments where needed to ensure a single industry does not become the poster child for unfairness.

From our standpoint and the standpoint of other 3PLs, the impact of the new GST on third party logistic service providers will be as follows:

• Post-GST implementation, most 3PLs will have to restructure their assets and realign their operations with changes in the operations of their customers in the new scenario.
• Currently, many 3PLs have warehouses located near major distribution centers of their key clients (different industries) irrespective of geographic disadvantage, mainly to avoid interstate taxes.
• However, post-GST implementation 3PLs are expected to build integrated warehouses at logistics suitable locations. So accordingly, 3PLs will have to restructure their assets to accommodate the long distance consignments which will occur with this scenario of free movement of goods across the country.
• The consumer durables sector is expected to witness maximum drop in the logistics costs as a percentage of total sales, as their warehouses are built in different states to avoid interstate tax. Mostly, the consumer-oriented industries are going to have the highest impact of GST on its operations model rather than capital-intensive industries.

How this will impact the freight rates with a change of cargo movement from direct to each state versus to regional DCs (spoke-hub distributions) is yet to be determined by carriers.

The DGX India headquarters in Mumbai is ready to take on these changes and provide our customers with added-value solutions as they evolve in their supply chain based on these reforms.

What is GST? How does it work?
GST is a single, indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market.
It's a single tax on the supply of goods and services, directly from the manufacturer to the consumer. Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stage of value addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.

What are final GST rate slabs?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be levied at multiple rates ranging from 0% to 28%. The GST council finalized a four-tier GST tax structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury and de-merits goods that would also attract an additional “cess.” In India, "cess" is an import or sales tax on a commodity.

Service tax will go up from 15% to 18%. The services being taxed at lower rates, owing to the provision of abatement, such as train tickets, will fall in the lower slabs.

In order to control inflation, essential items including food, which presently constitute roughly half of the consumer inflation basket, will be taxed at zero rate.

The lowest rate of 5% would be for common use items. There would be two standard rates of 12 per cent and 18 per cent, which would fall on the bulk of the goods and services. This includes fast-moving consumer goods.

Highest tax slab will be applicable to items which are currently taxed at 30-31% (excise duty plus VAT).

Ultra-luxuries, demerit and sin goods (like tobacco and aerated drinks), will attract a cess for a period of five years on top of the 28% GST.

The collection from this cess as well as that of the clean energy cess would create a revenue pool which would be used for compensating states for any loss of revenue during the first five years of implementation of GST.

Finance minister said that the cess would be lapsable after five years.

Which Taxes at the Centre and State level are being subsumed into GST?
At the Central level, the following taxes are being subsumed:

1. Central Excise Duty
2. Additional Excise Duty
3. Service Tax
4. Additional Customs Duty commonly known as Countervailing Duty
5. Special Additional Duty of Customs

At the State level, the following taxes are being subsumed:

1. Subsuming of State Value Added Tax/Sales Tax
2. Entertainment tax (other than the tax levied by the local bodies), Central Sales Tax (levied by the Centre and collected by the States)
3. Octroi and Entry tax
4. Purchase tax
5. Luxury tax, and
6. Taxes on lottery, betting and gambling

DGX - Dependable Global Express started shipping to Guam from the continental USA in 1981, when Founder, Ron Massman, bought a company that shipped to Guam for a grocery distributor. When current president Brad Dechter joined DGX - Dependable Global Express in 1982, the Guam trade lane became the first trade lane for which he was responsible.

Since DGX was shipping from California to Guam at that time, Guam helped with the future direction of the company: helping to refine their mainland trucking network to cover more inland points. Also, it helped them to replace their delivery agent on the Island and realize they needed to begin shipping from Guam to California.

Lessons learned in the microcosm of the Guam trade were eventually used across all services. As DGX listened to the needs of their Guam customers, they changed their name to help the local customers feel their specific needs were being addressed. In 1989, the company opened their trucking operation on Guam, which was so successful it became the impetus behind opening future trucking operations in Hawaii. DGX also opened shipping from Guam to California and the rest of the USA, an eastbound service similar to their operation in Hawaii. Eventually Mr. Dechter became president of the Forwarding Group of the Dependable Companies and was thankful for his Guam experience that helped to launch his subsequent career.

DGX - Dependable Global Express wants to thank their many friends in Guam that helped them develop their business on the island and meet the many, diverse needs of the local businesses there.

“Thank you to the people of Guam for the opportunity to handle your shipping to Guam (and Saipan) as well as being good people and helping us in our quest to be the best at shipping to Guam!” -- Brad Dechter, President, DGX - Dependable Global Express.

Shipping to Australia from the USA has some unique requirements that a qualified freight forwarder such as DGX can easily help with. Specific Australian shipping rules include:

• Invasive species and their extermination
• Import permits required by Australia for certain items shipping to Australia from the USA
• General USA export rules regarding items permitted/not permitted to be shipped to various countries
• Title validations for certain machinery and vehicles
• The type of pallets that can be used
• The types of vehicles permitted entry
• Decontamination requirements

DGX is experienced with all of the ins and outs of shipping to Australia, after all that's what you would expect and that's what you will get.

There are also very specific rules when shipping from Australia to the USA which are not the same but just as important to be handled thoroughly. These rules include:

• Insuring that your cargo shipment to the USA from Australia is safe to come into the USA and does not represent a threat to anyone 
• Being sure it’s declared appropriately for customs clearance purposes
• And that the U.S. government knows what's coming into our country 

It’s one of the reasons DGX is a C-TPAT member – to facilitate your shipments entry from Australia into the USA.

Whether located in Australia or the USA, these rules are important to both the importer and exporter, because one mistake can make a tremendous difference in whether you recover your property or whether the expense to get it back becomes so great you chalk it up to being a lost cause.

So whether shipping to Australia from the USA, or shipping to USA from Australia, do yourself a favor and use an expert. That’s what an experienced, customer-service focused freight forwarders like DGX does so well!