In shipping terms groupage cargo which is also known as Less Container Load (LCL) is the task of grouping smaller cargos into a larger one in order to fit a container .This type of cargo suits well micro, small and medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) where most of the time cargo to export or import is much less than the required weight or volume to be efficient however SMEs are a major component of all economies. At Sotrimex, we will advice and recommend the best freight cost saving options.
International Network: We have a network of partners who are considered as flexible and adaptive freight forwarders which are located in different countries around the world. They are ready to help and offer their collaboration where required in any situation whether the cargo is less than container load (LCL). In any economy we understand there is always a combination of micro, small, medium and large enterprise therefore we ensure that same consideration given to any enterprise no matter what size it is.
Creating Value: You can contract out your groupage cargo activities to us whether it is a combination of air and sea cargo, we can suggest alternative solutions if required where you can save time and money. Currently, a large number of SMEs in Mauritius choose Sotrimex as their International Freight Forwarder for import and export therefore creating value by concentrating on their core activities. You can trust us to manage your groupage cargo thus add value to your core business.
Strategic Orientation: Effective management of groupage cargo depends on flexibility, trust and teamwork together with close personal and business working relationships. One of our key strength is our flexibility to work in time-saving solutions with our SME customers.
Closer Relationship: We are able to customise a groupage cargo that meets your requirements therefore efficient management is based on building, improving and maintaining relationships with our customers in the SME segment. One of our key performance indicators is customer retention; therefore we always keep an eye on customer feedback.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Does Sotrimex offer an "Order Follow Up" service? How can I benefit from it?
Sotrimex offers an Order Follow Up service which is a value-added service offered to our customers. When a customer has inbound shipment from overseas and gives us the Purchase Order number of the shipment, we will contact with supplier through oversea partners and follow up the order status closely. We will keep informing customer about the order status until the shipment is ready to ship. Then, we will advise customer the booking details of the shipment like the volume, vessel name, ETD and ETA. The customer needs not to pay extra effort and will be kept informed on order status.
What is the difference between inland charge and Sea/Air freight?
Inland charge means the trucking or transport charge arising in picking up the cargo from door of supplier's factory and delivering to receiving station (i.e Port or Airport). Sea /Air freight means the freight cost covering the transit from port to port ( i.e. Mauritius to Durban ) or airport to airport ( i.e Mauritius to London) . Whether you need to pay for the inland charge depends on your shipment terms with the shipper.
How is the Sea freight calculated?
Basically sea freight is calculated based on the cargo volume that is measured by Cubic Meter (CBM or m3). Usually the minimum charge is 1m3 but it varies in different port of loading. For overweight cargo, the charged will be calculated based on the weight.
What if my cargo is oversized?
If it is shipped by LCL, oversized surcharge will be levied on top of the standard sea freight for the special equipment employed to handle the shipment. It varies from different port of loading. If it is shipped by FCL and the cargo can't be fitted into standard container, you may arrange using either Break Bulk, Flat Rack or Open Top container. Sotrimex will advise you.
How to handle dutiable goods and licensing goods?
For handling dutiable goods, such as cigarettes and alcoholic goods etc., you should apply for permit from local authorities and get the permit ready before the vessel arrival. For licensing goods like garment, you should also apply for license from Trade Department and present it to us before shipment arrival.
I have suppliers located in different countries around the world, what is the best way to ship the cargoes?
We have extensive network in all major international ports where your cargo can be forwarded to a designated consolidation center.
What is direct consolidation? How can it benefit me?
Direct consolidation means that we handle and consolidate / de-consolidate the LCL cargoes both locally and overseas. However, when comparing to co-loading service, direct consolidation offers more direct handling, safely and efficiency to your cargoes.
How can I appoint Sotrimex to handle my Sea and/or Air shipment?
The only thing that you have to do is to either issue a nomination letter to your supplier to inform them about your nomination or state Sotrimex as freight forwarder in your purchase order. After receiving your routing instruction, we will start contacting your shipper and follow up the order. For further shipments, just inform us when you place new purchasing order.
How is air freight calculated?
Airfreight is calculated based on the weight of the shipment. We have to compare the actual weight and volume weight while the greater one will be applied. The volume weight is calculated as follows, X CBM / 6000 = Y kg, where X is the volume of the shipment in CBM and Y is the volume weight of the shipment.
How about the DG cargo arrangement?
Not every kind of DG cargo is accepted by airlines. Please contact us on +230 217 6600, fax us +230 217 9900 or email us on info@sotrimex.mu for additional information.
How frequency is the flight schedule?
It depends on the ports of loading and airlines used. General airlines offer 2-3 flights every week.
Do you offer service of stuffing / unstuffing of container?
Yes. As extension to our ocean freight and container haulage service, we also offer container stuffing / unstuffing services to our customers.
How can you help me if I have to distribute my goods to different locations in Mauritius?
Other than single drop-point delivery, we also offer multiple drop-point distribution of cargoes. We will work with our customers and schedule a distribution planning to distribute the goods to different locations. The objective of this is to distribute the goods efficiently and cost effectively.
What if I have to collect goods from different locations before arranging outbound shipment?
In this case, our multiple receiving-point services can help you to pick up from different locations and consolidate your goods before sending to seaport and/or airport terminal.
How to release cargo?
Upon receiving our customer's instruction of release cargo via fax or email, we will arrange the cargo release.
I have high-valued cargo to ship. How to make a better protection to my cargo in transit?
At first, you should contact with shippers for better outer packaging. Besides, it is also a good idea to have insurance coverage. Sotrimex offer insurance services with very simple application procedure and attractive rates.
What is the meaning of different shipment terms? How will I be affected under different shipment terms?
Different shipment terms confine the responsibility of shipper and consignee. If the shipment terms are C&F or CIF, shipper will be responsible for the freight costs and usually it also implies that the shippers will nominate their forwarders. And FOB means that the shipper will have the responsibility to arrange the inland truck to deliver the goods to specific location, usually seaports or receiving stations. And Ex-work means that shipper will not be responsible for any transportation arrangement, with this term (Exworks) it is where the consignee appoints Sotrimex to handle their cargo.
What is Bill of lading, Shipping Order?
Bill of Lading is the certificate of the ownership of shipment. When shipper send the cargo to freight forwarder for example Sotrimex, the forwarder will issue the shipper a set of Bill of Lading to acknowledge the receipt of the cargo and the one who hold the Bill of Lading have the right on the cargo. The shipper will usually send the Bill of Lading to consignee so that the consignee can obtain the cargo at the destination port.
Shipping Order is the instruction from shippers to forwarders for shipment booking. Shipper submits the relevant information like details and descriptions of the cargoes to be shipped in the Shipping Order and send to Sotrimex and we will arrange a booking according to the information submitted.
What should I do if my cargo was damaged?
You should not collect the cargo when it was reported damaged and you should arrange a survey to investigate the case. Sotrimex can also assist in arrange survey on your behalf. You should also contact your insurance company for claims.
What is BAF / FAF?
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) or Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF) is a surcharge reflecting the fluctuation in fuel cost. The cost will normally be charged for sea and air freight arrangement.
