Import, Export and customs logistics services for Yachts

We always recommend DHL or FEDEX especially if customs clearance is involved because they are the best at handling customs procedures.
We recommend that you do not use DPD, SEUR, UPS or postal mail for shipments from outside the EU because they can take up to 30 days to clear the goods from customs and their clearance procedure is slow and complicated.

Maritime transport tends to take longer compared to other modes such as air or land transport due to several factors, ships often travel long distances and, although they carry a large amount of goods, they move at rather slow speeds compared to aeroplanes or even some land transport modes. This is especially noticeable on intercontinental routes, where ships can take weeks to reach their destination.
Loading and unloading at ports is a slow process involving a series of inspections, customs checks and physical handling of containers, which can take days or even weeks. Container backlogs at ports or logistical problems can further increase the waiting time.
Shipping lanes are vulnerable to weather conditions, such as storms, hurricanes or storm surges, which can cause significant delays or re-routing, and in some cases, ships must call at intermediate ports or transfer to other ships, extending transit time.

On the lack of real-time delivery confirmation, there are a few reasons why, unlike land or air transport, real-time monitoring of each container can be complicated, as ships may be in the middle of the ocean without access to communication networks for constant updates. Although tracking systems such as GPS exist, their implementation on each container is not always feasible due to costs. In international shipping, delivery confirmation often relies on customs systems and physical documentation, which creates a time lag in final receipt notification.

As technologies are implemented, efforts are being made to improve transparency and traceability in maritime transport, which could allow for more accurate tracking in the future.

If you do not insure the goods and the courier or freight forwarder loses or damages them in transit, your options for compensation are usually limited and will depend on the liability policy of the courier or freight forwarder, as well as local laws governing the carriage of goods in transit.

Most couriers have limited liability for damage or loss of goods. This limitation is usually set out in their terms and conditions. Couriers usually have a per kilogram or per shipment liability limit, which is significantly lower than the actual value of the goods in many cases.
Exonerating circumstances: Couriers also often exempt themselves from liability in situations beyond their control (natural disasters, unforeseen accidents, theft under certain circumstances, etc.).

To obtain compensation, you will generally need to file a formal claim with documentary evidence, such as:
Invoices or receipts: To prove the value of the goods.
Photos of the damage (if applicable): In case of damage rather than loss, you will usually be asked for photos as evidence.
Proof of incomplete or broken delivery: In some cases, a signed statement that you received the package in poor condition.

Transport insurance covers a range of risks to which goods are exposed during transport, which may include both damage and loss. However, the extent of coverage depends on the type of insurance taken out and the specific conditions of the insurance. Depending on the type of transport insurance, the main coverages include:
Total or partial loss of goods: If the goods are completely lost or part of them are damaged.
Accident damage: Coverage for accidents in the means of transport, such as collisions, fire or overturning.
Theft: Generally, covers theft of goods during transport, although there may be limitations depending on the level of risk.
Damage during handling: Coverage in the event that the merchandise suffers damage during loading, unloading or temporary storage operations.
Damage due to natural causes: Some insurances cover damage caused by natural phenomena (floods, storms, earthquakes) during transport.
Other specific damage: Depending on the insurance, it may cover damage due to factors such as contamination, rust, and other accidental damage, but generally under additional conditions.

In order for the insurance to properly cover the value of the goods, there are usually several conditions and requirements:

Declared insured value: It is important to declare the correct value of the goods in the insurance contract. The insured amount should reflect the actual value of the goods to avoid problems of underinsurance (insurance covering less than the actual value).
Packaging and labelling compliance: Goods must be correctly packaged and labelled. Insurance requires that the packaging is appropriate for the type of product and mode of transport, as inadequate packaging may invalidate the cover.
Proof of compliance with security measures: Some policies require certain security measures to be followed during transport (e.g. low-risk routes, escorts for high-value goods). If these measures are not followed, the insurance may not cover the claim.
Complete and accurate documentation: It is essential to keep documents such as the invoice for the goods, the transport contract and insurance policies. This facilitates the claims process if a loss occurs.

Damage report and notification time: In the event of a loss, most insurers require a detailed damage report and, in some cases, an inspection. In addition, it is important to report the incident within a specified time (e.g., within 48 hours) in order for the insurer to respond.
Compliance with contract terms: Each policy has specific terms that must be complied with. This may include conditions related to the means of transport, established routes or even value limitations depending on the type of goods.

Exporter:
Is the person, company or entity registered in Spain that sends the goods to a non-EU country.
Their responsibilities include, acquiring the goods for shipment, preparing the documentation required for export (commercial invoices, certificates of origin, licenses, etc.).
Complying with the export requirements and regulations of the country of origin.

Consignee:
The person or entity named on the transport document (such as a bill of lading) to receive the goods in the country of destination and is responsible for handling the cargo once it arrives in the country of destination, although not always is the buyer or ultimate owner. In some cases, the consignee may act only as an intermediary and is not the final importer.
Importer:
The importer is the final recipient of the goods and, in most cases, is the customer or buyer. His responsibilities include:
Receiving and checking the goods once they arrive at their destination.
Ensuring that the goods meet the specifications agreed with the exporter.
Arranging payment for the product and for import and customs charges, if applicable.
In other words, the consignee is the one who actually uses, consumes or distributes the goods in the country of destination.

The notifier or notifying party is another figure in the process of shipping and receiving international goods. It appears on the transport documents, such as the bill of lading or air waybill, and fulfils the function of being the person or entity that must be informed of the arrival of the goods at the port or point of destination, so that he/she is prepared to receive them or coordinate the necessary steps for their release.
He/ she is not the owner of the goods; in many cases, the notify is a logistics company or a customs broker appointed by the consignee to facilitate the receipt, clearance and transport of the goods in the destination country.
Difference between notify and consignee
While the consignee formally receives the goods (and is the cargo holder for documentary purposes), the notify is simply a party that needs to be informed of the arrival to facilitate logistics. Sometimes the notify and the consignee may be the same entity, but sometimes they are different, especially when there is an agent handling the impor

Groupage transport means that several loads from different customers are grouped together in one vehicle. This means that you share space and transport costs with others, which can be more economical, but can also take more time, as the vehicle does not usually have daily departures, but depends on the routes of the groupage carrier and may make stops to pick up or deliver other loads.
On the other hand, dedicated shipping refers to a dedicated transport for your cargo. This means that you have the entire vehicle to yourself, which can result in faster delivery times and more direct handling of your goods. However, it tends to be more expensive, as you do not share the costs with others.
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