FAQs
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What is a freight forwarder?
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A freight forwarder is a logistics company that organizes, coordinates, and manages the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers or consignees. Freight forwarders arrange domestic and international transport, select suitable carriers, handle documentation, coordinate customs clearance, and optimize routing, transit times, and costs across the supply chain.
As an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier), NC Norden Cargo can also issue its own House Bill of Lading (HBL) and act as a contractual carrier toward its customers.
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How do I get started?
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
What makes you different?
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
What information is required to request a freight quotation?
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How can I contact you?
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What are Incoterms?
What is the difference between demurrage and storage ?
What is the difference between LCL and FCL shipments?
What is a Bill of Lading (BL / HBL)?
What is an Air Waybill (AWB / HAWB)?
What are dangerous goods?
What is a Certificate of Origin?
What documents are required for international shipping?
What is an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)?
Which liability regulations apply to freight forwarding and NVOCC services?
What is the difference between demurrage, detention, and storage?
Do you handle export and import customs clearance?
Do you offer cargo insurance?
To prepare an accurate and competitive freight quote, the following information is required:
Gross weight
Volume (CBM)
Dimensions
Number of packages
Incoterm (e.g. EXW, FCA, FOB, DAP, DDP)
Pick-up address (depending on the Incoterm)
Commodity description
Type of cargo (general cargo, dangerous goods, refrigerated, oversized, etc.)
Based on this data, we can recommend the most suitable transport solution, such as sea freight, air freight, LCL, or FCL.
Incoterms® are international trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities, costs, and risk transfer between buyer and seller in an international transaction. While their use is not mandatory, Incoterms are a global standard in international trade.
Below is an overview of commonly used Incoterms® 2020:
EXW – Ex Works The seller makes the goods available at their premises. The buyer bears all risks and costs from that point onward.
FCA – Free Carrier The seller delivers the goods to a carrier or another party nominated by the buyer at an agreed place. Risk transfers once delivery is completed at the named location.
CPT – Carriage Paid To The seller arranges and pays for transportation to the agreed destination. Risk transfers to the buyer upon handover to the first carrier.
CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid To Similar to CPT, but the seller is also required to provide transport insurance, usually with minimum coverage.
FOB – Free On Board Applicable to sea freight only. The seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the vessel. Risk transfers once the goods are on board.
DAP – Delivered At Place The seller delivers the goods to the agreed destination place, ready for unloading. The
buyer is responsible for unloading as well as import customs clearance, duties, and taxes.
DPU – Delivered at Place Unloaded The seller bears all costs and risks until the goods are delivered and unloaded at the agreed destination.
DDP – Delivered Duty Paid The seller assumes maximum responsibility, including transport, customs clearance, duties, and taxes at destination.
Demurrage refers to the free time granted by the shipping line for the use of a container at the port of origin or destination. Once this free time expires, daily demurrage charges apply. Demurrage applies only to containerized cargo (FCL).
Storage refers to charges applied by a port terminal or warehouse for storing cargo beyond the free storage period. Storage applies to both LCL and FCL cargo.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Cargo that does not fill a full container. Multiple shipments from different shippers are consolidated into one container.
FCL (Full Container Load): A full container is used exclusively for one shipper or consignee, regardless of whether it is fully utilized.
The Bill of Lading is the most important document in sea freight. It serves as:
A contract of carriage
A document of title
A receipt for the goods
An HBL (House Bill of Lading) is issued by an NVOCC or freight forwarder, while an MBL (Master Bill of Lading) is issued by the ocean carrier.
The Air Waybill is the transport document used in air freight. Unlike a Bill of Lading, it is not a document of title but serves as proof of the contract of carriage and a receipt of goods.
MAWB: Issued by the airline
HAWB: Issued by the freight forwarder
Dangerous goods are substances or articles that can pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment if not properly handled during transport.
According to United Nations regulations, dangerous goods are classified into nine classes:
Explosives
Gases
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids
Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
Toxic and infectious substances
Radioactive material
Corrosive substances
Miscellaneous dangerous goods
A Certificate of Origin confirms the country where the goods were manufactured. It is used by customs authorities to determine eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Depending on the agreement, duties may be reduced or fully exempted. Eligibility depends on tariff classification, rules of origin, and the correct certificate format.
Documentation requirements vary by country, transport mode, and type of cargo. The most common documents include:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Transport document (Bill of Lading or Air Waybill)
Depending on the shipment, additional documents such as certificates, licenses, or customs documents may be required.
An NVOCC is a logistics company that acts as a contractual carrier without operating its own vessels. An NVOCC purchases freight space from ocean carriers and resells it to shippers under its own conditions.
As an NVOCC, NC Norden Cargo can:
Issue its own House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Offer independent freight rates
Assume carrier responsibility toward the customer
Manage consolidated and direct container services
Liability regulations depend on the mode of transport and the contractual role:
Sea freight shipments are generally subject to international maritime conventions such as the Hague-Visby Rules
Air freight shipments are governed by the Montreal Convention
Freight forwarding services may be subject to national forwarding conditions, depending on the contractual agreement
Specific liability limits and responsibilities are defined in the applicable transport contract and terms and conditions.
Demurrage refers to charges for containers remaining at the port or terminal beyond the free time granted by the shipping line.
Detention applies when a container is kept outside the terminal (e.g. at the consignee’s premises) longer than the agreed free time.
Storage refers to charges for storing cargo or containers at a terminal or warehouse beyond the allowed free storage period.
Yes. We support export and import customs clearance as well as transit procedures, subject to local regulations and requirements.
To ensure smooth customs processing, accurate documentation and correct commodity classification are essential.
Cargo insurance can be arranged upon request. It is important to note that carrier liability is limited by international conventions and does not cover the full value of the goods.
For valuable or sensitive cargo, we strongly recommend transport insurance to protect against loss or damage during transit.