Shipping policy
How we quote freight, which incoterms we work on, what the transit times are, and who carries which risk.
Last updatedIncoterms we quote
We quote FOB Qingdao or FOB Tianjin as standard. CFR and CIF to your destination port are available on request. EXW is available where you have your own forwarder in China. We state the incoterm on every quotation — if it is not written, ask before comparing prices.
Loading methods
Assembled trailers and machinery ship on flat racks, one unit per 40ft rack for most models. Some trailers can be partly knocked down and shipped two or three to a rack, or containerised. Parts and axles ship in containers. We quote the options so you can compare landed cost rather than unit price.
Transit times
Indicative sailing times from Qingdao: West Africa 32–42 days, East Africa 25–32 days, Middle East 18–25 days, Southeast Asia 8–15 days, west coast South America 35–45 days. Add port and customs dwell at both ends. These are the carriers' figures, not promises — we pass on the schedule we are given.
Risk and insurance
On FOB terms, risk passes when the cargo crosses the ship's rail. Marine insurance is your responsibility unless you buy on CIF, where we arrange it at 110% of invoice value. We strongly recommend insuring flat-rack cargo: it is exposed for the whole voyage.
Inland destinations
For landlocked destinations we can arrange the inland leg to your yard through partner hauliers — Beira or Dar es Salaam for southern and eastern Africa, Durban where the route suits. Inland cost is quoted separately because it moves more than sea freight does.
Delays
Where a sailing is rolled or a port strikes, we tell you the day we know and give you the revised schedule. We do not hold bad news until you ask.
This page is a plain-language summary for buyers. The binding terms are those in the sales contract issued with your order confirmation. Where the two differ, the contract governs. Questions to info@altasinternational.com.