For a successful transportation of cargo, certain rules, regulations and conditions must be observed. They are provided for in the decrees of the Government, the orders of the Ministry of Transport, and the international agreements. Violation of the transportation rules entails administrative sanctions and fines.
International rules for transportation of goods
Goods travel through various countries, which entails absolute compliance with international conventions and the agreements with those countries, in order for cargo to be delivered safely and on time. Depending on the chosen shipping method, we refer to the Berne Convention, COTIF, SMGS – for rail transport; Brussels Convention, Visby Rules, UNN – for sea transport; Warsaw Convention, Guatemalan, Montreal Protocols – when using air transport; The AETR Agreement, the TIR Customs Convention, the CMR – for road transport. Transportation of dangerous, heavy and oversized cargo has different regulations.
Trucking
In international traffic, road transport is carried out taking into account the protocols of road traffic, the signs and signals, the contract for the international transportation of goods by road (TIR). The vehicle is tested for technical compliance with the standards, the TIR sign is attached to it and a single TIR document is issued. Sealed cargo is not subject to customs inspection. The required documents include a packing list, a CMR, export authorization, certificates and licenses for goods.
Cargo transportation by rail
Rail freight transport is a widely-used mode of transport in foreign economic activity. The consignor has to ensure reliable packaging of products and comply with the weight parameters. Proper loading and unloading must be carried out. There are particular rules for preparation of transport documents, which have to be followed. These documents include invoices, a trade agreement, a declaration with the correct codes in accordance with the Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity, proof of payment, and any additional documents upon request.
Air transport
Transportation of goods by air is carried out by passenger or cargo planes. The Warsaw and Montreal conventions regulate transportation modes and the responsibility of the parties. The factors of temperature, humidity, application of special signs, labels, packaging should also be taken into account so that the products are delivered safely and do not cause harm. The nature of the cargo determines the choice of aircraft; airports and airlines may have certain restrictions.
Transportation by sea
The Hamburg and Hague – Visby rules regulate international carriage of goods by sea. Under these rules the carrier is obliged to make the ship seaworthy, properly and carefully load, handle, stow, carry, keep, care for, and discharge the goods carried. They also provide for the liability of the carrier and shipper, and the periods of transfer of responsibility from the shipper to the carrier. Much attention is paid to safety of the crew and the port workers.
International cargo transportation is a complex process that requires the need to navigate through legal documents, to introduce new laws, know specific features of the cargo, and prepare all necessary documents for it. Contact MW-Trade: our specialists have extensive experience that they use on a daily basis in order to create the most efficient routes. We guarantee safe and prompt delivery of your cargo.
