How to assess the professionalism of a booking agent?

When selecting a booking agent, it is essential to focus on the following key indicators:

• Route coverage capability: High-quality agents should cover major trade routes, especially the newly added RCEP member routes in 2025.
• system integration level: The agent is required to have EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) capability and be able to connect in real-time with the Customs Single Window.
• Emergency response case: Examine its success rate in remedying rollover incidents during the 2023 global supply chain crisis.
• Compliance Qualification Certificate: Verification of FIATA International Freight Forwarding Qualifications and China Freight Forwarders Association Certification is required.

What are the key steps in the booking operation process?

The 2025 booking process has been fully digitized, with the main steps including:

• Cabin pre-screening stage
  • Please provide complete cargo information (including HS code and hazardous goods UN number).
  • Confirm the shipping company's special requirements (such as new regulations for lithium battery transportation).
• Booking Confirmation Stage
  • Obtain the electronic signature of the shipping company's SO (Shipping Order)
  • Synchronized VGM (The containerWeight verification) data
• Port entry management phase
  • Track the status of the Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR).
  • Coordinate the time windows for container truck transportation and port operations.

Year 2025The MaritimeWhat hidden costs are included in the fees?

In addition to the basic ocean freight, special attention should be paid to the following additional cost items:

• Low-carbonAdditional fees: Fees incurred under the IMO 2023 new carbon emission regulations
• Digital Bill of Lading Fee: Electronic Bill of Lading Platform Usage Fee (average $25 per bill)
• Congestion Surcharge: Berth delay fees at major ports (such as Rotterdam, Los Angeles)
• Security review fee: U.S. CTPAT, EU AEO certification review related fees

How to ensure transportation timeliness when cabin space is tight?

Aimed at 2025,shippingMarket cabin fluctuations are observed, and the following measures are recommended:

• Establish a cabin capacity early warning mechanism.: Request the agent to provide notification of main route slot availability 45 days in advance.
• Flexibly choose alternative options: The combined solution of China-Europe Railway Express and Southeast Asia feeder shipping
• Utilize the hold agreement: Sign an MQC (Minimum Quantity Commitment) contract with the shipping company.
• Set aside an emergency budget: It is recommended to increase the freight fluctuation reserve by 10-15%.

How to prevent the risk of being rolled?

According to the 2024 maritime court case data, the following preventive measures are recommended:

• Clauses of the contract are clear: Agreed compensation standard for rollover (recommended to be no less than 200% of the freight cost)
• Choose direct signing with the shipowner: Priority will be given to agents with direct contract rates (CCA).
• Real-time tracking system: Request for container GPS positioning and ship AIS dynamics.
• Purchase transportation insurance: Specifically covering the risk of letter of credit expiration due to rollover.

What are the policy changes for booking agency services in 2025?

Key new policy requirements that require special attention include:

• New Customs Declaration Policy in China: Starting from January 2025, the manifest data must include full-chain traceability information.
• The European UnionThe carbon tariffsImplementation: Request to provide a carbon emissions audit report for the transportation process.
• Mandatory electronic documents：ASEAN countries fully implement electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CO).
• Convention on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: The 42nd Amendment of the IMDG Code has added 89 new controlled substances.