Frequently Asked Questions

Standard containers come in two sizes: 20-foot and 40-foot in length. The 20-foot container can hold approximately 1050 cubic feet (the contents of a one bedroom apartment). The 40' container can hold approximately 2100 cubic feet. Specialized containers (hi-cube, refrigerated, open-top, etc.) are also available, ask us!

FCL means Full Container Load, which means all the goods in a container belong to a single shipper. LCL means Less Container Load, which is used when a shipper has to share the container with cargo of other shippers. The latter is chosen when the quantity of cargo is less.

Lever offers alternatives to coincide with both your schedule and your budget. Air shipments will generally arrive to their destination within one week of the cargo pickup or delivery.

The paperwork that goes with importing and exporting can be complicated and confusing, We will handle all paperwork on your behalf to save you time and eliminate stress, hassle and potential mistakes.

When you’re shipping internationally, you will need additional documentation in order to ensure that your shipment passes through export and import procedures smoothly. Lever will help you ensure you have all the documentation you need, but, in general, you’ll want to be prepared to produce:

• Commercial Invoice. An invoice that states the commercial price and the cost of freight, insurance, packing and other miscellaneous charges. This may also be referred to as a “pro forma invoice.”
• Certificate of Origin. Some countries require this documentation in order to identify in which country the goods were manufactured. Customs generally uses this document to enforce embargoes or calculate tariffs and duties.
• Packing List. This is simply a detailed inventory of items contained in a shipment. Although it’s often optional, it can facilitate inspection by customs and help buyers and shippers account for goods shipped.
• Material Safety Data Sheet / Hazardous Goods Form. If you’re moving potentially hazardous products via ocean freight or air freight, you’ll need one of these forms for documentation.
• Fumigation Certificate. If you’re using wooden packing materials, such as in a pallet, you may be required to provide this documentation, sometimes known as a “pest control certificate.”

Our custom experts will completely assist you with all mandatory documentation. We will help notify you of any obstacles we find as we go through the international shipping preparation process.

International shipment can and will be tracked every step of the way and you will receive all related notifications.

Nowadays, most people expect to be able to track their goods in real-time. Whether you’re importing goods for your own business use, or stock that will be delivered to an end-customer, knowing where your cargo is, and when you can expect it to arrive, is a must. Not only will it help you to plan logistic needs, but it’s also information that you can use to provide a better service to your customers. Lever has a useful online tracking system that you can use whenever you need to

A customs broker is licensed by the Department of the Treasury to conduct Customs business on behalf of clients importing products into the United States. Becoming licensed as a Customs Broker requires that the applicant must first pass a test conducted by U.S. Customs on the laws and regulations pertaining to the entry of goods into the United States. If the applicant successfully passes the test then he or she must undergo a comprehensive background investigation by U.S. Customs.

All formalities and requirements to be completed for goods entering and leaving a specific national territory in order to control and approve their transportation. The customs agent is responsible for completing these formalities on behalf of the importer or exporter, and for submitting a declaration of information to the competent customs authority in each case.

Yes, we work with highly-experienced customs brokers who handle customs clearance for your shipment.

Freight brokers connect businesses who have shipping needs, also known as shippers, with transportation carriers. The freight broker’s job is quite simple; they connect the people who have freight to move (shippers) with the people who will move it (carriers). Freight forwarders, on the other hand, are more active in the shipping process. The forwarder collects a shipment from the customer (shipper) and takes responsibility for its transportation from one location to the other, whether it’s by land, air or water. They handle freight storage, assemble/distribute the shipment as required, make arrangements for the forwarding of the cargo in accordance to the customer’s wishes, negotiate with the shipping company and oversee the delivery of freight to its destination.

A bill of lading is issued by a carrier (in the case of seafreight – referred to as Ocean Carrier).. An ocean carrier is someone who has undertaken to provide the transportation of goods from point A to point B using the waterways as the primary mode but also combining rail and road services.. A Bill of Lading, is an important transport document that has 3 basic purposes or roles..

• Evidence of Contract of Carriage
• Receipt of Goods and
• Document of Title to the goods

Commodity maybe defined as a raw material or product that is traded, such as ores, grain, coffee etc.. Commodity becomes Cargo when it enters the transportation realm.. Cargo is what is transported..

Yes, of course. We are proud of our customers being loyal to us and cooperating in the long term.

Because of your discretion and our effort to protect ourselves from competitors, we don’t make the references of our clients public on our website. However, we will be glad to provide them to you at a personal meeting.

When it comes to international freight, there are three you need to be aware of before signing a contract to ship goods internationally:

• Hazardous Materials: Double-check that any potentially hazardous materials are able to be moved by air or ocean cargo to your destination. Even if they are allowed, there will be significant restrictions and fees imposed on hazardous, so you’ll want to review the hazmat guidelines for air travel and ocean freight before committing to a purchase.
• Copyright and trademark infringement. Some countries take these violations more seriously than others. If you’re importing goods into a country with stiff rules and penalties, you could find yourself in a tough situation. Do your research beforehand to make sure any items you import don’t potentially violate any of the trademark and copyright holder’s rights.
• Customs Regulations and Fees. Know the associated import/export restrictions as well as any associated fees. Keep in mind that even items as seemingly innocuous as cosmetics may require inspection upon arrival. Doing your research up front will save you time and money in the long run.

In many cases, importers and exporters make the mistake of assuming that the carrier automatically provides insurance that will cover the cargo. Unfortunately, however, this is false. Unless the company issues you an insurance certificate your shipment is uninsured by the carrier, and it will be under your responsibility. We highly recommend that you to have cargo insurance for the safety of your shipments. 

The main difference is that a House Bill of Lading is issued by an NVOCC or freight forwarder, and usually lists the actual shipper and consignee. By contrast, a Master Bill of Lading is issued by the ship line company or mainline carrier and usually lists the agents or parties involved in the transportation of the goods. Additionally, the actual shipper of the cargo will only receive a Master Bill of Lading if they are working directly with a mainline carrier or a freight forwarder. If the shipper is working with a freight forwarder, they will receive a House Bill of Lading instead as their Bill of Lading.

We offer a wide range of trucking services and types to accommodate all of our clients’ trucking needs.If you’re unsure about whether we can supply the truck you need to ship an oversized, overweight or oddly shaped item—or what type of truck it is you need to get your shipment to where it needs to be, then give us a call. We can help you determine the trailer type that you will need to safely transport your goods or equipment.

When choosing a freight forwarder, it’s better to think in terms of value rather than cost. Not all freight forwarders offer the same service package, so ensure that you know exactly what’s included in the price you’re quoted. Equally, you don’t want to be paying for a service that you don’t need. Checking what’s included and what services are available at an add-on cost will enable you to build a freight forwarding package to suit your business requirements and budget perfectly.