Across Africa, Beyond Borders

Magellan Logistics is an organisation offering boutique logistics services across East & Central Africa.

  • Can you give provide a document check list for cross border / transit cargoes that we entrust with Magellan Logistics ?.
    • Send a pre-alert of the shipment to Magellan Logistics.
    • Ensure that shipping documentation is in order.
    • Data in b/l, packing list and invoice should be identical.
    • Consignee name and address to be shown in the MBL.
    • "Cargo in Transit" to be printed on the body of MBL.
    • Ensure that MBL and HBL has accurate information. (correct Port Of Discharge, Final Place of Delivery and so on).
    • Ensure that telex release/ surrender message/ original line b/l (if applicable) is sent to the transit office before the containers arrives at the discharge port.
    • Ensure that MBL is pre-paid and that this information is transmitted by the shipping line to their office in the discharge port.
    • Ensure that all documents and information are sent to the right person in Magellan Logistics. As far as possible, provide all consignee contact details to Magellan, so that they can contact the consignee.
    • Ensure that Magellan Logistics gives you confirmation of receipt of all documents.
  • Why are containers sometimes delayed in Mombasa / Dar es Salaam / Beira ?
    • Inconsistent information in clearing documents (mismatch in data appearing in b/l, packing list and invoice).
    • Incorrect information (consignee address and final place of delivery are different or “cargo in transit” clause is not mentioned in the MBL).
    • Wrong manifestation by shipping lines. (example : filing transit cargo as local cargo).
    • Customs delays (scanning, 100% verification).
    • Port delays (delay in loading cargo, congestion at gates, lack of equipment).
    • Delays by clearing agent (wrong declaration, insufficient bond).
    • Delays by transporters (unavailability of trucks).
    • Inability to obtain a pair (for light 20’ containers).
    • Overweight cargo not correctly declared by the shipper.
  • What are the possible delays in transit ?
    • Truck break-down / bad road conditions / issues with drivers.
    • Delays at weighbridge (overweight cargo or due to cargo not loaded uniformly inside the container).
    • Delay in clearance at border by the consignee (especially at the Zambian border).
    • Delays at the border (high traffic, inefficient border clearance procedures).
  • How does Magellan Logistics deal with cargo claims ?
    • We require the shipper/consignee to take cargo insurance.
    • Our main focus is to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly during the clearance & delivery process.
    • In the event that there is an accident/damage, we have a specific Standard Operating Procedure to deal with such incidents that involves gathering the required data/documents and passing them on to the relevant authorities and insurance companies.

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