Perguntas Frequentes

What's a freight forwarder?

It’s a licensed company, as is the case of Geocargo, which is dedicated to freight forwarding activity,

this is understood to mean the planning and organisation of operations relating to the international transport of goods, complementary logistical activities and their distribution.
experienced in all modes of transport - road, rail, air and sea
able to provide economic and efficient freight transport solutions based on customer demand
able to organise the storage of cargo
able to arrange the distribution or "routing" of cargo according to their client's instructions
able to negotiate freight rates with carriers, shipping companies, airlines and railways
process all relevant shipping documents such as certificates of origin, customs and port documentation, bills of lading and associated shipping/trading documentation (Eur 1, Certificate of Origin, etc.)
issue their own approved bill of lading (HBL) or air waybill (HAWB)
organise the transport of cargo to and from the customer's premises and the port or airport or have an in-depth knowledge of cargo movement over the border
MAY or MAY NOT also do customs clearance
MAY or MAY NOT be accredited to customs, port, etc. and may not clear customs if not accredited
acts as a carrier in cases where they issue domestic bills of lading

The freight forwarding activity is regulated by Decree Law 255/99, amended by Law 5/2013 - consult here https://www.apat.pt/site/uploads/paginas/documentos/613AA6A3-B3B10_1.pdf the updated version - and the respective services are provided in accordance with the "General Conditions for the Provision of Services by Forwarding Companies" - consult here https://www.apat.pt/site/uploads/paginas/documentos/2026564A-A6B50_1.pdf and here https://www.apat.pt/site/uploads/paginas/documentos/D2CBC448-8F0B0_1.pdf the updated version.

What are the advantages of using Geocargo's services?

specialized services provide efficient and stress-free interactions for the transportation of goods. There are many advantages for companies using Geocargo's freight forwarding solutions.

Some of the most significant advantages are:

In-depth knowledge of the elements of the supply chain, which enables us to meet tight deadlines through our organized and thought-out system for delivering goods.
We deal with and overcome unforeseen obstacles, such as delayed goods or misdirected services, so you don't waste time solving these problems.
We provide excellent customer service by offering a worldwide network of global agents, ensuring a streamlined process.
Cost reduction: we negotiate costs due to the large volume of goods, we are privileged partners with carriers, sea, air and rail companies.
No contracts: we offer more freedom for your business, because we work without binding contracts. Having the freedom to choose carriers also ensures higher levels of above-standard customer service.
Assistance for all levels of shipping, from packing to warehouse and customs.
We ensure your goods reach the correct destinations, saving you money.

What are the services provided by Geocargo?

Inventory management
Door-to-door services
Purchase order tracking
On-demand reporting
Insurance
Customs clearance and other customs operations
International export and import documentation
Packaging - including consolidation of articles
Warehousing

Analysing your company's unique shipping and transport needs will determine if shipping is right for you. Remember that Geocargo's main goal is to alleviate the daunting tasks associated with freight forwarding and transportation and we are therefore the ideal partner to keep your company moving by allowing you to focus your management on your business.

How can I start working with Geocargo?

Very simple, follow all the steps that are given to you in Quotation/Budget.

What documents are necessary for an export?

Commercial invoice indicating the compulsory information, including the value of the goods VAT exemption scheme, the INCOTERM
Packing list
Certificates of origin/EUR 1 (depending on the destination country)
Export and import licenses if required by the type of goods and the country you are shipping to
Phytosanitary if the type of goods and country of destination require it
AAD/EDA in the case of alcoholic beverages and alcohol.

What documents are necessary in an import?

Commercial invoice that in addition to the mandatory information (e.g. valid TIN or EORI, or total amount), must mention the PAUTAL POSITION HTS code, currency and INCOTERM;
Packing list
Certificates of origin/EUR 1 (depending on the country of origin) may exempt or reduce the % duty
Certificates of Conformity
Export and import licenses if the type of goods and the country you are receiving them from require it
Phytosanitary if the type of goods require it
Declaration of insurance / non-insurance
Power of Attorney to appoint forwarder or 3rd declarant
Bill of Lading or Air waybill

Who is responsible for insuring my goods?

A shipment has thousands of miles to cover, there is always the possibility of something going wrong, so having the right insurance cover is essential. It is important to know who is responsible for this, and whether it is included in the initial cost, available as an additional service or is something you need to arrange yourself. Geocargo offers freight insurance as an additional service, giving customers a convenient and flexible insurance option.

Is Geocargo an accredited company?

Accreditations are a reference of high standards and professionalism, so ask your freight forwarder what accreditations they currently hold. Geocargo is a member of APAT - Portuguese Freight Forwarders Association. We are also an International Air Transport Association (IATA) licensed freight forwarder and an ANAC Recognized Agent.

What is Geocargo's experience?

Ask yourself whether you would trust your cargo, and potentially the smooth running and reputation of your business, to a freight forwarder who has little or no experience. Geocargo has been a freight forwarder since 1995.

Does Geocargo have an international network of agents?

A freight forwarder is only as good as its network, so Geocargo has well-established international connections to help move your cargo seamlessly around the world and offer you the best quotes. We currently have representations in over 100 countries worldwide.

What freight transport services do you offer?

The three main types of ocean freight services include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO).
We can ship by any other methods such as air and road transport as well, to ensure the most suitable transport solution for you.

Who is responsible for organising the relevant documentation?

One of the main aims of using Geocargo is to reduce the stress and hassle involved in importing and exporting goods, so it is important to confirm that we will handle all relevant documentation on your behalf.
As experienced freight forwarders we are well trained in completing export and import formalities.

Can I track my cargo?

Having a reliable facility that allows you to track your shipment is invaluable, not only for peace of mind and convenience, but also to allow any delays to be communicated to customers or relevant contacts as soon as possible. Geocargo provides access to innovative online tracking systems that will allow you to check the status of your shipment at any time of the day or night.

What extra services do you offer?

One of the main reasons you are likely to use Geocargo is to simplify the complicated process of international movement of goods, so if you can get all your needs met, all the better. We can offer a complete service, with options to take care of your cargo from product origin to storage and distribution, through packing or repacking.

We are committed to excellence!

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