What documents am I supposed to receive from BE FORWARD regarding my shipment?
You, as an importer, are supposed to receive the following documents:
1. Bill of Lading (B/L) 2. Insurance Document (if your purchase is CIF) 3. Export Certificate (also called the “Deregistration Certificate” or “Cancellation of Registration” form) 4. Commercial Invoice
If your government requires, we will also send you the following:
5. Inspection Certificate 6. Export Permit (also called the “Bill of Entry”)
What is the consignee?
The consignee is the vehicle’s “owner-to-be.” Please list the consignee’s full name as well as the “real” name shown on his/her passport or ID, full address (without any abbreviations), and phone number(s).
It is important to understand the following when providing us with your booking information:
・ Your booking will be delayed by the shipping company if the consignee’s full name and address are not provided. Complete information must be provided. ・ The consignee's name cannot have any spelling mistakes. Even the smallest error can be subject to a B/Lamendment, which may cost you additional fees and time.
I have a South African client who wants me to buy a vehicle from BE FORWARD on his/her behalf. Should I use the client’s South African address for the DHL delivery address?
You need to verify that your client has an Import Permit from the ITAC and a Letter of Authority (LOA) from the NRCSbefore purchasing a vehicle on his/her behalf. The South African government has very strict regulations that allow only certified suppliers, who have obtained an Import Permit and LOA, to import foreign vehicles.
Why must I provide the full name and address of the consignee?
Shipping companies require that full information be provided. The B/L is an official document that determines/proves the owner of the cargo and, therefore, the consignee's full name and address, as written on his/her passport or ID must be used.
・ Your booking will be delayed by the shipping company if the consignee’s full name and address are not provided. Complete information must be provided. ・ The consignee”s name cannot have any spelling mistakes. Even the smallest error can be subject to a B/Lamendment, which may cost you additional fees and time.
What is the Notify Party?
This is the person that the shipping agent contacts to notify the confirmed arrival date of your vessel to the port. If you have a private clearing agent, you may list them here, though it is not mandatory as you do not need to declare a clearing agent on the B/L. If you have not hired an agent, it is easiest to simply write in “Same as Consignee.”
What is the DHL Delivery Address?
This is the required information you provide so that we can mail your documents, including your B/L, by DHL courier. Please provide the full name of the recipient, full address (without any abbreviations), and phone number(s).
Please be warned that incomplete information may delay the dispatch of your documents.
Why must I provide the full name and address for the DHL Delivery Address?
This information is required so that we can mail your documents, including your B/L, by DHL courier. Please provide the full name of the recipient, full address (without any abbreviations), and phone number(s).
Please be warned that incomplete information may delay the dispatch of your documents.
Can I verify that all information is correct on the B/L before you send it?
Yes, we will upload a PDF of your B/L and other documents to your CAP.
Can I ask you to change vehicle information on the B/L or any other documents?
Absolutely not! Altering information on the B/L or on any other documents we provide you is illegal. BE FORWARD does not participate in illegal actions, regardless of the reason.
My country’s customs office is asking for a packing list. Can you provide this document?
We do not provide a packing list, but our Commercial Invoicecan replace it. All relevant information found on the packing list is included on the commercial invoice. If you have concerns about submitting the commercial invoice to your country’s customs office, please know that past customers have never had any problems with authorities as a result of using this document.
Can I track the documents that you will send me?
Yes. Your CAP lists the DHL tracking number once your documents are processed for dispatch. The tracking number on your CAP will change to a DHL tracking log if you click on the number.
My DHL tracking log is not showing that my documents are being shipped. Is there something wrong?
We kindly ask that you wait 24 business hours before contacting us to report any problems with your DHL tracking log. The tracking log begins providing information once the package has been physically picked up and scanned into DHL’s system by the DHL representative.
Because our staff is continually processing dispatches from opening to closing each business day, this may mean that your dispatch is processed after the last scheduled DHL pickup for the day, and will therefore be picked up on the next business day.
