Frequently asked questions

Quotations and shipment arrangements

1. What freight services does Celerco offer?

Celerco arranges international ocean, air, road and rail freight for imports and exports. We can also coordinate supplier collection, customs clearance through specialist partners, warehousing, cargo insurance on request and final delivery. We handle both occasional shipments and recurring cargo flows, with a service scope tailored to each enquiry.

2. What information do I need to request a freight quotation?

Send us the origin and destination, a description of the goods, the number of packages or pallets, the dimensions of each packed unit and the total gross weight. Include the cargo readiness date and the Incoterms rule and named place agreed with your supplier. Tell us whether the cargo is stackable, contains batteries or dangerous goods, or needs temperature control. A commercial invoice and packing list, even preliminary versions, help us check the details.

3. What does the quotation include and when can extra charges arise?

The quotation sets out the route, included services and charges, currency, validity and applicable conditions. Depending on your request, it may cover collection, the main freight leg, port or airport handling, customs clearance services and delivery. Changes to weight or dimensions, inspections, storage, waiting time or additional services can affect the cost. Customs duties, import VAT and insurance are separate items and must be expressly included if required.

4. Can you arrange transport from the supplier to my delivery address?

Yes. We can arrange a door-to-door service connecting collection from the supplier with delivery to the agreed address, depending on the route and availability. Before booking, we establish responsibility for loading, customs clearance and unloading, as well as the included costs. Door-to-door describes the transport route; the allocation of obligations and taxes also depends on the agreed terms of sale.

Ocean freight

5. What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL means booking a container for your shipment, even if you do not use its full capacity. LCL means sharing container space with other shipments. The choice depends on volume, weight, cargo type, handling requirements, total cost and your delivery timeframe. We compare both options when the shipment size makes this appropriate.

6. Do you arrange ocean imports from China through the Port of Constanța?

Yes. We arrange ocean imports from China to Romania as full-container or LCL shipments, including through the Port of Constanța. Depending on the agreed service, we can coordinate collection at origin, ocean freight, destination handling, customs clearance and delivery in Romania. We can also assess routes through other European ports when they suit the delivery location and shipment schedule.

7. How do I choose the right container for my cargo?

The choice between a 20-foot, 40-foot or 40-foot High Cube container depends on the packed dimensions, volume, weight and loading method. A High Cube offers greater internal height, but a larger container does not automatically allow a heavier cargo load. For refrigerated or oversized cargo, we assess the equipment requirements and availability before providing the final quotation.

8. If I buy goods CIF Constanța, will I still have destination charges?

Yes, additional charges may apply. Under CIF, the seller pays for ocean freight and the insurance required by the rule to the named port. Risk transfers when the goods are loaded on board at origin. The buyer may still bear local charges, import clearance, import taxes and inland delivery. The carriage contract also affects local cost allocation. Before shipment, request a breakdown of prepaid services and charges payable at destination.

9. What are demurrage, detention and storage charges?

For imports, demurrage relates to container use inside the terminal, while detention relates to use outside the terminal until the empty container is returned, in both cases beyond the applicable free time. Storage covers the terminal or warehouse space occupied. Charges may be separate or partly combined, depending on the provider. The applicable rules and rates must be checked for each shipment.

10. What is free time and how can I avoid exceeding it?

Free time is the allowance before certain equipment-use or storage charges apply. Container free time and storage free time can differ. Check the starting event, how days are counted and the empty-return deadline. Prepare documents, payment and unloading in advance; the allowance is confirmed for the specific booking.

11. How long does shipping take and when should I book?

Transit time depends on the route, service, connections and booking date. Port-to-port time covers the leg between ports, while airport-to-airport time covers the leg between airports; collection, formalities and final delivery can add time. Departure and arrival dates are estimates and may change. Contact us as soon as you know when the cargo will be ready and when it is needed at destination.

Air freight

12. When is air freight a suitable option?

Air freight is worth considering for urgent goods, spare parts, samples or shipments where delivery time is particularly important. We compare the cost and estimated transit time with the available alternatives. The solution also depends on dimensions, chargeable weight, cargo type and available capacity on the selected route.

13. How is chargeable weight calculated for air freight?

Chargeable weight is generally the higher of gross weight and volumetric weight. Gross weight includes packaging and pallets; volumetric weight is based on packed dimensions. For example, using a conversion factor of 6,000 cm³/kg, 1 m³ represents approximately 167 kg. The factor, rounding rules and any minimum charges depend on the service, and final measurements may change the quoted cost.

14. Can I ship batteries or dangerous goods by air?

Some products can travel only under specific conditions, while others are restricted on certain services. Tell us at the enquiry stage if the cargo contains batteries, liquids, aerosols, chemicals or other relevant components. Depending on the product, technical information, classification, special packaging, marks and documentation may be required. Acceptance is checked with the operators involved before collection.

Customs and delivery

15. Which documents are needed for import and customs clearance?

The usual documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and authorisation for customs representation. An EORI number is also required for economic operators carrying out customs operations in the EU. Depending on the product and origin, certificates, permits or additional documents may be needed. Celerco can coordinate preparation of the shipment file and customs formalities through specialist partners.

16. Are customs duties and import VAT included in the freight price?

Customs duties and import VAT are separate from freight charges and customs clearance service fees. Any inclusion or advance payment of these amounts must be expressly agreed. The calculation depends on tariff classification, origin, cargo value, the applicable procedure and other relevant factors. An estimate requires commercial documents and an accurate product description; the final amount follows from the customs declaration and applicable rules.

17. Is my cargo automatically insured during transport?

Cargo insurance must be checked and expressly agreed. Carrier liability may be limited and does not amount to full cover for the cargo's value. On request, we can facilitate insurance before transport starts, subject to the insurer's acceptance. Relevant factors include cargo value, type and packaging, the route, covered risks and policy exclusions. If your supplier has already arranged insurance, check its scope.

18. What should I prepare for cargo or container delivery?

Confirm the exact address, contact person, receiving hours and vehicle access. Agree on the availability of unloading staff and equipment, the time allowed and who will perform the unloading. For containers, we also plan the empty return to the designated location under the booking conditions. Tell us about access restrictions or special equipment requirements early so they can be included in the arrangements and quotation.

19. How do I receive shipment updates and what happens if there is a delay?

Celerco follows shipment milestones using information from carriers and partners and communicates relevant updates. If the schedule changes or an issue arises, we assess the cause, its effect on delivery and the available options. To help identify your shipment quickly, include the file reference, container number, bill of lading number or air waybill number in your correspondence, as applicable.

20. How do I accept a quotation and what are the payment terms?

Acceptance is provided in writing against a valid quotation and the final cargo details. Booking depends on order acceptance, service availability and fulfilment of the stated conditions. Payment terms and methods are set out in the quotation or commercial agreement. If the route, quantity, dimensions, weight or cargo readiness date changes, the terms need to be reconfirmed before shipment.

Have a question about your shipment

Send the details to cc@celerco.com or call +40 722 883 883. We will help you clarify what is needed to request a freight quotation.