Sourcing & Trade
Whether a trade works commercially is decided long before a container is booked. This is the sequence, in order, on every enquiry.
01The sequence
The sourcing and trade sequence
01
Understand the requirement
Commodity, product, specification, quantity, packing, destination and timing — in writing, so both sides work from one document.
02
Identify the sourcing route
Which routes can realistically meet the specification and volume — rather than fitting the requirement to whatever is nearest to hand.
03
Evaluate the commercial specification
Samples, analysis and specification sheets reviewed against the buyer's parameters. Independent inspection arranged where the contract calls for it.
04
Agree trade terms
Specification, quantity, packing, Incoterm, payment terms, timing and tolerances — agreed explicitly before the transaction proceeds.
05
Coordinate documentation
The trade, quality and shipping documents the contract and the destination market's import rules require.
06
Coordinate the shipment
Booking, loading and handling arranged with freight forwarders, carriers and agents. Execution sits with them; coordination and accountability sit with us.
07
Maintain communication
One point of contact through to arrival, with status shared as it changes — not only when asked.
02Reference
A note on Incoterms
Incoterms® rules define where risk and cost transfer between seller and buyer. FOB places the goods at the buyer's disposal on board the vessel at the named port of loading; CIF adds carriage and insurance to the named port of destination.
Which terms apply is agreed per contract. Nothing on this website constitutes an offer on any particular Incoterm.
Submit a trade requirement.
Set out the commodity, specification, quantity and destination. We will respond with a clear view of the sourcing route and the terms it would work on.