Dear Client,
The purpose of this contract is to give our clients as much information as possible about how our shipping procedure works.
The information in this contract provides the client with full control over their shipment. Securing proper delivery of cargo to
the final destination is a team effort between the shipping company and you (the shipper). The documents explicitly explain
how the shipping procedure works. We ask that you please take the time to read the information in this important document.
Initial the space where designated and sign the document electronically at the bottom.
**In the event of national emergency /outbreak, airline cancellations -due to weather, national disasters, national emergency, out breaks;
If the cargo was picked up, and moved to one of our warehouse facilities nationwide and we receive instruction as a result of the above the customer is able to pick up the cargo from destination warehouse at the gateway free of charge within 30 days. If the customer wishes the cargo to be returned to his facility the customer will be responsible and pay any return fees. This is also applicable for Ocean freight shipments and inland transportation.
PACKING NEEDS:
A packing list is required to protect the value of your items and to clear customs at the destination
Proper packing is the responsibility of the shipper, purchase new heavy duty boxes from U-Haul, Lowes, Home Depot or any other facility that sells boxes
Buy new boxes, bubble wrap, clear packing tape and black markers
Use bubble wrap generously to cover all fragile items; DO NOT use paper towels or towels to wrap fragile items as items will break in transit. Make sure to use a generous amount of bubble wrap for your items
When boxes are in transit air pockets can collapse, and items are not protected
We suggest using small boxes (16x12x12) for books, cd’s (heavy & dense items)
Using medium boxes (18x18x16) for clothing, shoes & personal item
Using large boxes (18x18x24) for bulky items that do not fit in smaller boxes.
We DO NOT recommend using X-Large boxes as they are difficult to handle
A detailed packing list with the values MUST be presented for each box or luggage
You may also request professional packers when needed (for an additional fee)
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
Every country has a list of prohibited items into the country; here is a list of a few of them
- Alcoholic beverages; any item containing alcohol (food or beverage)
- Dangerous & hazardous chemicals
- All Narcotic drugs
- Gambling machines
- Firearms (real or ornamental) guns, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, spears and other wedged weapons (owner subject to investigation, fines and /or imprisonment)
- Pornographic materials: such as books, DVD’s, magazines
- Medication WITHOUT prescription for personal use is prohibited and subject to possible confiscation. All kinds of
medicines including diabetic patient are allowed as long as accompanied by a doctor prescription and for personal
use only.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding what you are shipping internationally we recommend that
you contact the customs for the destination country you are shipping to and find out if your items is prohibited.
100% of all shipments air & ocean, boxes, luggage, checked, hand carried and/or shipped on a cargo jet or ocean
vessel are subject to inspection by one of the following means; x-ray, sniffer dog, or manually. Products may be
selected at random by the inspecting Customs officer. Delays and fees may be incurred during this process. Any
fees incurred are the responsibility of the customer. Should the material be rejected at the time of inspection, it
will be confiscated for destruction and CANNOT be returned to the owner.
PICTURES:
Your cargo is traveling a long distance and will be handled by several different people and we want to ensure the
safety of your cargo
We require pictures of your boxes and or luggage prior to pick up. Once your pictures have been received via email
our customer service team will provide you with a packing evaluation based on the pictures received
Pictures and a packing are an important document to know exactly what you are shipping, should a piece get lost in
transit, we can provide the information to the domestic carrier in a speedy manor
INTERMEDIARY:
We here at Universal Express International are a licensed intermediary company and TSA Regulated, as are our branches and
affiliates, by being a licensed intermediary we are able to bridge the gap between our customers and the carriers
We DO NOT own either the planes or the vessels
We are like a travel agent for your cargo and licensed to help you ship your items to the carrier warehouse.
We have major contract with all major trucking companies, airlines and steamship carriers
Carriers like FedEx, UPS or Yellow Freight move your cargo domestically and carriers like Emirates or OOCL move your cargo
internationally
Our goal is to provide you with the best shipping service at the lowest price available and also to educate you and help guide
you to ship your items efficiently
In case of a claim, Universal Express International Inc., its branches and affiliates will assist you with processing your claim with the carrier
AUTOMATIC INSURANCE:
Domestic: $100 per parcel (lost or damaged)
International: Air Freight $20 per kilogram
International: Ocean freight $100 per parcel (lost or damaged)
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE:
$25 Minimum or 3% of the total declared value for Personal Effect/Household goods – $500 Deductible
$25 Minimum or 1.5% of the total declared value of the goods for Commercial shipments – $1000 Deductible
$25 Minimum or 1.5% of the total declared value of the goods for Automobiles – $1000 Deductible
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH VALUE ITEMS
Additional insurance MUST be marked on the initial reservation and listed on the final shipping documents
Additional insurance MUST be decided on and insurance policy processed prior to pick up
A copy of the insurance policy will be emailed to the customer showing cargo has been insured for declared value
Disclaimer: Universal Express International and HomeShipping.com has a limited liability of $100 per parcel. The
shipper or receiver will be dealing directly with the “Marine Insurance company”. If shipment was routed with
FedEx, the insurance will be cut directly with FedEx. If the marine insurance was cut through a third-party
insurance company, the customer is responsible for the claim, the follow up. Universal Express International
and/or HomeShipping.com shall not be responsible for any damage or loss to the goods. We will only help in the
process. The customer [Sender or receiver] will waive all the rights to go after Universal Express or
HomeShipping in case of damage, loss or insurance dispute. The customer ill work with the insurance company
or the carrier to claim losses or damaged items.
TV WAIVER:
I understand that the airline carrier and ocean lines DO NOT cover TV(s) in case of damage
Insurance companies, airline carriers and ocean lines DO NOT cover DAMAGED TV(s)
Lost TV(S) will be covered based on the value presented prior to shipping
Shipping TV(S) internationally is allowed, just make sure it is well packed and well covered
Insurance policy for televisions will only cover televisions that are brand new in original manufacture box not opened or packed
professionally by a professional packing company (professionally packed invoice will be required)
DESTINATION FEES:
I understand that there will be additional fees in the destination country when my cargo arrives
The consignee (person receiving cargo) in the destination country is responsible for any and all fees
Destination fees are airport and or ocean terminal fees that are billed directly to the receiver of the cargo
Destination fees include receiving the shipment from the vessel or plane, warehousing the cargo, dismantling of cargo and
preparing final paperwork
Destination fees are determined and paid directly to the destination country in local currencies, We DO NOT profit from it, we
want our clients to understand and know what to expect
Airport Fees worldwide are estimated $100 based on the weight and size of shipment.
Seaport fees worldwide are estimated $350 based on the shipment and are determined by the agent in the destination
country; this is only the Terminal (warehouse) fee. NOT A CUSTOMS DUTY FEE
ANY & ALL FEES DUE WITH THE CARGO ARRIVING ONTO THE DESTINATION COUNTRY ARE DETERMINED BY THE AGENT AND ARE PAID BY THE CONSIGNEE TO THE AGENT IN THE DESTINATION COUNTRY. WE AT UNIVERSAL EXPRESS/HOMESHIPPING DO NOT PROFIT FROM THESE FEES.
Additional fees might include the following; destination fees, duties, customs fees, handling, taxes, storage fee or any other
fees that is required to be paid by the destination country.
Some electronics and other luxury items may be subject to DUTY based on the country
For door delivery service the consignee is responsible to pay any additional fees (VAT, taxes, duties, handling or any additional
fees) due in the destination country.
It is important to know about destination fees when shipping internationally. We advise that you or the consignee to contact
the customs in the destination country advise what you are shipping and they can advise you on what to expect at the
international port
Learning about destination fees prior to shipping internationally will avoid surprises at destination
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Terms and Conditions document (initialed, signed & returned)
Payment due in full for domestic & door to door shipment prior to pick up
Detailed Packing list example:
Box 1 Books & cd’s $55 Box 2 Kids clothing $100
Bag 1 blue- men’s clothing & shoes $250 Bag 2 pink- women’s clothing, hand bag & shoes $450
Pictures of boxes or luggage
WEIGHT AND MEASURE:
Customer service will guide the client how to weigh and measure boxes or bags
If you have a scale weigh yourself then step off pick up one piece at a time then step back on the scale the difference will be the
weight of the box or luggage
Using a tape measure, measure the length, width & height of your boxes or luggage
Customer service cannot see your shipment over the phone; therefore, the shipping rate is estimated based on the information
provided from you the client
Over size boxes will incur oversize fees equivalent to $1.75 per pound for each volume metric weight, volume weight per pound
Lx W x H divided by 166 or Lx W x H divided by 366 per kilogram. To avoid the fee, use small, medium or large boxes
Boxes that are extra-large or double extra-large, bicycle boxes, large stroller boxes, or any odd shape boxes including auto parts
(bumper and other) will be subject to this fee. To avoid this fee use small, medium or large boxes
Finally, for boxes that carry furniture or equipment please make sure that you provide the exact dimensions to customer
service to avoid any additional surprises
INITIAL PRICING:
Customer service will provide you with an estimated shipping rate based on the weight and dimensions of the cargo provided
by the client; rates are estimated and subject to change once received into the customs warehouse
Provide to the customer service agent the weight and dimensions of each box or luggage you are shipping
Based on your final number of pieces and dimensions we can calculate your estimated shipping rate before picking up
LABELS GENERATED: BY UEI/HOMESHIPPING STAFF
Shipping labels are extremely important, that is how your cargo is tracked 24/7
Each label MUST be securely affixed to each box or luggage (a how-to video will be sent via email along with your shipping
labels)
If you have a FedEx location close to your home, we recommend that you go to the location and get luggage pouches
For an additional fee label can be prepared and sent to you overnight via FedEx
Each piece will have its own label; example if you are shipping 5 pieces you will receive 5 separate labels (if labels are not
securely affixed to the pieces they can fall off and cargo can get lost
Labels are sent via email to the client the day before the scheduled pick up
DO NOT give your items to the FedEx driver without labels
If labels are not received by 4pm Pacific Time Day before the scheduled pick up please call the office at 1-800-252-5262
Using a black marker, write name, telephone and tracking number on each box or bag
LABELS RECEIVED:
Once you receive the labels via email, print them out and securely affix them to the bags or luggage
There are many ways to secure labels to you bag, box or any item you are shipping
Start by using heavy duty CLEAR packing tape to secure labels
Completely cover the label onto the box or luggage (video will be sent via email)
If you have a FedEx location close to you we recommend that you get luggage tags or shipping pouches
PICK UP FROM YOUR HOME, HOTEL OR BUSINESS
We pick up most parcels using our domestic business partner FedEx
All shipments can be tracked and traced 24/7 from pick up to our warehouse
Pick up’s can be done within 24 hours; as long as all required documents have been received
For local pickups in the South Bay the driver has 15 minutes to pick up your cargo from your location, an additional charge of
$25 will be applied per every additional 15 minutes of wait time
We suggest that you schedule you pick up 1 week in advance, this will enable us to address all your questions and concerns
regarding your pick up
You or an adult will need to be available during the pickup hours to give the shipment to FedEx
If you are in a hotel – FedEx is NOT allowed to come to your room to pick up your shipment, you will need to coordinate with
the hotel where cargo needs to be stored for pick up
Pick up’s take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am-6pm
FedEx drivers DO NOT have access to a phone and DO NOT call prior to pick up
If you are unable to wait for FedEx during the 8am-6pm time frame, we can provide you with a FedEx Ground location that
accepts drop-offs, once labels have been received and affixed to cargo you can drop them off.
Make sure your FedEx labels are secured to each piece
Secure buildings and skyscrapers where parking is difficult, please bring items to the front desk
If there is no elevator or you have bulky item, please bring items to the first level
If you live in a gated apartment complex, you will need to provide the access code so that the driver can gain entry to the
complex ~ if the driver does not have access they will not be able to pick up your pieces
WAREHOUSE DROP OFF PROCEDURES:
1- Make sure you are at the right facility. Park in designated parking spot at the location.
2- DO NOT off load your cargo yet
3- Only ONE PERSON may take documents into the office and advise them you are dropping off cargo
4- Let the Representative know where your car is located at and She/he will direct you where to park to unload
5- Make sure that all cargo is well packed, well taped (follow taping instructions) and label accordingly to our
instructions
6- Please take pictures before you off load
7- Be prepared- The warehouse allows for 15 minutes to off load cargo. However, you might expect delays if there are
customers ahead of you
8- After you off load the cargo ask for a receipt. If for whatever reason they do not give you a receipt ask them to sign
your delivery order
**Important:
These offices are TSA regulated offices and we have to adhere to the following
A- All boxes, bags & pallets are to be labeled
B- Only one person deals with the office and paperwork
C- Off-loading cargo is the responsibility of the Shipper. Please be prepared
D- Warehouse offers forklift and high dock when needed
E- Any item not well packed will be refused by the warehouse to protect the client. Please make sure all boxes are well
packed.
F- All cargo must be well packed prior to delivering to the warehouse. No packing up of boxes while in the warehouse
parking lot. All cargo MUST be packed and ready for delivery prior to dropping off at the warehouse
CARGO RECEIVED AT WAREHOUSE:
Upon receiving the cargo at the customs warehouse, the staff will verify the weight/dimensions and or cubic meter (cargo by
ocean) and measure each piece
If any discrepancies the rate will be adjusted accordingly
If there is any repacking needed, we will advise you in advance
Pictures of cargo received into the warehouse are available upon written request
The airline and ocean carrier will also verify weight/dimensions or cubic meters upon receipt of the cargo
FINAL PRICING:
The final price is based on the information we receive from the customs warehouse
Final Air Rates are determined by the actual or dimensional kilograms (whichever is higher) of the total shipment
Final Ocean Rates are determined based on the total cubic meters of your shipment
The airline and Ocean carrier will also verify weight, dimensions and cubic meters of the shipment upon receipt of the cargo
Once information has been received, customer service will provide the client with the final shipping rate, payment options and
warehouse storage fees
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
- Direct Deposit at any Bank of America (no fees) customer must provide via email transaction receipt to avoid delays
with cargo moving forward
- Wire Transfer (no fees)
- Credit Card (5% processing fee per credit card company) once payment has been processed customer will receive a
receipt via email. Second decline of a credit card for payment will result in a $25 fee to be added to final amount due
pursuant to the credit card authorization form.
- PayPal [email protected] (5% processing fee)
BOOKING & DEPARTURE:
Once payment has been received in full, your shipment is booked with the Air or Ocean carrier
ETD: estimated time of departure ETA: estimated time of arrival
Departure dates provided are estimated and subject to change based on availability. We are an intermediary and cannot
control departures of the aircrafts, the ocean vessels or the trucks.
Arrival dates provided are estimated and subject to change based on availability. We are an intermediary and cannot control
arrivals of the aircrafts or ocean vessels
We are not responsible for any changes in departure from the U.S. or arrivals in to the destination country.
Delays can be caused by port congestion, weather, holidays, new carrier regulations, government or human error
AIR SHIPMENTS- Once we have received the booking confirmation from the carrier it will be emailed to you. The airway bill will
include the carrier, tracking number and ETD/ETA again the dates provided are estimated
OCEAN SHIPMENTS- once payment has been made in full; you will receive via email the Draft Bill of lading, which will include
shipping information it is important to review for accuracy and reply with any changes that need to be made or document
approval, within 24 hours of receipt of the email. Changes made after the time frame are subject to a fee. Should modifications
be required after the allotted time frame, consignee will be subjected to $100.00 amendment fees
Once the carrier has provided to us in writing sailing/on board confirmation we will provide to you the Final bill of lading via
email and it will include all the shipping details.
DOCUMENTS EMAILED:
AIR SHIPMENT- the Airway bill will be sent via email once booking has been confirmed, it will include airline carrier, tracking
number, departure date and estimated arrival date
OCEAN SHIPMENT- A Bill of Lading will be sent via email once the ocean carrier has confirmed cargo loaded and carrier has
departed, document will include receiving destination agent, phone number, tracking number, departure/arrival date,
container and seal number
A copy of the certificate of origin (if needed)
A copy of the AES customs filing for shipments $2500 and above
Transit time estimated 48-60 days once the vessel is on water and has departed from the United States
OCEAN FREIGHT: LESS THAN A CONTAINER (LCL)
Less than a container load (LCL) is designated for personal items and larger shipments
It is recommended for shipments 500 lbs/230 kgs or greater
All items shipped by LCL MUST be packed in boxes or luggage, Shipper is responsible for all packing
Some countries require LCL shipments be palletized and shipped as one unit
We can pick up from any address in the USA to most worldwide destinations
Transit time: estimated 48-60 days once the vessel is on water and has departed the United States
Boxes can be received dusty or worn down upon receipt in the destination country, due to the long transit time
Draft bill of lading will be sent via email for review and approval once payment has been made in full. It is important to
review/approve or reply and make changes within 48 hours of receipt of the document. Information on this document is what
will be provided to the destination agent.
Final bill of lading will be sent via email once the carrier has confirmed vessel has departed the United States
OCEAN FREIGHT: FULL CONTAINER LOAD (FCL)
Full container load (FCL) is designed for larger loads like furniture and commercial shipments
Partial payment of $1000 is required prior to dispatch of container
Containers may be placed at your home, warehouse or place of business
Containers are subject to residential loading fees, shipper is responsible for any permits required by the city, and customer is
responsible if trucker gets a ticket due to not having proper documents from the city/police department
Shipper is responsible for loading, there is NO lift gate, and container is about 5’ off the ground
Additional professional loading is available and starts at $680 per container and can go up
Containers can be loaded from any address in the USA to most worldwide destinations
Most trucking companies allow two free hours of loading time and then charge $150 each additional waiting hour
Destination fees for full container loads are estimated $1500-2000
Transit time estimated 48-60 days once the vessel is on water and has departed the United States
Draft bill of lading will be sent via email for review and approval once payment has been made in full. It is important to
review/approve or reply and make changes within 48 hours of receipt of the document. Information on this document is what
will be provided to the destination agent.
Final documents will be sent via courier once the vessel has confirmed departure of the vessel
US CUSTOMS INSPECTIONS FOR FULL CONTAINER LOAD & LESS CONTAINER LOAD
US customs has the right to inspect any container exported from the USA to worldwide destinations
There are typically three types of inspections (all are paid by the shipper)
1- Tail Exam: (free of charge) where customs opens the container and inspects the container
2- X-Ray exam: estimated at $285 (This effects 1 in every 250 containers)
3- Intensive exam: estimated at $2000-paid directly to the customs warehouse- container is unloaded cargo inspected
and then items put back into the container
We have NO control over this, we just want to let out clients know what to expect in case of an inspection
AUTOMOBILES: (Container or RO-RO service)
When shipping automobiles, our office policy is they have to be 5 years or newer. Unless the car is considered a
classic
Original title must be sent to our office in Gardena once the reservation process has been completed.
The rate provided will include trucking of your automobile from your location to the customs warehouse
Original title and documents required for the customs process will be prepared and submitted to customs. If the
customs warehouse required the title be present when the car is delivered to the port we will return it to you. You
will be responsible to give it to the trucker when the car is picked up.
If you are near our home office in Gardena, California you can deliver the original title and car to our location
A partial payment of $1000 is required prior to dispatch of the car being picked up from your home
Remaining balance is due 5 days prior to the vessels estimated departure date
Once original title has cleared customs and has been returned to our Gardena office we will forward it to you via
FedEx at the location provided
A fee will be included on your invoice $50 to an international address (most popular) or $25 to a domestic address
In the event of any litigation arising from or related to this agreement, or services provided under this
agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party all reasonable
costs incurred including staff time, court costs, attorney fees, and other related expenses incurred in such
litigation. In the event of a non-adjudicative settlement of litigation between the parties or a resolution of a
dispute by arbitration, the term “prevailing party” shall be determined by that process. All disputes and
litigation can only be filed in the state of California, Los Angeles County.
Universal Express International – 1-800-252-5262 – 1-310-243-2900 – [email protected]
