SECTION 6

Export Logistic Services

6.1 - MODES OF TRANSPORT

Incentives provided by the Fiji Revenue & Customs Services are focused on certain key sectors.

An exporter should take into consideration the transit time and cost while choosing a mode of transport.

I. Sea Transport

• Containerized Cargo
  The standard container is available in two sizes, 20 feet & 40 feet. Temperature sensitive cargos such as food items and medicine are packed into refrigerated containers called reefers. Liquid chemicals can be packaged in tanks called ISO tanks.
• Bulk Cargo
  Large quantities of liquids (chemicals, oil, etc.) and solids (minerals, sugar, rice, wheat, etc.) are transported through specialized ships as bulk cargo.
• Ro-Ro Cargo
  Roll-on Roll-off cargo is usually used for cars, trucks or other equipment with wheels that can be rolled on and off the ships.

II. Air Transport

Air transport is the fastest among the transportation modes and is commonly used for exporting perishable goods with short shelf life. Air Cargo has strict policies on the packaging of the goods and an exporter needs to adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.

6.2 - LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS

It is highly recommended to use logistics service providers, especially for new, medium and small exporters who do not have much experience or knowledge about the export procedures.

These service providers are experienced in the required export procedures and, thus, can save an exporter’s time and effort. There are four main types of logistics service providers that can provide support in exporting:

• Carriers (shipping lines, airlines & trucking companies)
• Freight Forwarders
• Customs Brokers (facilitators)
• Shipping Agents

III. Carriers

• Shipping Lines
  Shipping lines are organisations or individual owners of different types of ships. Large customers with large volumes of export goods directly contract with the shipping lines whereas smaller ones usually use shipping agents/freight forwarders to book a vessel. Some of the shipping lines are listed below.

• Airlines
  ‍Airlines are either Government or private companies that own the airplanes used for air freight. In Fiji, the Government-owned airline is Fiji Airways. Other operators include Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jet Star Airways, Virgin Australia Airlines, Solomon Island Airlines, Air Vanuatu, Air Niugini, Nauru Airline and Air Calin.

• Trucking Companies
  Contact details of these trucking companies can be obtained from the Yellow Pages of Fiji Directories.

IV. Freight Forwarders

It is highly recommended that exporters and would-be exporters consult with licenced freight forwarders. Freight forwarder scan assist importers and exporters through advice on trade developments, Government incentives, customs clearance, shipping,insurance, inventory management, logistics and supply-chain management of value-added activities, as well as other documentation issues.

For first time exporters, liaising with a licenced customs broker or freight forwarding agent is recommended when exporting the first consignment. A freight forwarder can advise on shipping options while a customs broker can handle all other aspects of the shipment with the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS), Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) and other Government Agencies.

In Fiji, there are a number of companies that offer combined services from trucking, warehousing, documentation and international forwarding. Depending on the needs, freight forwarding services vary from basic export services to complete supply chain solutions.A business can pay a freight forwarder to provide a basic or full-level service. A freight forwarder can advise you on the packaging of the product, availability, and appropriateness of domestic and international transportation, and export licences required.

Freight forwarders are very helpful as they are well informed of shipping regulations in all countries of the world and can also give advice on the best method for shipping depending on the cargo’s type, specifications, and weight. The list of freight forwarders can be obtained from this website link

V. Custom Brokers

Customs brokers are licenced individuals who are licenced by Fiji Revenue & Customs Service to perform the customs clearance procedures on behalf of exporters. A list of licenced customs broker can be obtained via the website link

VI. Shipping Agents

A shipping agency is a designated agency responsible for handling shipments and cargo at ports and harbours worldwide on behalf of ship owners, managers, and charterers. Shipping agents usually take care of all the routine tasks of a shipping company quickly and efficiently. They ensure that essential supplies, crew transfers, customs documentation, and waste declarations are all arranged with the port authorities without delay