Turnkey port forwarding
import and export via Vladivostok
Turnkey port forwarding means one forwarder is responsible for the cargo's entire path through the port: from the arrival notice and the line's release to customs release, removal and return of the empty container. On export — from booking and the empty box to loading on board and issue of the B/L.
We work with container and breakbulk terminals in the ports of Vladivostok, Vostochny and Nakhodka, including VMTP and VSK. The main saving is not the rate per operation but the fact that cargo does not sit between links and leaves the port within free time.
Specification
Specification · Turnkey port service. Standard terms · scope and timing are confirmed per shipment
Service
- Flows
- import and export
- Cargo
- containers, breakbulk, project cargo
- Options
- vessel agency, survey, warehousing, insurance
Terms
- Timing
- arrival to removal usually 3–7 days
- Documents
- pre-arrival document check included
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Logistics
- Before arrival
- documents, scheme, transport
- In port
- release, discharge, customs, supervision
- After
- removal, empty return, close-out
Price
- Base
- forwarding fee + port costs at tariff
- Extras
- inspection, storage, demurrage — at cost
Service flow
- 01
Preparation
We collect cargo and vessel data and check documents before arrival: B/L against invoice, HS codes, required certificates. We plan the scheme at once: direct option or via warehouse, mode of removal.
before arrival - 02
Release and discharge
We pay the line's local charges, surrender original B/Ls or obtain a telex release, get the delivery order and agree discharge and placement with the terminal.
1–2 days - 03
Customs
We lodge the goods declaration, attend any inspection including X-ray (IDK) scanning and obtain release. In parallel we run stevedoring and survey supervision if ordered.
1–3 days, longer with inspection - 04
Removal
We arrange the gate-out pass, bring in trucks or wagons and dispatch the cargo to the consignee. The empty container is returned to the depot before detention starts.
1–2 days - 05
Close-out
We hand over closing documents and an itemised cost summary with supporting documents.
after removal
Problems
Each link works on its own: the line waits for payment, the broker for documents, the carrier for release. Free time runs out and demurrage begins.
We run all links in parallel to one plan: documents are checked before arrival, release and declaration are prepared together, transport is booked for the expected release.
Invoices come from the line, terminal, broker, bonded warehouse and carrier — it is impossible to see what the port actually cost.
We provide an itemised cost summary with supporting documents — the client sees the cost structure of every shipment.
On export the cargo misses the cut-off or VGM is not submitted — the container is rolled to the next sailing.
We plan stuffing, the export declaration and terminal delivery back from the cut-off date and submit VGM and shipping instructions in advance.
Documents
The basic document set for turnkey port forwarding. The delivery term decides who pays local port charges and terminal handling — set it out in the contract before shipment.
Incoterms
- FOB
- on export the seller is responsible until the cargo is on board
- CFR / CIF
- on import freight is prepaid, but local port charges are on the buyer
- DAP
- the seller delivers to destination; customs and duties are on the buyer
Documents
- Bill of lading
- original, telex release or Sea Waybill — basis for the line's release
- Invoice and packing list
- matching the B/L in description, packages and weight
- Contract
- foreign trade contract with the delivery term; bank contract ID (UNK) if registered with the bank
- Permits
- EAEU certificates / declarations of conformity, phyto and vet certificates if needed
- Export
- shipping instruction, VGM, export declaration, draft B/L
FAQ
It is the full cycle of port operations under one contract: line release, discharge and cargo handling, stevedoring and survey supervision, customs clearance, documents and arranging removal. The client deals with one port forwarder rather than a dozen contractors and gets costs in a single summary.
If documents are in order and the declaration is filed promptly, discharge to removal usually takes 3–7 days. An inspection, including X-ray (IDK) scanning, adds one to several days. The main causes of delay are late original B/Ls, errors in the invoice and HS codes, and missing permits.
Once free time ends, the line charges demurrage for every day the container stays in port, and the terminal may charge storage. After removal and until the empty is returned to the depot, detention applies. Rates and free days differ by line, so we confirm them before arrival.
Yes. On import we take the cargo off the vessel, obtain the release, clear customs and arrange removal; on export we get the empty release, receive cargo by truck or rail, submit VGM and shipping instructions, clear the export declaration and supervise loading until the B/L is issued.
All port operations and third-party services are shown in an itemised summary: line local charges, terminal handling, storage, inspection, removal and our fee. Each item comes with supporting documents, so the client sees the cost structure of every shipment.
A customs broker (customs representative) is responsible for declaring and releasing the goods. A port forwarder manages the cargo's whole path through the port — line, terminal, inspection, transport, documents — and coordinates the customs broker too. Under turnkey forwarding both work to one plan.