A shipment is four decisions, made in order.

The sequence does not change. What changes is which agency is waiting at the other end, and that is settled the moment the destination is named.

1. Step 01Onboard
   01

   Booking and rate

   Ocean quotes against real sailings. Air capacity when the calendar will not wait for a vessel. Vessel space held, handling spec written down: pallet or floor loaded, temperature, stacking, whether the goods can be topped.

   • Ocean quotes
   • Air capacity
   • Vessel space
   • Handling spec
2. Step 02Vet
   02

   Documents

   The paperwork is the shipment. A container with the wrong certificate of origin is a container sitting at a port charging demurrage.

   • Commercial invoice
   • Packing list
   • Bill of lading or air waybill
   • Certificate of origin
   • EEI filing
   • Schedule B
   • Spirits labeling
   • ICO certificate where it applies
3. Step 03Clear
   03

   Customs and the regime

   Entry filed against the destination's own agencies. The conformity regime runs alongside, on the EU track, the Japan track, or both in parallel.

   • Entry
   • FDA prior notice
   • Duties
   • Denied-party screening
   • CE marking
   • PSE / Food Sanitation Act
   • Export licensing
4. Step 04Deliver
   04

   Delivery

   The last mile is where a good file gets thrown away. It is worked the same way as the first: booked, confirmed, evidenced.

   • Drayage
   • Dock appointment
   • Warehouse putaway
   • Final-mile
   • Proof of delivery