You may ship U.S. Domestic product directly to our Miami Warehouse as follows;

Your Name or Company Name ( a Booking number if given)
c/o Four Star Cargo
7640 NW 63rd Street
Miami, Florida, 33195 USA

Please include a copy of the priced invoice on the outside of the cargo, to avoid delays while we obtain the required paperwork for an Export shipment. After you are registered you can make “Booking,” which is a preadvise to our office of what is in transit to our facuilty and your instructions.

If you have not shipped with our Company in the past, you can start out by registering your information online at www.fourstarcargo.com/Register or you can complete the registration form http://www.fourstarcargo.com/Forms/Customer_Update_Form.pdf   and fax or e-mail it to our office.

While on our Forms page you can complete an EEI form, which is required for single commodity shipments over US$ 2,500, and review other options.

When having international shipments routed to Four Star Cargo Inc. for forwarding on to your final destination please take the following into account:

The Consignee should remain you at your country of final destination including your full contact information.

The Notify Party should be marked as follows:

Four Star Cargo Inc.         305-717-6200
7640 NW 63rd Street       Fax:(305)-477-0790
Miami, FL 33195                info@fourstarcargo.com

Port of Destination should be one of the following:

PORT OF MIAMI (PREFERRED)
PORT EVERGLADES
PORT WEST PALM BEACH

Please remember the port that the cargo arrives in greatly influences the price as if it arrives to another port like NEW YORK or LOS ANGLES and then has to be trucked to us this will greatly increase the amount of inland freight that is required for the shipment.

A “Booking” is a reservation for shipping space, similar to an airplane reservation. Within this booking we can keep track of invoices, values, requested shipping meathods, and special handling requests.

It is best to make your booking online, when you have the carriers (UPS, Fedex, Etc.) tracking number at:

http://www.fourstarcargo.com/booking

Or the next best method is via e-mail to info@fourstarcargo.com  to our Miami office

An accurate e-mail booking should have the following details:

Shippers Name & Address, phone & fax, if you have it!
Consignee Name, as the box will be addressed ( if you are  in our system we know your address)
Approximate number of boxes & estimated shipping weight
How you would like it shipped Air or Ocean to what Final Destination
Estimated Arrival date at our door
Copy of Invoice or Estimated Value (If under US2,500)
Tracking number & Carrier (i.e. UPS, Fedex) is also helpful
Description of Commodity or Merchandise

A Booking Request should be sent at least 24 hours prior to arrival of cargo. Online bookings are immediate and must be finished just prior to the cargo arrival at our warehouse. Booking after arrival of cargo will not get automatically matched-up by our our computer system. You should contact our office by e-mail with you specific instructions or invoices. It is very helpful if you refer to our W/R number which we sent to your e-mail address upon arrival of cargo in our system, or the Inland tracking number.

It is important to get the Inland  tracking number when you make a reservation, as this is the number we scan upon arrival of cargo into our tracking system, which idenifyies your booking in the warehouse.

Shipping charges for Four Star Cargo packages are calculated based on the greater of dimensional and actual weight, referred to as Chargeable Weight in the airfreight industry.

Dimensional weight is based on volume (the amount of space a package occupies). To determine if dimensional weight impacts your package, follow these steps:

• Calculate dimensional weight by multiplying length by width by height of each package cubic size).
• Divide the cubic size by 166 (if measured in inches) or by 6,000 (if measured in centimeters).
• This is the dimensional weight of your package per pound or Kg.
• Compare this number with the actual weight of your package.

Charges on your AWB will be based on the greater of the two; total actual weight versus total dimensional weight. It’s called the 166 Rule in the industry. It means that if a one cubic foot box, does not weight 11 lbs, it will get charged as if it was 11 lbs. I.e. 12”x 12” x 12” =  1728  1728/166 = 10.4 or (11 lbs.)  or some say this rulr was chosen as it equates approximately to the ratio between the maximum weight and volume able to be loaded in the industry workhorse, the Boeing 747 freighter; 100 tons and 600 cbm!

Ocean Freight charges work on a simlar “space used” basis. Ocean freight rates most freight shipments will be based on ocean freight rates per cubic meter or cubic feet, but sometimes the weight of cargo in kilos or pounds. It impossible to fill a 40’ Container full of tile, it would be over the legal weight limit. In Ocean freight it’s called Weight or Measurement (W/M) commonly used in international and domestic cargo transportation industries. It means whichever is higher. W/M presents cargo density limit. I.e. light cargo is charged based on measure, while heavy cargo based on weight. To calculate cubic feet simply multiply length times width times height in inches, which gives you cubic inches. Divide your answer by 144, the # of cubic inches in 1 cubic foot. Payload weight exceeds over-the-road legal limits in US and Canada. Recommended maximum payload for the US is 35,000 lbs. per 20′ and 42,000 lbs. per 40′.

We do not normally offer this service by the box,  as it is too costly, causes warehouse congestion, and is a logistical problem.  We do consolidate packages under the same AWB or B/L arriving at our Miami facility which are from the same shipper, same inland carrier, when the matching boxes have not already been loaded for transport. We do this for no additional charge. US, Fedex, and USPS often separate packages during transport.

We do offer a consolidation service for clients which are loading a full container, and to destinations with high customs clearancecharges. We do not normally offer this service by the box,  as it is too costly, causes warehouse congestion, and is a logistical problem.  We do offer this consolidation  service, by the shipment, for destinations we serve which have Customs requirements, duty,  additional minimum handling charges at destination, and custom broker entry fees. The B/L fees, consolidation fees,  and handling fees are much higher for these destinations, due the extra work, documentation and staff intervention required. A separate B/L, and EEI are still required for different shippers by US Customs Export Control, before we can consolidate these  multi shipments

We keep these costs low, as it is more efficient than holding Box A, awaiting Box B & missing Box C, which might come in for different shipper, or addresses and still require a separate B/L for US Customs reasons. We are required by TSA security procedures, to keep track of the shippers location and inland carrier and tacking numbers per shipment.

To comply with rules and regulations of the US government we must enforce the “No Docs / No Load Policy” for all export shipments. This will allow us to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI), previously called a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED), 24 hrs prior to an ocean sailing, and 5 hours prior to an air freight departure, when an individual (B/HTS) commodity, to one entity, to be exported the same day exceeds US $2,500. This will allow us to be in compliance with Federal Guidelines, and ensure our carriers are able to load and report our cargo within these guidelines. Values under US $ 2,500 require no EEI, and we only need a statement of value, or an invoice to document the value. We do need authorization to file the EEI, if required, from you the USPPI (Shipper) or we can also obtain authorization to file it on behalf of the FPPI (Consignee) which then becomes a Routed Export Transaction (RET) shipment after you, the USPPI, return this completed form.

You can fill out this form once, and we will keep it on file, and our computer will stop sending a reminder this form could be needed, on this or future shipment. We need your T.I.N. (Federal Taxpayer Idenification Number) aka F.E.I. to complete any shipments valued above $ 2,500. This is not your State Sales Tax number! Please include this number on the form, which can be located on our www.fourstarcargo.com/ShippingForms.aspx

The Electronic Export Information (EEI), previously (pre  2006) called a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED), must be filed electronically 24 hrs prior to an ocean sailing, and 5 hours prior to an air freight departure, when an individual (B/HTS) commodity, to one entity, to be exported on the same day that will exceeds US $2,500. It must be filed electronically, detailing the shipper, consignee, method of transportation, value, and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number detailing the commodity.  If the shipment is tendered without values or detailed invoices, we must hold (not load) the shipment, and obtain the invoices or declared value from the shipper or consignee. If the invoices are not in enough detail, we must contact the shipper to help us properly identify the commodities and the correct  Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). During the filing and approval process the U.S. Census Bureau will respond with a shipment Internal Traction Number (ITN), this number must be cited on the transport document, and communicated to the US Customs & Border Patrol prior to the timelines determined by the export method of shipment. The laws and rules are part of the www.census.gov   and are used to determine the US Balance of Trade and export statistics by County and commodity. The enforcement arm is handled by www.cbp.gov where penalties have increased from the original $100/day back in 2008, when this reporting method became mandatory in the this Electronic Format, to $1,100 per violation with a maximum of $10,000 per violation. Penalties can be civil and/or criminal and can carry up to 5 year jail term, and can be assessed against USPPI (shippers), Freight Forwarders/Agents and/or carriers.

Shipments in transit are subjected to numerous perils. Goods may be damaged in a storm or fire, stolen, involved in a collision or just mishandled. To protect against financial loss, we offer Cargo Insurance. Another reason why cargo insurance is an important decision is that Carriers have limited liability and are provided legal defenses which absolve them of responsibility entirely. Cargo Insurance pays covered claims without the need to prove fault. The liability of ocean carriers transporting goods to or from the United States is limited under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) at $500 per package or customary freight unit. For example, if you ship a vehicle valued at $40,000 without insurance, even if you are able to demonstrate the ocean carrier was at fault for physical damages, the maximum liability of the carrier is $500. For air carriers, two liability conventions exist. The Warsaw Convention limits liability to $9.07 per pound or $20 per kilogram. The Montreal Convention (used in the United States), changed this limitation to 19 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), or about $30 per kilogram. US Domestic cargo operators limit liability to .50 per pound. All these limits usually require you to prove the carrier was negligent. The process of obtaining a resolution after filing claim with a carrier can be lengthy. Keep in mind carriers are not liable for damages caused by natural disasters. Some cargo may be less prone to loss or damage than others however the risks of theft, a ship sinking, or weather events still exist. In addition, there is the risk of General Average. When a vessel owner declares General Average, the General Average expenses are shared on a pro-rata basis by all parties involved in the sea venture. Even if your cargo did not suffer damages, as a cargo owner, you will be required to post a bond or cash deposit before your goods can be released. With cargo insurance, the insurance company assumes the responsibility. The involvement of an experienced insurance company is beneficial because the transactions to expedite the release of cargo can be very tedious and complicated. An example of an act that can trigger a General Average situation is jettison of cargo in order to ride out a storm.

In the event of loss, please provide the following information:

• Your claim letter explaining the loss.
• Invoices highlighting damaged/short items.
• Copy of delivery receipt(s).
• Copy(s) of discrepancy certificates and out-turn reports.
• Original independent survey, for losses over USD $ 1,000.
• Condemnation certificate (if applicable).
• Photos of damage.
• Relevant information pertaining to shortages or damages. Depending on the type and extent of loss, other documents may be required.

For more information, contact Four Star Cargo Customer Service Department at 305-717-6200.

Coverage commences from the time goods leave the shipper and/or supplier’s place of business and continues in force during the ordinary and customary course of transit to the final destination. Cargo is protected against “All Risk” of physical loss or damage from any external cause irrespective of percentage of loss. Insurance remains in force for fifteen (15) days after vessel/aircraft discharge or delivery, whichever occurs first. Concealed damage must be reported within three (3) days of delivery, excluding weekends and holidays. Coverage for vehicles and boats starts from the time unit is received by the ocean carrier and an inspection report is executed. For perishable cargo under refrigeration, including live plants, coverage ceases 24 hours after aircraft discharge, or upon delivery, whichever occurs first. Specific terms and conditions may vary per type of cargo. Coverage is not available for certain commodities. For a listing of these items or to obtain a quote, please contact your Four Star Representative. The consignee is still required to accept and pay for the shipment, even when there is evidence of loss or damage. Without accepting, the consignee is no longer a party to the terms and conditions of the bill of lading, and the insurance carrier will deny they claim. Make immediate inspection of each package before signing delivery receipt. Take proper exceptions on the delivery receipt, or Bill of Lading, in respect to all loss or damage existing at the time of taking delivery. It is most important that exact exceptions be taken in writing on the delivery receipt as to the conditions of the consignment and a copy of the delivery receipt must be retained for your claim file. Take photographs whenever possible, and preserve the evidence, it is highly suggested that no sale/salvage occur until BOTH the carrier and the cargo underwriter have had a reasonable opportunity to inspect. When you discover a loss, the Carrier or local Carrier’s Agent must be put on notice. The written notice of loss must be provided to the carrier (Airline or Steamship Carrier) or lines carrier’s agent at the port of discharge. This is actual carrier whose name is on the ship or airplane, not the Shipper, Freight Forwarder, De-consolidator, Agent, or Consolidator, the lines are the ones ultimately responsible, and if insurance coverage is effect, the Insurance Carrier will want written proof of notification, as they will want to subrogate the claim after settlement!

We suggest dated confirmation page. E-mail with confirmation receipt is acceptable. If the loss or damage can be readily seen at delivery time, the written notice must be provided before or at the time of removal of the goods into the custody of the person entitled to delivery. This “intent to file a claim” can be written on the signed Bill of Lading. Any variance in piece count or weights should be noted. The notice of damage may be simply written on the bill of lading or on the receipt upon delivery. This process is known as “taking exceptions.” Separate written notice should be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, via courier or e-mail to the carrier or its agent, to the forwarder, to the NVOCC, and to all involved. If the loss or damage is not apparent, written notice must be given to the carrier or local carrier’s agent within three (3) business days of delivery. Failure to provide such notice is not always totally fatal to a claim, but it does create a presumption that the goods were delivered in good order & condition. On failing to give timely notice, a claimant must then overcome the burden by demonstrating that the damage occurred before delivery.

A sample LOI

Contact a surveyor to assess the loss/damage immediately if the damages could run over US$ 1,000. The consignee should promptly notify a surveyor as soon as loss or damage is discovered. The consignee should refer to agents or insurance carrier for a surveyor in their area. They may also use any surveyor who is approved by Lloyd’s of London or the American Institute of Marine Underwriters. Surveyors are neither settling agents nor affiliated with the insurance company. Rather they are independents who report the facts to the insurance company and have the responsibility to determine the where, when and why of the loss, along with the amount of loss. Usually the insurance company will pay surveyors directly for their services. However, in situations where a surveyor requires up-front payment, the insurance company will reimburse the claimant. Verify that the seal numbers on marine containers match the document numbers, note any seal damage on the delivery receipt. Also be alert when a seal is broken to the possibility that cargo may have been pilfered. Retain all products and packing until you are advised otherwise by the Insurance Company. Throw nothing away!

What you received from Four Star is a copy of the bill of lading as proof of export only. It is required by some States for Sales Tax. It is not a freight due bill for payment. You should note that the charges are marked collect. All charges are due at destination and will be collected from consignee at the final destination. If you charged our customer in common State Sales Tax, please consider this as a request for refund. Please advise if you no longer require a copy of the bill of lading for your records and we will remove you from the automatic notification list.

We have established a default suggestion of some automatic weight breaks that will help us provide your account with the best service. These work especially well in Duty Free Destinations.

01 ->  50 lbs.     SXM Airfreight Automatically
51-> 249 lbs.        A O Air or Ocean ( We still ask you & hold) Up to 2 free changes per month!
250  lbs. + over STM We automatically send everything  Ocean Freight

If you feel our suggested weights are out of line with your requirements, we can work with any weight break’s (The numbers in Red) you wish, but in order to avoid charges we require that you have some break point’s associated with your account.

You can also avoid additional charges by booking your shipments in advance, if you need a larger shipment via Airfreight, or a smaller shipment via Ocean Freight, which would override your default instruction as listed above, you can now book online at:

www.fourstarcargo.com/booking

It is best to make your booking when you have the tracking number from the shipper, as when we scan the tracking number, it will automatically bring up your booking and instructions. If not provided you can make a booking with just the shipper/ consignee combo.

It is impossible for Four Star to refuse packages tendered for shipment. The common carrierrs such as UPS, Federal Express, trucklines, and the US Post Office arrives every day with hundreds of packages. These shipments are signed for and the drivers leave before we sort out the packages, and enter them in the computer system, where we learn of any booking or notes for your account.

It is also not possible to just “give back,” the package, after we have signed for the delivery. It would be required for us to ship back the merchandise, paying the freight carrier for the freight. Many vendors will not accept returned items, unless they have issued a RMA # ( Return Merchandise Authorization) approval number. Therefore, it is best for you, the purchaser, to contact your supplier, and ask them to issue a RA and “UPS Call Tag.” with our reference number on the tag. They will send the carrier to our warehouse with a a return shipment tag, with our number, we can locate same and return promptly to your supplier.

What we can do to assist in this procedure, is to place the shipment on HOLD (HOL) and assign the W/R # to that package, giving this number to your vendor, will allow us to locate the shipment they are looking to pick-up. Please format the the number as HOL-0000000, so we will know to look in the HOL bins.

If a the package has not arrived at our door, it is necessary to make a “Booking” for this shipment as a HOLD (HOL) for pick-up shipment. Please follow the Booking instruction below, to give us the most detailed and accurate information to identify this shipment. You can make this booking online

http://www.fourstarcargo.com/booking

Your email request for a booking should have the following details:

• Shippers Name & Address
• Consignee Name, as the package will be addressed ( if you are already in our system we know your address)
• Approximate number of boxes & estimated shipping weight
• How you would like it shipped Air or Ocean to what Final Destination, Port Code HOL – Hold
• Estimated Arrival date at our door
• Copy of Invoice or Estimated Value (If under US2,500)
• Tracking number & Carrier is very helpful
• Description of Commodity or Merchandise

An email Booking Request should be sent the day prior to arrival.

Vechicle Freight Breaks:

Self-propelled Vehicles 001-700 Cubic Feet which fit in a container
Self-propelled Vehicles 701-999 Cubic Feet which fit in a container
Self-propelled Vehicles over 999 Cubic Feet which fit in a container

Plus Additions of;

US$ 60.50 Trucking to US Customs, with documents, 72 hours prior to scheduled sailing
US$ 50.00 Customs Clearance Power of Attorney for Export Approval
US$ 10.00 Notary, if required.
US$     .00 Insurance (estimate @ $1 per $100 CIF Value)

We need an original Title, MSO, or  Certificate of destruction issued by any jurisdiction in the US before or at time of receipt of the vehicle.  If there are any liens or bank stamps on the Title we will need a letter from the bank stating that the title is clear. The vechiles need to be delivered with less than a ¼ tank.

We also need a Power of Attorney for Vehicle Export signed by the holder of the Title which is  available on our website.  Please only fill out the owner signature and address and have it notarized, we complete the top of the form, with the staff member going to US Customs;
http://www.fourstarcargo.com/Forms/Export_Power_of_Attorney_for_a_Motor_Vechicle.pdf

Finally we need a copy of the Government ID, such as a Passport, of the signee of the above.

Also if the vehicle value is over US$ 2,500.00 please make sure you have an EEI form on file.
http://www.fourstarcargo.com/Forms/EEI_for_Foreign_Principle_Party_in_Interest_Authorization.pdf

If you want to read the US Government explanation of above;
http://www.fourstarcargo.com/Forms/Exporting_a_Motor_Vehicle_Information.pdf

The US Post Office does not do a very good job tracking packgaes. They list our warehouse as closed, when they have never even attempted delivery. They show it “Ready for Pick-Up,” when they have just scanned it in upon arrival! We are not allowed to pick-up indivdual items , as they can never find one tracking number, mixed in the bins of parcels they are sorting for delivery to our warehouse. They deliver late in the afternooon Monday to Friday. The only time we are closed, when they are open, is Saturday, and they don’t really attempt deliver. They just list us as closed, and put it in one of the bins for our next delivery. We send our truck to pick-up, when they can’t deliver, and then they don’t always give us all the mail they have sorted.

Our sister company Americas Trade & Supply provides purchasing services for export customers.  We can provide a quote on any requirements easily from the USA.  They strive to have all quotes out within 24 hours.  Quotes will include all fees and charges as delivered to Four Star Cargo.

Their staff is knowledgeable in many areas such as Construction and Building Materials, Marine, Automotive Parts, Heavy Equipment, Hotel and Restaurant Supplies, Appliances, Office Furniture and Supplies etc. They have accounts set up with vendors all over the country.  So if you are having problems getting your credit card accepted at Amazon, Ebay, Zappos, Walmart, Forever 21, etc.  If you are looking for items to repair your car, if you have a construction project or need something for your hobby give us a try and compare our costs by requesting a quote.

You can go on line to our website and fill out a request for credit information at www.atsmia.com  or you can contact our email info@atsmia.com, or via phone (305) 594-0797.  Make sure you include all information including your name, address, your phone numbers and your Email address. Please also provide a full description of the items that you need including quantity, part or reference number if available. If you are looking for auto parts, please provide model and serial number or VIN number of the vehicle that you need parts for. A complete and accurate description of the part or product that you are looking for and sometimes what the purpose of the product or part might be.  You can also advise your shipment preference, either via air freight or via ocean freight.  This will insure that Four Star Cargo is aware of your preferences.

They will provide you a complete cost showing all cost including inland freight up to and including delivery to Four Star Cargo.  With your quote they will include payments suggestions or requirement; RBC Bank, Credit Cards and Wire Transfers for your convenience.

Once payment is satisfied, they will process your order.  You will receive automatic notifications showing exactly what we order, quantity and description, estimated delivery date to Miami.  You will also be automatically notified once the goods are received at our warehouse as well as a copy of the commercial invoice that will accompany your shipment.

Americas Trade and Supply Co is a known shipper with TSA which increase the availability of air service to your destination because goods can be shipped on passenger flights.

If you are looking for a particular hard to find item let one of their sales staff do the dirty work for you and save you time. They can also consolidate your orders into weekly shipments to save you money from having to do daily shipments to your destination.

Americas Trade and Supply Co.
7630 NW 63rd Street
Miami, FL  33195
Tel  305-594-0797
Fax  305-592-8210
Info@atsmia.com

Website www.atsmia.com

Shipments can be Prepaid when the cargo is delivered to our Miami warehouse with Cash, Major Credit Cards, or Company Checks. Freight charges, in most destinations, can also be paid upon arrival at the final destination. Shipments are also available for online payments after the bill is finalized and is in transit. As soon as the bill is finalized you should receive an e-mail with the title “Air Waybill” or “Ocean Bill of Lading.” You can then login to your www.fourstarcargo.com account, “Display Current Shipments” in the “Registered Users Tasks” section. Those which are ready for payment display “Add to Cart.” After selection you can check out the cart, and process your payments with a PayPal Account or an approved Credit Card.

The cargo carriage agreements for Air freight and Ocean freight can be found on the back of all our Airway bill’s and Bill of Lading’s or you can find them on our website here:
Air Cargo Terms and Conditions     Ocean Cargo Terms and Conditions

Our PORT CHANGE OR METHOD policy for shipments that are awaiting instructions has been updated due to the popularity of the service. Shipments that are awaiting instructions will be held for 36 hours after initial notification awaiting a response before a determination will be made as to how or where to ship the freight. After such time, we will use common sense and previous shipping history to determine the best shipping method if we do not get a response within that time frame. Please help reduce the number of these port changes prior to Season. Please be advised that, effective October 7 customers whom have A O as their default will incur a port code change fee of $5 to help recoup the cost of storage, double receiving, and extra handling on those shipments. We will provide each account with an amount (% shipments) of of free port code changes to your account each month. To avoid this charge please set instructions on your account in accordance on how you would like your shipments sent. You can put in a break point at any weight you wish. You can adjust any of the numbers to meet you shipping needs, in the following default example:

• 01 lb thru 49 lbs Airfreight
• 50 lbs thru 249 lbs Air or Ocean; we ask you via e-mail
• 250+ lbs Ocean Freight

If you need help in determining where your break should be please feel free to contact us at info@fourstarcargo.com and we will be happy to help find a breakpoint that will best serve your needs. You can also do it yourself online at www.fourstarcargo.com/account In addition when your account is set with instruction and you wish to change the way a particular shipment is already routed you will incur the same port code change fee for similar reasons. The way to avoid this is to book the cargo in advance; It is best to make your booking online, when you have the carriers Tracking number at:

• Four Star Cargo Booking