Turkey has been said to be one of the new high growth countries, alongside the ‘BRICS’ – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.  Whilst the majority of Europe has been crippled in construction for financial reasons, Istanbul is experiencing its construction boom.  And Turkish banks are looking to lend more, something a lot of European countries can only dream of.

Turkey is currently Europe’s sixth biggest economy, predicted to rise to the fourth biggest economy in Europe by 2050.  This would push them to the thirteenth biggest economy in the world (currently sat in seventeenth).

The construction industry is booming in Turkey.  As the economy has grown, people have become wealthier and are demanding bigger and better houses.  Some UK businesses have cashed in on the construction industry by creating partnerships with Turkey-based companies, supplying the construction industry with JCBs and materials.

The banks have reduced their lending rate in order to encourage consumers to spend more.  This has resulted in high streets booming, with big stores moving in to cash in.  Stores such as Nike, Marks & Spencer and Gap, all line the high streets.

Despite this, the UK is lagging behind on its exports to Turkey.  In 2012, the UK exported goods worth £3.7bn, a far cry from Italy’s £8.7bn, and Germany’s monstrous £14bn.

The “new middle class” is said to be the major area of growth for Turkey’s economy, with household spending accounting for 70% of national income.  There is said to be an opportunity for luxury goods, electronics and mobile phones, items which are not as developed as they are in other European countries.

There are several options when exporting goods to Turkey in terms of modes of transports and ports.  The most frequently used port for air freight is Istanbul, whilst there are many options for sea freight, including Mersin, Ambarli, Gebze, Haydarpasa, Istanbul and Evyap.

We have excellent contacts in Turkey, and we work closely with our Turkish agent regularly.

So if you are considering exporting your goods to Turkey and are looking for a freight forwarder, give us a call today – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

Marco Polo Line was founded with the intention to give independent freight forwarders (like Mercator Cargo) advantages that the bigger freight forwarders have traditionally enjoyed over the independent forwarders.

The first, and biggest impact that Mercator finds invaluable on a daily basis (both for our customers, and our operations in the office) is the personal contacts that we now have globally.  Marco Polo Line holds annual conferences, where members can meet face-to-face and build working relationships.  Mercator Cargo takes full advantage of these conferences, sending at least two members of the freight forwarding team.  These personal contacts allow Mercator to arrange shipments seamlessly, using valuable local knowledge, and offer to-door shipments in almost any country in the world (thanks to our global partners).

The other advantage is that members are ‘vetted’, tried and tested (you cannot join MPL by just filling a form in).  Membership is monitored, so if there are problems, these can be raised and eradicated.  This means that our partner offices are trustworthy and reliable to handle your shipments, where ever they are in the world.

These are just a few examples of the benefits of choosing Mercator as your freight forwarder.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your freight forwarding needs – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

The aim of ‘Export Week’ is to increase the number of small businesses that currently export.  The national target set by the government is for 100,000 more businesses exporting over the next 5 years.

This would increase the number of UK manufacturers that export from 20% to 25%, and add to the UK economy an estimated £36 billion.

UK businesses can see an increase in up to 34% of productivity when they start exporting, so if you have the opportunity to export – it’s a no-brainer!

Small businesses might be daunted by the prospect of exporting from the UK, however, it is becoming increasingly more evident that smaller businesses can also win international business.

Of course, larger firms may already have trained staff in exporting their goods, and may even have dedicated staff for this purpose.

Smaller firms need not fear; this is where a freight forwarder can step in.  By appointing a freight forwarder to handle their export shipment, the whole process can be taken care of.  By appointing an experienced freight forwarder (such as Mercator Cargo) the weight can be lifted off your shoulders and you can be safe in the knowledge that your cargo is in expert hands.

Mercator Cargo is an independent freight forwarder who prides itself on offering a personal service.  With a team of experienced freight forwarders at hand, we can offer a “hand holding” service if needs be, and can offer advice at every step along the way.

So if you’re considering exporting your goods from the UK, give Mercator Cargo a call today to discuss your export shipment – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

If you do not yet have an EORI Number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) then you will need to contact HMRC to obtain one.  This number will be used as a reference when dealing with any customs matters relating to your shipments.  It is a requirement to have an EORI number when importing goods into the UK, and it is fairly straight forward to obtain one (generally it takes less than a week to obtain this through HMRC).

I have my EORI number, what else do I need to know?  The following list details some other aspects you will need to know/have before you import your goods:

• Your EORI number for imports;
• C3 form (if your goods are not commercial – i.e. personal effects);
• Deferment Number (if you already have one existing with HMRC);
• A full description of your goods and a Customs Tariff Code (we can assist you with this).

What do I actually need on the day of import?  In order for your goods to clear customs, you will need to have the following sent to us in advance of the import:

• The commercial invoice from the shipper of the goods;
• Certificate of Origin of the goods;
• Generalised System of Preference (if applicable).

These documents will not only allow us to proceed with customs clearance, but will also allow us to calculate the amount of VAT and duty payable (this can be worked out in advance if required).

If you choose us as your freight forwarder to handle your import into the UK, and decide for us to handle your VAT & duty payment to HMRC, we will require the cleared funds to be able to release your shipment.

If this sounds intimidating, then please do not despair!  As experienced freight forwarders we are here to guide our customers through this process, and are happy to provide a “hand holding” service for those new to the process.

Give us a call today if you have any questions about your import shipment with us – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

It is generally advised that you use ‘INCOTERMS’ when buying your goods internationally. INCOTERMS are a set of rules which have been issued by the International Chamber of Commerce. The terms outline both the buyer’s and the seller’s obligations and risk under given terms of delivery. The precise nature of these terms and their definitions can prevent misunderstandings between the buyer and seller and their obligations.

The following are the main terms used for delivery (there are many others, but generally these are the ones to know about).

EXW – Ex Works. The buyer is responsible for the door to door transport costs, destination taxes and duties, and marine insurance. It is the buyer’s risk from door to door.

FOB – Free on Board. The seller is responsible for charges up to and over the ‘ship’s rail’ (the ship’s rail being the point where the container is lifted off the quay and over the side of the ship). It is the seller’s risk up to and over the ship’s rail.
The buyer is responsible for the shipping costs from the port of departure to the place of delivery, marine insurance from the port of loading and destination duties and taxes.

CFR – Cost and Freight. The seller is responsible for the FOB charges and ocean freight up to the named port of destination. It is the seller’s risk up to the FOB.
The buyer is responsible for unloading from the ship, duties and taxes, and local delivery to the destination and marine insurance from the FOB.

CIF – Cost Insurance Freight. Same as CFR (above), but the seller arranges and pays for the marine insurance up to the buyer’s door.

We can offer all levels of service, from arranging every single aspect for you (e.g. door to door delivery, insurance, customs clearance, VAT & Duty payments, and so on), or just one part of your shipment for you, for example the ocean freight.

If this has left you baffled and you’re not sure what to do next, then give us a call to discuss your shipment. We’d be happy to help you make sense of this and assist you with arranging your import into the UK – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

It is a good idea to appoint a freight forwarder with the required knowledge and experience to assist you with your shipments.

Not only can a good freight forwarder arrange the actual shipment for you from A to B, but they should be able to impart some useful advice when it comes to buying your goods abroad.

When buying your goods, here are some pointers that you may wish to think about before signing anything with a supplier:

-          Ensure you know how much your goods are going to cost;
-          Make sure you know how much it is going to cost to transport your goods to your warehouse;
-          Make sure you investigate as to whether there are any restrictions on the goods you wish to import into the UK (an experienced freight forwarder will be able to advise);
-          Ensure that your contract of purchase is sound;
-          Make sure that you will get your goods once you have paid, or have legally agreed to pay.

These are just a few pointers to consider when looking to import into the UK.  If you are at this stage, then it will be worth contacting a freight forwarder to obtain a quote for the importation of your goods.  An experienced freight forwarder will be able to offer you a variety of different levels of shipping services – for example, a comprehensive service from door to door, including all insurance, customs clearance, VAT & Duty payments to HMRC etc, or just an aspect of your shipment, for example just the ocean freight.

If you’re looking to import goods into the UK, then contact Mercator Cargo today, our family-run business can offer you support and advice when it comes to importing for the first time – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

We have recently seen trends for imports from South Africa of personal effects. These consist of people returning to live in the UK, or moving domicile from South Africa to the UK. We are able to advise and handle personal effect shipments to the UK from South Africa.

Another field of our experience in importing from South Africa are used, and in some cases, classic cars. The climate in South Africa means vintage cars are, for the most part, not affected by rust or perishing. We have imported a number of interesting vehicles over the years, and are in regular contact with some vehicle sourcing and exporting companies.

As part of a worldwide network of freight forwarders, we have personal contacts around the globe with local knowledge. Our Partner in South Africa is able to assist with Export Customs, transport and other associated activities. We can advise our customers on all aspects of exporting from South Africa to the UK. Our services for importing from South Africa can be fully comprehensive including insurance, door-to-door imports, or as little as arranging your ocean or air freight.

If you’re looking for a freight forwarder with experience in importing from South Africa, then give us a call today to discuss your requirements – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

From some locations, your vessel may only call at one port in the UK, in which case, you do not need to worry about making a decision as to which port to use.

Depending on where you are importing from, you may choose to import your goods into the UK via the Port of Southampton.  Located on the South Coast of England, with good transport links, it may be your preferred choice for your cargo to be unloaded into the UK.

We also operate the majority of our UK imports through Felixstowe and Tilbury (often preferred choices of container ports for deliveries further North).  Both with excellent transport links, and capacities to handle a great deal of cargo on a daily basis.

Your choice of import container port in the UK may also take into account sailing times of the vessel your cargo is on.  Some vessels will just call at one container port in the UK, whereas others may call at several.  Which port they call at first, may be your choice of unloading if you wish to have your goods in the UK slightly sooner.

The below video clip is taken from the BBC’s show ‘Sea City’ which followed the workings of Southampton container port.  This particular clip shows the operation of the cranes unloading the containers from the vessel at the port.

If you’re looking for an independent freight forwarder to handle your UK import, then call us today to discuss your requirements – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

As container ships grow in size, London Gateway will be an ideal choice when using these larger container liners for importing and exporting from the UK.

The port will increase the UK’s container handling capacities, and is aiming to be one of the most efficient ports in the UK.  Alternative ports in the UK currently include Felixstowe, Southampton, Hull and Liverpool.  The new container port will add 3.5 million TEU (equivalent 20 foot containers) to the UK’s container handling capacity.

Record-breaking cranes were recently delivered to the London Port.  Five in total, these cranes will be able to handle the world’s largest container vessels.  The cranes are said to be taller than the London Eye, and can reach further than is currently required when loading and unloading the largest of the container vessels currently sailing.  This will ensure the port’s future, as container ships are becoming larger all the time.  The cranes will be able to reach across 25 containers on the container ships, and will lift up to 80 tons at a time.

Container ships have currently grown to hold up to 18,000 TEU (compared with just 6,000 TEU, 50 years ago).

If you’re looking for a freight forwarder to handle your shipment from or to the UK, get in touch.
Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

As an independent freight forwarder, Mercator also sees seasonal exports, such as Gliders during the southern hemisphere summer period.  These are usually shipped from Europe to South Africa under temporary export to take advantage of the good weather.

In order to import goods into South Africa, either yourself, or the end user must be registered with South African customs.

As part of a global network of freight forwarders, we have a very reliable and solid partner in South Africa who is able to give guidance on customs procedures.  Our freight forwarding services range from delivery to door in South Africa, assistance with customs clearance, unpacking and other procedures.

So if you’re looking for an experienced freight forwarder to manage your export shipment to South Africa, email or call us – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.