Why Is Documentation Important to Global Transportation

Documentation Important to Global Transportation

Transporting cargoes to overseas locations and even domestically entails a lot of responsibilities, documentation being a key one among those. Exporters often complain about this documentation being a hassling and protracted process, one that they could do without. But despite the shortening of the shipping process and minimization of paper works, documentation still continues to be a pivotal part of shipping. So the question arises in the mind as to why is documentation so important a part of the global transportation process? In this article, let’s find out the precise reasons for it.

Documents Represent Contracts

Documents are needed in the global transportation of goods for varying reasons. One of them is to represent the contract of carriage. Shipping documents feature all clauses that apply to the operation of transportation of the said goods. It reads the conditions under which the shipping transaction is taking place. There are a number of documentation service providers in Dubai that helps with processing paper works for transportation.

Documents are Proof of Delivery of Merchandise

Documents in global transportation are essential because it is the legitimate proof that an item has been delivered. When a customer requests a proof, this is the document the seller produces to establish that the delivery was made. It is the same document that is sent to the buyer if it is requested.

Documents Prove that Goods Have Been Delivered in Pristine Conditions

Shipping involves goods on transit for a long time, often for weeks. So how can a seller establish that the goods were in the right condition when it was finally handed over to the buyer? Through documentation. The freight carrier would be within their rights to reject any goods that reach them in damaged or flawed condition. Following the rejection, a notification is sent to the exporter about the situation. In such a case, the document would read “dirty” or “damaged” goods thereby stating the problematic condition of the product. Similarly, if the goods reach the customer in a poor or unfit condition, they can send it back stating the reason for return and a refund or replacement will be issued in response. Shipping document services are available for the same.

Documents Establish the Rightful Ownership of Goods

Another reason why documentation should at all times accompany global transportation is for authorization. It is proof of the ownership of the goods. Documents are required to be presented at the customs to prove that you are the person who is authorized to receive the merchandise. For ocean freight, it’s the bill of lading. It is also through documentation that you can transfer the ownership of the goods to another party. Everything has to be on record and documentation makes that happen.

Transportation documentation can understandably be a nightmare. All the same, it’s unavoidable. Hence, the smartest thing to do is to seek transporter document services Dubai that handle all paperwork and process them smoothly on behalf of the sellers.

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