Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Short, direct answers for trade freight (imports/exports) and international household moving (personal effects). Start at “Before quoting”, then follow the links to the right service or audience page. If you’re not sure which applies, start with traders vs migrants.
Written by Joshua Cronje, Digital Operations Specialist at Sterdts. Reviewed by Gert Mostert, Managing Director at Sterdts.
Reliable trade quotes need: origin/destination, Incoterm, commodity description, value, packaging (dimensions/weights), ready date, and whether you need customs-clearing plus delivery/storage (warehousing). Unknowns increase quote-to-final variance. If you don’t have everything, we can start provisional—but we’ll tell you exactly what’s missing and why it matters. For trade context, see traders and regulations.
Moving quotes depend on volume (m³), packing level, access constraints (stairs, estates), pickup area, destination scope, and a clear inventory. A room-by-room list beats a vague estimate because it reduces surprises around fragile items and special handling. Timing matters too—bookings depend on cut-offs and capacity. Start with migrants and international-moving, and check restrictions on regulations.
Yes, but it will be provisional. For trade freight, HS codes and commodity clarity affect duties, permits, and hold risk; for household moves, inventory quality affects volume and packing scope. We can provide a range and then tighten it once you confirm missing inputs. If you want speed, send “best available” details now and we’ll confirm the minimum needed to firm it up. See regulations.
Assume documents and declarations get checked. Provide consistent invoice/packing data for trade shipments, and a clear inventory for household moves. Flag anything unusual early (batteries, liquids, food, high-value items). When you’re unsure, don’t guess—share the detail and we’ll tell you what to verify and what may require official confirmation. General guidance only; requirements vary by shipment. See regulations.
Budget for local handling, clearance-related costs, inspections, storage risk, and last-mile delivery constraints. Even when freight is stable, “local” items can change if documents are incomplete or if an inspection happens. We separate predictable costs from risk items so you can plan realistically. The best way to keep costs stable is accurate inputs upfront and quick document turnaround. See customs-clearing.
Yes—if you want cover, we’ll explain what information is needed (declared value, packing method, route risk) and what is typically covered or excluded. Insurance isn’t the same as carrier liability, which can be limited. The practical decision is about your exposure: what you can’t afford to lose or replace. We’ll outline options and inputs, and you choose what fits. Start via contactus.
It means we pack your goods to international export standards for handling and long-distance transport. This typically includes protective wrapping, boxing where appropriate, item grouping, and clear carton/handling labels. It does not automatically include custom crating for fragile or high-value items unless specified in your quote.
Shared container (groupage) means your goods share space with other shipments going to the same destination lane. Pricing is based on the space your shipment uses and the service scope. Timing depends on consolidation schedules and sailing/flight availability — we’ll confirm expected cut-off dates and departures before you book.
We confirm service scope, pickup/hand-off plan, booking timelines (cut-offs) and align what you must provide and by when—typically shipping instructions and final documents needed for customs-clearing planning. If weights, ready date, or routing changes, we update the plan and highlight likely cost/timing impacts before it becomes a last-minute problem. For trade flow, see traders.
We align inventory confirmation, packing method, and a pickup plan that matches access and timing. Then we coordinate export prep, main transport booking, and destination planning. International moves are smoother when inventories and “do not ship” items are settled early. If you need specialist protection for fragile items, plan that upfront. See international-moving and specialised-packing.
Often yes, but changes can trigger rebooking, rate changes, or delays—especially if dimensions/weights change or documents must be re-issued. For trade freight, commodity/value changes can also increase compliance checks. For household moves, adding items late can change volume and packing time. If you anticipate changes, tell us early so we can manage the impact before cut-off. See regulations.
Fast, accurate inputs: final invoice and packing list for trade, or final inventory for household moves, plus confirmation of key parties and addresses. Most delays come from one missing detail that blocks clearance or booking. If you don’t have something, tell us what’s missing and when you expect it—we’ll adjust the plan and explain the risk clearly. See customs-clearing and migrants.
No — you don’t need to move everything into one room unless access is difficult. Our team can pack from multiple rooms and we’ll confirm the plan with you beforehand. We bring the required export-grade packing materials (boxes, wrap, protection and labels) and will advise if anything needs special crating.
Tracking depends on the mode: air often uses AWB milestones, sea uses vessel/container milestones, and road follows corridor-based updates. We focus on milestone updates tied to real status changes (departed, arrived, cleared, delivery ready). Tracking is most useful when paired with “what happens next,” so updates will also state what we need from you, if anything. If you need help interpreting a status, use contactus.
Schedule changes happen due to capacity, weather, port/airport constraints, and connection timing. The impact is usually on delivery planning, and sometimes on storage risk if clearance and delivery aren’t aligned. We’ll tell you what changed, what it affects, and your options (wait, reroute, expedite). If timing is critical, tell us your hard deadline early. See air-freight or sea-freight.
Notify us as soon as possible and keep evidence: photos, carton condition notes, delivery remarks, and packing lists/inventories. Delay makes claims harder because condition evidence degrades. For household moves, inventory accuracy matters; for trade shipments, receiving notes and packaging condition matter. We’ll guide the documentation steps and next actions, but outcomes depend on evidence and policy terms.
Keep your booking confirmation, key documents (invoice, packing list, AWB/B/L reference), and any permits or correspondence for restricted items. For household moves, keep your inventory and value declarations. These help resolve holds, delivery access questions, and claim steps faster. If you forward documents once, we can reference them throughout the shipment to reduce back-and-forth. See customs-clearing.
Clearance timing depends on document readiness, risk selection, inspections, tariff/value questions, and port/airport conditions. Some shipments clear quickly; others pause if documents are inconsistent or an exam is triggered. The lever you control is providing complete, consistent documents early. We’ll tell you what’s missing and the likely impact if it isn’t corrected. See customs-clearing and regulations.
An inspection can involve document verification, scanning, or a physical exam, depending on the case. It usually adds time and can add storage/handling costs. The practical response is to provide requested supporting documents quickly and avoid changing declared details mid-process unless a correction is necessary. We’ll coordinate steps, explain what’s being requested, and help you reduce repeat queries. See regulations.
Final delivery depends on address accuracy, access constraints, delivery windows, and whether storage is needed. Common issues include restricted truck access, estate/warehouse appointment rules, and last-minute address changes. We confirm delivery requirements early and propose a realistic plan. If you anticipate access issues, tell us before arrival so we can prevent re-delivery costs and delays. See warehousing.
Yes—storage can be arranged if delivery can’t happen immediately, or if you need time to finalize clearance or receiving readiness. Storage is safest when planned, because unplanned holds can trigger expensive “forced storage.” If timing may change, tell us early and we’ll build a storage contingency into the plan rather than reacting under pressure. See warehousing and coordinate via contactus.
Get a quote or ask a question by clicking here → Contact us
If you’re unsure which service applies, send the basics and we’ll guide the next step:
Trade: origin/destination, Incoterm, commodity, value, weights/dimensions
Moving: pickup area, destination, preferred dates, rough inventory, packing needed
Any: what deadline matters most (cost vs speed vs certainty)