FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Velta it is our aim to help you to understand the process of freight management and warehousing within your supply chain. From our experiences, we have pulled together a list of frequently asked questions that will provide you with answers on using our services.
Of course, if there’s anything else you’re not sure of or wish to know, then please give us a shout!

 

How easy is it to switch to Velta from my current logistics provider?

Is there a minimum number of bookings we have to commit to?

What are your terms and conditions?

What information do you need from me so that I can obtain a quote for shipping?

How do I compare the cost of running our own warehouse with outsourcing to Velta?

Do you offer credit?

How are freight charges calculated?

Are your rates final and certain?

How do I know that I am getting the best prices?

What is the best method of shipment for my goods?

Do I need to insure my goods?

How will you keep me informed with regards to my bookings? And who do I need to contact with any questions that I may have?

Are transit times guaranteed?

What can I do to prevent delays and ensure a smooth process for my shipments?

Can Velta help me in communicating with my suppliers / buyers overseas?

What are import duty and VAT and how much will I be charged?

 

 

How easy is it to switch to Velta from my current logistics provider?

It’s easy.  We know you’re busy and don’t need to be consumed with complicated procedures. We will let you know what information we need, and once received, you can leave us to do the rest.

If you are moving stock into our distribution centre we will talk everything through with you thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition and will work with you to develop simple to follow operating processes.


 

Is there a minimum number of bookings we have to commit to?

No. We do usually see growing support from our clients over time, either because we’re helping a small business to grow or because larger businesses like to test our service before fully committing.

Whether your company is shipping one consignment a year or moving hundreds of packages every week, we’re happy to help.


 

What are your terms and conditions?

We operate in accordance with the Standard Trading Conditions of BIFA (British International Freight Association). As the official trade association for UK freight companies, these standards provide you with the assurance that your shipments will be handled in a professional manner, in accordance to industry best practice.


 

What information do you need from me so that I can obtain a quote for shipping?

To advise you accurately we will need to know how many packages you have to ship, including the sizes and weights of each. We will also require details of addresses for the collection and delivery of your goods as well as the shipping terms you have agreed with your supplier / buyer (we can offer advice on shipping terms if required).


 

How do I compare the cost of running our own warehouse with outsourcing to Velta?

If you can supply us with documents relating to stock movements over a period of 1 year we can give you costs per unit and calculate a total spend. You can then compare this to your current overheads.


 

Do you offer credit?

We normally operate under 30 days month end terms, subject to credit check.

For clients that do not have credit we can usually be flexible if we have stock in transit or warehoused.


 

How are freight charges calculated?

Part loads by road or sea are usually calculated per cubic metre, unless the cargo is very dense.

Airfreight and courier charges are calculated per kg but it’s important to remember that the airlines’ chargeable weight is often higher than the actual weight for bulky consignments.

For full load containers (FCL) by sea we can give you an all-inclusive price according to the terms you have agreed with your supplier/buyer.


 

Are your rates final and certain?

As long as the consignment specifications don’t change the price that we quote will be exactly the same as appears on your invoice.


 

How do I know that I’m getting the best prices?

We welcome you to compare the market place but do take care to ensure that everything that is included in our price is included in the prices of our competitors.

As shipping rates do fluctuate, we are happy to work on a fixed margin for handling all freight movements, allowing your company to fully benefit from any changes in freight rates.


 

What is the best method of shipment for my goods?

The best method of shipment for your goods depends on a variety of factors; For example, whether the goods are time sensitive, the weight and the size of products.

Once we know what it is that you need to transport and understand your / your clients’ expectations for the shipment, we will find the most cost effective solution to deliver on time.


 

Do I need to insure my goods?

Under BIFA Standard Trading Conditions your goods are insured in transit up to a value of approximately £2 per kg. In many cases this is not sufficient to cover the cost of the goods being shipped so we would strongly recommend that you take out your own cover. We are able to arrange this for you and arrange this for you at competitive rates.


 

How will you keep me informed with regards to my bookings? And who do I need to contact with any questions that I may have?

You will be assigned your own Client Relations Manager (CRM) who can, if you wish, be your sole point of contact at Velta. You can talk through your expectations with your CRM and they will ensure that all communications are timely and appropriate so you know what’s going on but are not inundated with information that you don’t need.

It is also possible to track your goods in transit and to check the status of your stock 24/7 with our online tracker. When you make your first booking with us you will be provided with a username and password to access these services.


 

Are transit times guaranteed?

Unfortunately not. We have a better track record than most when it comes to schedule integrity but there are many factors we are always working to overcome in order to ensure that we get our clients goods delivered on time – bad weather, political situations, mechanical failures etc.

If you can allow a buffer in your lead time it will help to alleviate any such issues, however we are experienced enough to overcome any delays almost 100% of the time.


 

What can I do to prevent delays and ensure a smooth process for my shipments?

We will request certain information and documents from you and also advise as to the best methods of shipment, handling and administration. This will enable us to give you accurate information and to process your goods efficiently.


 

Can Velta help me in communicating with my suppliers / buyers overseas?

At Velta we carry out an important function for our clients in handling overseas communications. Our vast network of established overseas partners means that we have local knowledge and expertise, enabling us to talk to your suppliers/buyers without any language or cultural barriers.


 

What are import duty and VAT and how much will I be charged?

All commodities that are shipped internationally are assigned a code. We will use the code that applies to your goods when we declare them to Customs and the appropriate percentage of duty will be applied. In most cases import VAT is charged at the standard rate of 20% and VAT registered companies claim this back.

If you do not have your own deferment account for making payments to HMRC it is possible to use Velta’s at a small percentage charge of the transaction value with a minimum charge of £35.00.