Global Freight 101 : guide visuel des documents, droits & Incoterms
Guides · · 5 min read · FR

Global Freight 101 : guide visuel des documents, droits & Incoterms

Un guide visuel intemporel sur les documents, les droits, les Incoterms et les choix de mode — pensé pour des chargeurs pressés.

Joseph Rofail
Overview of global freight modes: ocean, air, road, rail and courier

Freight feels complex until you see the whole picture. This evergreen, visual guide shows the documents you’ll touch, how to think about duties, and how Incoterms divide responsibilities—so you can ship with confidence.

Snapshot

What matters, at a glance

Documents you’ll likely use:
  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List
  • Transport doc: B/L, AWB, CMR, CIM
  • Origin, HS Code, and any licenses
Duties depend on: HS Code × Customs Value × Country + preference programs (e.g. EU-UK TCA). Start with your 6-digit HS, then check local tariff.

The 7 core documents

Core freight documents checklist with quick purpose notes
Pin this checklist next to your desk. It covers 90% of lanes and modes.
  1. Commercial Invoice — value, seller/buyer, Incoterm.
  2. Packing List — pieces, weight, dimensions, marks.
  3. Transport Document — B/L (ocean), AWB (air), CMR (road), CIM (rail).
  4. Certificate of Origin — eligibility for preferences.
  5. HS Codes — classification drives duty rate.
  6. Licenses/Permits — if controlled goods.
  7. Insurance — match the Incoterm risk point.

Incoterms® explained in one view

Incoterms responsibilities grid
Responsibility hand-off: who pays what, and where risk transfers.
TermWhere risk passesKey buyer costsGood for
EXWSeller’s doorAll transport & export formalitiesExperienced buyers with origin control
FCACarrier at originMain carriage, insurance, importMost common, flexible
CIF/CIPOn board / first carrierImport duties & taxesWhen seller buys insurance
DDPBuyer’s door—No-surprise delivery for buyer

Tip: always pair the Incoterm with a named place: e.g., FCA Hamburg Terminal.

How to estimate duties (in plain English)

Duty calculation diagram: HS code, customs value, preference
Classification × Customs Value × Rate (minus any preferences).
  • Classify at 6 digits (HS); add national digits if required.
  • Customs Value: typically CIF or transaction value (jurisdiction-specific).
  • Rate from the tariff; apply any agreement (e.g., zero duty if origin qualifies).

Pack & mark like a pro

Examples of correct export marks and handling labels
Clear marks reduce damage, delays, and claims.
  • Use readable export marks that match docs.
  • Show gross/net weight, dims, and piece count.
  • Apply “This Side Up”, “Keep Dry” where relevant.

Save this: mode trade-offs

Trade-offs across ocean, air, road, rail and courier
Speed, cost, reliability: pick your mode with intent.
ModeMatch rule of thumb: if value-to-weight is high or deadlines are tight, bias to air. If volume is high and lead time mellow, bias to ocean. Bridge gaps with road/rail; use courier for small/urgent.

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