Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, before you commit cargo
The questions importers and exporters ask us most, grouped by the part of the chain they affect.
01
Freight questions
How quickly can I get a freight quote?+
Most quotes are returned within four working hours. Complex project cargo may take up to two working days after a route survey.
Sea freight vs air freight — which should I choose?+
Air suits urgent, light, high-value cargo. Sea suits volume and weight where lead time can be planned. We model total landed cost including inventory carrying cost, not just freight.
Which cargo modes does Bromley handle?+
Air, sea, road and rail freight, moved as single-mode or combined multimodal routings depending on cost, transit time and cargo characteristics.
Can you move dangerous or hazardous goods?+
Yes. Our team includes IATA dangerous goods trained personnel who classify, document and pack hazardous cargo to regulatory standard.
What happens if my cargo is delayed at the border?+
It is escalated to the 24/7 emergency logistics desk, which stays on the case until the consignment is released and moving again.
02
Customs questions
How does customs clearance work?+
Documents are lodged, cargo is classified and valued, duties assessed and paid, inspection completed if selected, and release issued for collection.
What is an import documentation checklist?+
Commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin, and product-specific permits. We review all of these before shipment.
What happens if my shipment is selected for physical inspection?+
Our licensed clearing agents coordinate the inspection directly with the regulator and keep you updated on timing so there are no surprise storage charges.
Can you handle duty exemptions or special regimes?+
Yes, including donor-funded and NGO exemption processes, transit bonds and other special import regimes that require additional documentation.
03
Warehousing questions
How does warehouse consolidation save costs?+
It replaces repeated freight minimums, clearance fees and delivery charges with a single, better-utilised shipment.
Do you offer bonded storage?+
Yes. Bonded space defers duty until goods are released for local consumption, improving cash flow.
What kind of storage facilities do you operate?+
General, bonded and reefer-capable warehousing with monitored handling for standard, high-value and temperature-sensitive cargo.
04
Consolidation questions
What is cargo consolidation?+
Combining goods from multiple suppliers or orders into one shipment so you pay one freight charge and one clearance instead of several.
How often do consolidation shipments depart?+
On fixed weekly cut-offs across our main sourcing origins, so you can plan purchase orders against a known sailing or flight schedule.
Is my cargo kept separate from other clients' goods?+
Your goods are itemised and tracked individually against your reference even when co-loaded with other clients' cargo in the same container or flight.
05
Tracking questions
Can I track my shipment?+
Yes. Every consignment has a reference with milestone-level tracking and exception alerts.
What information do I get with milestone tracking?+
Departure, transit, arrival, customs status and delivery milestones, plus an alert whenever a shipment deviates from its planned schedule.
06
Account questions
Do I get a dedicated contact?+
Every account has a named account manager plus a backup, and access to the 24/7 emergency logistics desk.
What happens outside normal office hours?+
The emergency logistics desk is staffed 24/7 for cargo already at a port or border; routine enquiries are answered the next working day.
How is pricing structured for ongoing accounts?+
Transparent per-shipment costing agreed up front, reviewed quarterly against your actual volumes and corridors rather than a flat annual quote.
Still looking for something?
Air freightIn operation
The operations behind the answers
These questions come from real shipments. Every answer above reflects how our air freight, sea freight and customs teams actually run a consignment.
StorageStill deciding
Categories covered above
- Freight questions
- Customs questions
- Warehousing questions
- Consolidation questions
- Tracking questions
- Account questions
Question not answered here?
Send it to the quote desk — a specialist replies, not an auto-responder.