In global trade, sea freight is the lifeline of large-volume exports. But behind every container loaded in Bangladesh and shipped overseas lies a meticulous operational system — one that must balance speed, documentation, customs, coordination, and customer service across multiple stakeholders.
At Freight Management Ltd (FML), sea exports are not just moved — they’re managed from start to finish. Whether it’s FOB or EXW, whether shipments go to the USA, Europe, or the Middle East, every export moves through a defined workflow designed for reliability, transparency, and control.
Here’s a look at what actually happens — and why FML’s approach to sea export stands out in the logistics world.
1. It All Starts With a Booking — But That’s Only the Beginning
Sea export begins with a booking — either directly from the shipper or through overseas agents or buying houses. But this is more than just recording a request. Every booking is:
- Logged with a unique reference number
- Cross-checked with destination agents for approval
- Matched with available carrier schedules
- Verified for contract validity (especially for Collect shipments)
Nothing proceeds without aligning all three sides: shipper, agent, and carrier. And if there’s a rate or contract mismatch, it’s flagged and resolved before space is confirmed.
2. Carrier Selection, Container Allocation & Space Booking
Once a booking is validated, space must be secured. This involves:
- Comparing available carriers based on schedule, reliability, and rates
- Confirming cut-off dates and cargo handover protocols (CFS vs factory stuffing)
- Aligning with destination requirements for routing and documentation
If space isn’t available or a carrier declines the commodity, alternatives are immediately sourced. Multiple agents may be contacted simultaneously to avoid delays — and client communication remains active throughout.
3. Cargo Handover, Stuffing, and Port Coordination
Once the container is allocated, the shipper delivers the cargo either to a designated CFS or loads the container at their facility (in case of factory stuffing). At this point, the export process intensifies.
FML ensures:
- The cargo is delivered within the cut-off period
- No cartons are damaged or missing
- Packing integrity is maintained
- Container loading is supervised and documented with photos
- Customs clearance is completed prior to loading
If there’s a delay in cargo readiness, the shipper is followed up rigorously. If timelines cannot be met, the schedule is immediately revised — not after the cut-off is missed, but before.
4. Draft Documents, HBL Finalization, and Pre-Alert
After loading, the agent shares the stuffing report and container details. Based on this, the draft House Bill of Lading (HBL) is prepared. Every line is reviewed against the commercial invoice, packing list, and client requirements:
- Consignee, shipper, and notify party details
- HS codes and commodity description
- Container & seal numbers
- Volume, weight, number of packages
The draft is shared with the shipper for feedback and correction. Once approved, the HBL is finalized and printed only after vessel departure. This ensures complete accuracy — no premature prints, no avoidable reissues.
Simultaneously, a pre-alert is sent to the destination agent with:
- HBL & MBL copies
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Freight invoice and debit/credit notes (based on the incoterm)
- Any required compliance docs (AMS, ISF, ACI, AFR, etc.)
5. Vessel Tracking, Exception Management & Delivery Support
Once the vessel departs, FML monitors every leg of the journey — especially transshipment ports, which are common for Bangladesh exports. The team tracks:
- Departure from Chittagong
- Connection with mother vessels
- Changes in routing or vessel name
- Container transfer issues or delays
If a delay, misconnection, or route change occurs, the customer is informed immediately — with solutions, not just excuses. The goal is not just to track vessels but to control outcomes.
6. Post-Departure Challenges: When Things Don’t Go As Planned
Export logistics isn’t always smooth. Containers can arrive while payments are still pending. Consignees can reject goods. Documentation may need changes post-shipment. FML manages these cases with a problem-solving mindset:
- Liaising with shippers to secure NOCs for buyer changes
- Assisting in finding alternative buyers if the original buyer backs out
- Holding or rerouting containers when payments are delayed
- Coordinating with carriers to minimize detention or storage costs
These are not rare exceptions — they’re part of the reality of freight forwarding. And FML handles them as part of the core service, not an extra.
7. Complete Documentation, Billing, and Customer Transparency
As the final step, documentation and billing are handled with clarity:
- Freight invoices are generated based on shipment terms (FOB, EXW, Prepaid)
- All documents are submitted to accounts, invoiced, and shared with clients (both soft and hard copies)
- Data is uploaded to internal software and Excel systems for complete record-keeping
Pre-alerts are used to trigger delivery planning at the destination, and any further coordination (e.g., DO issuance, customs release) is supported as needed.
Why It Matters to Clients
Most exporters only see the booking, vessel departure, and final invoice. But what happens in between — documentation checks, cargo inspection, customs, tracking, and real-time problem-solving — is where success is truly defined.
With FML, every step is planned, monitored, and owned — not delegated blindly to third parties. That means fewer surprises, more predictability, and stronger long-term client confidence.
Conclusion: Exporting with FML Means More Than Just Shipping
If you’re moving cargo out of Bangladesh by sea, your success depends on what happens before and after the ship sets sail. FML’s export operations are built not just to move boxes, but to give exporters peace of mind, precision, and full control from start to finish.
Looking for a freight partner who understands the real challenges of sea export?