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INCOTERMS
Before planning international freight transport, it's important to answer this question: At what point do risks and costs become the responsibility of the buyer or the seller?
To ensure clear and transparent international transactions, there must be a standardized set of rules that everyone can understand in advance. That’s why the International Chamber of Commerce created Incoterms in 1936. These international trade terms aim to clarify the rights, obligations, costs, and risks involved in the transportation and delivery of goods.
Incoterms are globally recognized by governments, legal authorities, exporters, and importers as a standard way to interpret the most common terms used in international trade. They were developed to minimize or eliminate uncertainties caused by differing interpretations of regulations in various countries.
Through Incoterms, trade partners define responsibilities related to delivery, freight, insurance, packaging, licenses, duties, and transfers between terminals, among other things. When incorporated into sales contracts, these terms have legal force.
TYPES OF CONTAINERS
Freight containers were created to provide a multipurpose storage method for both trucks and ships. Unless otherwise specified, they are designed to transport dry goods at a constant temperature.
Since 1965, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has established three standard sizes: 20 feet, 40 feet, and 40-foot High Cube.
Small Container
The smallest container measures 20 feet, a standard originating in English-speaking countries. The system's inventor was American, and these containers can hold up to 28,180 kg.
Large Container
Large containers measure 40 feet and come in two versions: standard and High Cube. They can hold 28,750 kg and 28,560 kg respectively, both complying with ISO standards.
Other Containers
There are also special-size containers (45, 48, or 53 feet) for oversized cargo. These are essential when standard containers are not suitable.
Refrigerated containers are a special category—critical for transporting food products over long distances, ensuring goods arrive in perfect condition.
Classification and Labeling of Dangerous Goods
Classification and labeling for all merchandise considered dangerous and to be transported by any mode of transport (road, air, sea, rail and river)
Class 1: Explosives
1 – Explosive Substances and Articles
Applies to explosive substances and articles classified under divisions 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.
Conventional symbol: an exploding bomb
Note:
** Indicates the division
-
Indicates the compatibility group
1.4 – Explosive Substances and Articles
Substances and articles that present only a minor risk of explosion in the event of ignition or initiation during transport.
1.5 – Explosive Substances and Articles
Very insensitive substances that pose a risk of mass explosion.
1.6 – Explosive Substances and Articles
Extremely insensitive articles that do not present a risk of mass explosion.
Class 2: Gases
2.1 – Flammable Gases
Applies to gases that are flammable when mixed with air at concentrations of up to 13%.
2.2 – Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gases
Applies to substances that, at 50°C, have a vapor pressure greater than 300 kPa (3 bar), or are completely gaseous at 20°C under standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
2.3 – Toxic Gases
Known to be toxic or corrosive to humans to the extent that they pose a health hazard. They are considered toxic or corrosive if their acute toxicity LC50 is less than or equal to 5,000 ml/m³.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
Liquids with a flash point of 61°C or lower
Class 4: Flammable Solids
4.1 – Flammable Solids
Substances that can ignite through friction, self-reactive materials (which are thermally unstable), and desensitized explosives (substances that have been wetted with alcohol or water to suppress their explosive properties).
4.2 – Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion
Includes pyrophoric substances and substances or articles that undergo spontaneous heating during transport.
4.3 – Substances Which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases
These are substances that, upon reaction with water, emit flammable gases which may form explosive mixtures with air.
Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
5.1 – Oxidizers
Substances that release oxygen, supporting the combustion of other materials
5.2 – Organic Peroxides
Subject to exothermic decomposition at normal or elevated temperatures
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
6.1 – Toxic Substances
Harmful or lethal by inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion
6.2 – Infectious Substances
Known or suspected to contain pathogens
Class 7: Radioactive Materials
7.A – Radioactive Materials, Category I – White
Materials that emit particles and radiation capable of damaging cells.
Maximum radiation intensity at any point on the external surface: does not exceed 0.005 mSv/h.
7.B – Radioactive Materials, Category II – Yellow
Maximum radiation intensity at any point on the external surface: greater than 0.005 mSv/h but not more than 0.5 mSv/h.
7.C – Radioactive Materials, Category III – Yellow
Maximum radiation intensity at any point on the external surface: greater than 0.5 mSv/h but not more than 2 mSv/h.
7.E – Fissile Materials
Fissile materials include uranium-233, uranium-235, plutonium-239, or plutonium-241, or any combination of these radionuclides.
Class 8: Corrosive Substances
Chemicals that cause skin and mucous membrane damage or damage goods, packaging, or transport means upon leakage
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods and Articles
9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods and Articles
Includes substances and articles that, during transport, pose a danger not covered by the other classes.
9.A – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods and Articles – Lithium Batteries
Includes substances and articles that, during transport, present specific hazards—such as lithium batteries—that are different from those defined in the other classes.
