Shipping
Policy.
Delivered Right.
Understand how we handle your cargo - from booking and transit to customs clearance and last-mile delivery - across every mode and every border.
Overview
At ABS Logistics, we specialize in reliable, efficient, and compliant global freight solutions. This Shipping Policy outlines how we process, handle, and deliver shipments on behalf of our clients worldwide.
By placing a booking with us, you agree to the terms described in this policy. For cargo-specific arrangements, the terms in your individual service agreement or booking confirmation shall also apply.
Shipping Modes
We offer three primary freight modes to suit different cargo types, budgets, and urgency levels:
- Air Freight - Fastest transit option for time-sensitive, high-value, or lightweight cargo. Suitable for express shipments and perishables with special handling agreements.
- Sea Freight - Cost-effective solution for large volume and heavy cargo. Available as Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options.
- Road Freight - Ideal for overland cross-border shipments within regional corridors. Includes FTL (Full Truck Load) and LTL (Less than Truck Load) options.
Our team will recommend the most suitable mode based on your cargo specifications, destination, and delivery timeline.
Transit Times
Estimated transit times vary by mode, origin, and destination. General guidelines are as follows:
- Air Freight: 1–7 business days (international, excluding customs processing)
- Sea Freight (FCL): 10–45 business days depending on trade lane
- Sea Freight (LCL): 15–50 business days including consolidation time
- Road Freight: 1–15 business days depending on route and border crossings
All transit times are estimates only and not guaranteed. Delays may occur due to customs inspections, port congestion, adverse weather, public holidays, or force majeure events. ABS Logistics shall not be liable for consequential losses arising from transit delays.
Rates & Charges
Freight rates are quoted based on the following factors:
- Gross weight vs. volumetric (chargeable) weight - whichever is greater
- Origin and destination port or city pair
- Selected service level (standard, express, economy)
- Commodity type and any special handling requirements
- Fuel surcharges, security surcharges, and terminal handling charges (THC)
Additional charges may apply for customs examination, storage beyond free days, re-delivery attempts, remote area delivery, or documentation amendments. All rates are subject to change without prior notice unless locked in a confirmed quotation.
Customs & Duties
All international shipments are subject to customs clearance in the destination country. The importer of record is responsible for:
- Payment of applicable import duties, VAT, and taxes
- Providing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates or permits
- Ensuring the declared value matches the actual transaction value
- Compliance with destination country import regulations and restricted goods lists
ABS Logistics offers customs brokerage services to assist with clearance documentation. However, we are not liable for delays or penalties resulting from incorrect or incomplete information provided by the shipper.
Packaging Requirements
Proper packaging is the shipper's responsibility. We recommend:
- Using new, sturdy cartons with adequate internal cushioning for fragile items
- Securing palletized cargo with stretch wrap and corner boards
- Clearly labeling all packages with origin, destination, gross weight, and handling instructions
- Using UN-certified packaging for hazardous materials as per IATA/IMDG standards
- Avoiding over-packing that misrepresents declared dimensions or weight
Claims for damage to improperly packaged goods will not be accepted regardless of insurance coverage.
Restricted & Prohibited Goods
The following goods are restricted or prohibited from shipment without prior written authorization:
- Hazardous materials (DG cargo) not accompanied by proper MSDS and declarations
- Perishables and temperature-sensitive goods outside cold-chain agreements
- Antiques, artwork, and high-value goods exceeding standard liability limits
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices requiring regulatory permits
- Arms, ammunition, or military equipment without valid export/import licenses
- Any goods sanctioned or embargoed under applicable international trade laws
Shipment of prohibited goods will result in immediate service termination and may be reported to relevant authorities.
Tracking & Notifications
All confirmed shipments are assigned a unique tracking reference. You can monitor your cargo status through:
- Our online tracking portal (available 24/7)
- Automated email or SMS milestone notifications
- Dedicated account manager updates for premium service clients
Milestone notifications are sent at key stages: booking confirmation, cargo pickup, departure, arrival at destination, customs clearance, and delivery. Contact us if you require real-time visibility or IoT-based tracking for sensitive shipments.
Loss & Damage Claims
In the unfortunate event of cargo loss or damage:
- Notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery for visible damage, or within 7 days for concealed damage
- Retain all original packaging and documentation for inspection
- Provide photographs, a damage report, and the original commercial invoice
- Loss claims for missing shipments must be filed within 30 days of the expected delivery date
Claims submitted outside these timeframes may not be accepted. Our liability is limited to the lesser of the actual loss or the applicable convention limits unless additional insurance was purchased.
Cargo Insurance
We strongly recommend cargo insurance for all shipments. ABS Logistics can arrange all-risk marine cargo insurance covering:
- Physical loss or damage during transit (all modes)
- General average contributions (sea freight)
- Theft, non-delivery, and handling damage
Insurance must be requested at the time of booking. Premiums are calculated based on the declared cargo value and commodity type. Without insurance, liability defaults to the limits set by the applicable international convention (e.g., Hague-Visby, Montreal Convention).
Updates to This Policy
This Shipping Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in service offerings, regulations, or industry standards. The latest version will always be available on this page. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the current policy.
Contact Us
ABS Logistics
Call: +91 98107 75426
Email: info@abslogistics.in
Address: Plot No. 19, Rekha Enclave, Mansarovar Garden, Main Kirti Nagar Road, Delhi 110015