FAQ

Wondering about freight rates, documentation requirements, NSAs or have other questions about shipping your product? You are not alone. We’ve compiled the questions we are asked most frequently in one convenient place. Click below to start getting answers, or contact us with additional questions.

What is included in TSC’s freight rates?

TSC offers rates that are all in from a door loading facility, rail ramp, or port. Our rates typically include all components of ocean freight, unless otherwise specified. Typically TSC’s rates are subject to destination charges, but can be inclusive of those charges if necessary.

How is TSC Container Freight affiliated with The Scoular Company?

TSC Container Freight is a business of The Scoular Company. Due to the nature of our business, our staff, documents, and computer systems are separate from those of other Scoular employees. TSC takes pride in its discretion and professionalism.

What is an NSA?

An NSA is a contractual agreement between TSC and its client to provide ocean freight rates that are not visibly filed in the FMC tariff. NSAs allow TSC to offer diverse rates for the same trade lane. An NSA is tied to a Minimum Quantity Commitment (MQC).

What do I need to do to begin working with TSC?

Complete a TSC credit application for our Chicago office, our Kansas City office, or our Minneapolis office
Provide Power of Attorney if we file AES or sign documentation

What documents do I need to supply to TSC?

Complete bill of lading instructions
Detailed cargo content (weight, pieces, dimensions of cargo, description)
Letter of Credit, when applicable to the shipment.
Commercial documents (invoice, packing list) when applicable.

What is AES?

The Automated Export System (AES) is a computer system that collects Electronic Export Information (EEI). In many cases, the law requires you to report EEI for goods exported from the United States and its territories. For more information about AES, please go to: http://www.aesdirect.gov/

What is a Schedule B Number?

In the United States, numbers used to classify exported products are called “Schedule B” numbers. Every item that is exported is assigned a unique 10-digit identification code, which is administered by The U.S. Census Bureau. To find the Schedule B number associated with your product, please go to: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/2009/index.html

The following Schedule B search engine is a recommended resource only. TSC is not liable for errors in product selection: http://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/#/p=0

Do I need an export license to ship my product?

A relatively small percentage of the total U.S. exports require a license from the U.S. Government. The governing body that is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) is the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

You, as the exporter, must determine whether your export requires a license by considering:

What are you exporting?
Where are you exporting?
Who will receive your item?
What will your item be used for?

To find out more about export licenses, please go to: http://www.bis.doc.gov/licensing/exportingbasics.htm