SHIPPING AND INCOTERMS

This practice guide is intended for individuals working within UNDP who wish to acquire a comprehensive understanding of suitable shipping arrangements, necessary documentation, and Incoterms. Furthermore, it is pertinent for those engaged in roles that involve significant interaction with procurement or logistics, such as program staff seeking a deeper insight into shipping operations.

The guide encompasses various topics, including the principles of effective shipping arrangements, strategies for risk mitigation, and an overview of options available for enhancing the organization’s logistical activities. It also addresses the capability to plan, execute, and assess a transportation operation that aligns with the value and risk associated with the goods being transported. This guide provides an overview of the various shipping modes to identify the appropriate logistical arrangements for diverse requirements; it also introduces a broad understanding of the necessity for insurance and the types of coverage that are available.

Additionally, the book elucidates the advantages and disadvantages of different Incoterms, their appropriate application, and discusses loss prevention strategies, including measures and actions to minimize or avert loss, as well as effective packing and marking techniques. Customs procedures are thoroughly examined, along with the suitable shipping methods based on several factors such as cost, frequency, reliability, and required speed; it is noteworthy that the authors also clarify the roles of shipping documents, including the Air Waybill and Bill of Lading.