Nice to know

To respond to that, it might be helpful to briefly inform you about what we do most. Primarily, we specialize in part-load transport of refrigerated goods. Although we also handle dry goods and frozen products, our fleet is exclusively equipped with refrigerated trucks, and we mainly focus on transporting fresh goods with limited shelf life. This entails strict requirements for efficient distribution and delivery on schedule. Many of our clients have outsourced all or part of their transport needs to us, utilizing our tailored solutions weekly throughout the year.

Our clients are mainly Norwegian importers specializing in fruits, vegetables, cheeses, hams, sausages, fresh pasta, fresh pizza bases, and other delicious delicacies in fresh food counters nationwide. On average, we manage transport tasks from various locations in Europe, from which these goods are exported.

We are also happy to assist with customs clearance for the goods upon arrival in Norway. Read more about this further down.

Before commencing the first transport assignment, we must map out the client's needs and establish clear agreements regarding the terms. When we receive inquiries from new clients, it's helpful to have as much information as possible about their needs:

• What products?
• From where?
• To where?
• How often?
• How much?

This information is crucial to offer the best quote and tailor the solution to the client's requirements.

If we already have an existing agreement, orders can be placed continuously.

Transport orders should preferably be sent via email to import@angvikauto.no or export@angvikauto.no

The minimum information we need to start a transport assignment includes:

•  Correct pick-up and delivery address, along with the opening hours for these locations.

• Information about the seller and buyer.

• The number of pallets to be collected and the size of the pallets.

• Weight of the shipment.

• Which products are being shipped.

• Temperature requirements for the transportation.

The documents accompanying a shipment from abroad to Norway must meet several requirements. Sometimes, a correctly filled-out commercial invoice from the sender to the recipient is sufficient, and we can take care of the rest. In other cases, this alone is not enough, and being aware of the applicable regulations is essential.

As an importer, it's common to pay customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), and excise taxes on the import of certain types of goods to Norway. The regulations can vary depending on the value of the shipment and the time of year. As the recipient of the goods, you are responsible for ensuring correct importation and customs clearance. 

Ask us if you're unsure what's needed; we're here to help!

Purchasing goods covered by a free trade agreement may qualify for reduced customs duties or duty exemption. Documentation of the goods' origin must be attached to obtain these customs benefits.

The two most common forms of proof of origin are:

1. EUR.1 - The Certificate of Origin must be filled out by the exporter and signed by the customs authorities of the exporting country.
2. Invoice Declaration - also called a declaration of origin. Any exporter can use an invoice declaration if the value of the goods is below EUR 6000. There is no upper-value limit for authorized exporters.

The invoice declaration offers several advantages and significantly simplifies the export process. The exporter should affix this declaration directly to the invoice (or another relevant commercial document) to document the product's origin status for both the importer and the relevant authorities.

We advise our clients to discuss this topic thoroughly with their suppliers, mainly if regular and substantial trade occurs. It is essential to encourage the supplier to become an authorized exporter. This offers significant benefits for all parties, including:

• Simplified customs documents: Less bureaucracy and faster handling of customs documents.
• Self-declaration of goods' origin: The goods' origin can be declared directly on the invoice without needing formal proof of origin like EUR.1.
• Faster customs clearance: Streamlines the customs clearance process.
• Cost savings: Less administrative work saves time and money.
• Increased customer trust: Signals professionalism and reliability.

Learn more about invoice declarations, authorized exporters, and see examples on the following websites:

• EU – Invoice declaration
• EU – Approved exporters
• Toll.no - Proof of origin

Importing goods to Norway without adequate documentation or goods that are not correctly cleared through customs can lead to significant financial consequences. Therefore, it's crucial to determine who will handle the shipment's customs clearance upon its arrival in Norway, even before the transportation starts. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on securing the correct documentation during the planning stage of a transport assignment.

Angvik Auto Fortolling AS was founded in the spring of 2016 as an independent entity within the Angvik Auto group. The company has established itself as a reliable player in customs clearance, focusing on efficiency, flexibility, and excellent service. Our dedicated employees possess significant expertise and knowledge across various categories of goods, including food items, fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers.

Read more about Angvik Auto Fortolling and our services in a separate section at this link.

Angvik Auto collaborates with several Norwegian freight forwarders regarding customs clearance for our customers. Still, our most efficient partner is our subsidiary, Angvik Auto Fortolling. Letting us take care of transportation and customs clearance provides the most optimal solution for you as a customer.

It must be possible to pick up and deliver the goods with a standard 17-meter semi-trailer without the need for a lift or any special equipment. Loading and unloading should be from dock level, and this is not normally carried out by our drivers unless specifically agreed upon.

To ensure a smooth transportation process, it is important to be notified early if the necessary facilities for direct pickup or delivery are not available. This allows us the opportunity to arrange for pickup to or delivery from the terminal as needed.

We primarily use two types of pallets for transport between the continent and Norway, and all our prices are based on the cost per pallet space. A standard European pallet measuring 120 x 80 cm is the most common type, but larger pallets measuring 120 x 100 cm (also known as fruit pallets, import pallets, and various other names) are also widely used. Note that there are international standards for the treatment and labeling of pallets used in the trade of goods.

Regardless of the type of pallet, the maximum height should be 240 cm, and the packaging must not extend beyond the dimensions of the pallet itself. The pallets should be stable and straight without overhang, and loading and unloading must be possible without the risk of the pallet tipping over or being damaged by normal handling.

We consider all pallets as part of the packaging and therefore included in the transaction between the seller and the buyer. We do not offer a pallet exchange service at pickup or delivery unless this has been clearly agreed upon in advance.

The maximum allowed total weight for road trains in Norway is 50 tons, while in central European countries, a lower total weight is operated with. For instance, Spain, Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland, and Germany have a maximum allowed total weight of 40 tons. Therefore, for import and export shipments across country borders, we must adhere to the laws and regulations that apply in the countries we operate in. Depending on the type of vehicle, trailer, and equipment level, we can load approximately 21,500 - 22,000 kilos gross on a standard trailer through Europe.

Converted into pallets, this equates to approximately 660 kilos gross per European pallet, or 840 kilos gross per a larger pallet. Shipments that deviate from this may be subject to an additional charge, especially if the deviation is so significant that we cannot utilize the total space in the trailer.

The goods must be properly packaged and suitable for transportation by road over long distances. Angvik Auto AS is not obligated to compensate for damages caused by poor or insufficient packaging. One of the most common types of damage we encounter involves the lower layers of pallets with relatively heavy goods, such as oranges, melons, pears, and similar items. Goods are often loaded too high and too heavy, and the packaging may also be of too poor quality for the stresses it undergoes. We accept no claims for compensation in cases where the goods are not properly packaged in relation to weight, etc.

The goods must be sufficiently cooled to the correct temperature before pickup. Goods that do not meet the necessary temperature requirements at the time of loading will not improve during transportation to the recipient. Incorrect temperature during loading will affect the quality of the affected goods and have an adverse impact on other goods that already have the correct temperature. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the correct temperature before transportation begins.

Many of our trailers have dual temperature zones, constant temperature monitoring, and options for extracting location and temperature logs at any time. Thus, in most cases, we can document the temperature a shipment has maintained during transport upon request.

We will always do our utmost to transport various goods at the correct temperature. The standard cold zone is usually set to +2-4 °C, while the standard warm zone is set to +8-12 °C. Frozen goods are transported at -18 °C or colder.

With 30 years of experience in transporting temperature-controlled goods, we are well aware of the temperature requirements for different products. If you have very specific temperature requirements for your shipments, this must be informed and agreed upon in advance.

All cargo must be labeled in accordance with the transport document, including information about the sender and recipient. The labeling must be clear and durable. Typically, goods are transported to multiple different recipients in the same trailer, and correct labeling of the cargo is crucial to ensure that the right goods are delivered to the right destination.

In accordance with the agreement, we send invoices as EHF invoices or as a PDF-file by email. CMR, consignment notes, or other attachments are not automatically sent with the invoice but can be forwarded upon request.

In the case of delayed payment, interest will be calculated in accordance with the Act on Interest on Late Payments, etc. Any objections to the invoice must be submitted in writing within eight days of receipt of the invoice.

With unstable markets and volatile prices for both currency and oil/fuel in recent years, since 2020, we have adjusted our prices using variable currency surcharges and fuel surcharges. Both surcharges are adjusted on the first of each month, based on the average exchange rate of the Norwegian krone against the EUR and the price of European diesel the previous month.

The currency surcharge applies only to customers who pay in Norwegian kroner.

Upon arrival, the recipient must inspect the goods, and any visible discrepancies must be noted in the CMR or consignment note. If no remarks are made, the goods are considered to have been received in good condition. Should it turn out that the goods have hidden damages or deficiencies, Angvik Auto must be informed in writing within eight days of receipt of the goods.

Angvik Auto's liability for transport is limited according to the Road Transport Act, the CMR Convention, and NSAB 2015. Therefore, our freight forwarder's liability insurance does not cover liabilities beyond what is stipulated by these provisions. For this reason, customers may need to take out their own transport, goods, and/or storage insurance.

Incoterms® is a set of standardized rules about delivery terms used in national and international trade transactions. Incoterms describe who bears the responsibility, risk, and costs associated with a transaction and when the responsibility shifts from seller to buyer. The choice of Incoterms should be listed in the commercial invoice.

These are the seven most common delivery terms for road transport:

• EXW (Ex Works)
  Seller: Delivers the goods at their own location (factory, warehouse, etc.). The seller has no responsibility for transport.
  Buyer: Assumes full responsibility for the transport from the seller's location, including loading, transport, customs clearance, and delivery to the final destination.
• FCA (Free Carrier)
  Seller: Delivers the goods to an agreed location (may be the seller's location) and clears the goods for export. Responsible for loading onto the transport vehicle.
  Buyer: Takes over responsibility as soon as the goods are delivered to the first carrier, handles all further transport and import procedures.
• CPT (Carriage Paid To)
  Seller: Pays the transport costs to the agreed destination, but the risk transfers to the buyer when the goods are handed over to the first carrier.
  Buyer: Assumes the risk upon the first carrier's takeover, including customs clearance and further transport to the final destination.
• CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to)
  Seller: Similar to CPT, but the seller must also provide transport insurance for the goods during transport.
  Buyer: Takes over the risk upon the first carrier's takeover, but the seller provides insurance. The buyer is responsible for customs clearance and further transport.
• DAP (Delivered at Place)
  Seller: Handles all transport and delivers the goods at an agreed place at the destination, but without clearing for import.
  Buyer: Assumes responsibility at the destination, including customs clearance and any further inland transport.
• DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
  Seller: Similar to DAP, but also includes the responsibility for unloading the goods at the agreed destination.
  Buyer: Responsible for customs clearance after the goods are unloaded, and any further transport from the delivery place.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
  Seller: Bears the most responsibility under this Incoterm. The seller covers all transport, export and import clearance, taxes, duties, and delivery to the agreed place.
  Buyer: Takes over the goods after they have been delivered and cleared at the agreed place.

The use of the correct Incoterms is crucial in international trade for several reasons:

• Clarity and Predictability: Incoterms provide a clear definition of the distribution of responsibilities between buyer and seller. This includes costs, risk, transport, insurance, customs clearance, and other obligations. When both parties understand their obligations, the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts is reduced.
• Risk Management: Incoterms determine the exact point where risk transfers from seller to buyer. This helps both parties to understand and prepare for the risks involved in transporting goods and to insure accordingly.
• Cost Control: Using Incoterms allows businesses to more accurately calculate the total price of a trade. This includes costs for transport, insurance, and any customs and tax expenses. This is important for budget planning and pricing.
• International Standardization: Incoterms are internationally recognized and used worldwide. This simplifies cross-border trade by offering a common set of rules and terms, which is especially important in countries with different trading practices and laws.
• Legal Security: In the event of a dispute, Incoterms provide a legal framework that can help resolve the issue. By referring to internationally recognized terms, businesses can defend their positions in lawsuits or negotiations.
• Efficiency in Logistics Planning: Understanding Incoterms contributes to more efficient logistics planning. Businesses can plan transport, warehousing, and distribution more effectively when they know exactly who is responsible for each part of the supply chain.

Choosing the wrong Incoterm can lead to financial losses, legal issues, delivery delays, and damage to business relationships. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses, especially in the transport and logistics industry, to understand and apply the correct Incoterms in their trade agreements.

You can download a simplified version of Incoterms® 2020 HERE.

All our assignments are carried out in accordance with NSAB 2015.

We recommend all our customers familiarize themselves with this set of rules.

The General Conditions of the Nordic Association of Freight Forwarders (NSAB 2015) is a standard document that regulates the relationship between freight forwarders (cargo and transport intermediaries) and their customers in Nordic countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The document provides a comprehensive legal framework for transport agreements and aims to create clarity and agreement about responsibilities and duties in goods transportation.

NSAB 2015 includes provisions related to the freight forwarder's responsibility for goods during transport, including limitations on this responsibility, as well as rules for compensation and insurance in case of any damages or loss of goods. The document also sets deadlines for filing claims and other important deadlines in the transport process.

This standard document is valuable for ensuring that freight forwarders and their customers have clear guidelines and expectations regarding logistics services and goods transport to and from the Nordic region. It helps minimize disputes and misunderstandings in the industry and provides a solid legal basis for transport agreements in the area.

Download the complete version of the agreement here:

NSAB 2015 – Norwegian

NSAB 2015 - English