Frequently Asked Questions

The seller collaborates with the freight forwarder on the export shipping documents on our document portal, EP Docs, to ensure all the information needed for a successful transaction is completed. This goes for everything from export shipping documents to shipment instructions.

If the mode of transportation for shipment is provided at the transaction level, then the freight forwarder must follow it. If no information on the mode of transport is provided, then the freight forwarder can offer solutions they feel are suitable.

The freight forwarder chooses the carrier for the shipment.

Freight forwarders will use their established relationships for the time being.

No, we do not have any agreements with preferred carriers.

No, we do not mandate for specific carriers.

We have agreements with regular parcel carriers such as DHL.

Export Portal welcomes any current customers of its freight forwarding partners to join our platform – registration is easy and free, and our services are convenient, comprehensive, and secure. Our blockchain technology allows you to save both time and money, as documentation is sent immediately with no waiting time for intermediaries.

Yes! Our platform and queries are free for freight forwarders to use for one year, after which fees will be charged based on your geolocation.

all done through the portal explain the cycle and features of portal

All aspects on an international trade transaction are completed on Export Portal. Here is an example of how the transaction cycle works for a freight forwarder:

1. Invoice is confirmed by the buyer, moving the order to EPL for shipper assignment.

2. In EPL, shippers will create bids for the order.

   1. This includes:

      1. Set due dates for bid approval

      2. Set due date for seller pickup

3. The buyer accepts the bid that works best for them in EPL, placing a “New Order” in the shipper’s queue. 

   1. The shipper is able to upload, sign, or download the documents necessary for a successful transaction in our document portal, EP Docs.

   2. From here, the shipper will see the contract generated by EP-Smart, our smart contract generator.

4. The order is paid for by the buyer and is confirmed by an EP administrator.

5. The seller prepares the products for shipment.

6. The shipper receives the product and fills in the tracking information in EPL, giving the order a “Shipping in Progress” status.

7. Once the due date set in step 2 is met and the product arrives, the order’s status changes to “Ready for Pickup”.

   1. If more time is required for the shipment, the shipper can ask for a time extension.

8. The shipper marks the order as delivered.

9. The seller picks up the delivery, at which time they mark the order as completed.