HELP & INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about freight forwarding, cargo preparation and enquiries.
Ask a QuestionGeneral Shipping
What information do I need to request a shipping quote?
To help Ocimex prepare an accurate shipping quotation, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Cargo description: What you intend to ship, such as boxes, pallets, vehicles, machinery or commercial goods.
- Quantity: The number of items, packages or vehicles.
- Size and weight: Approximate dimensions, weight or volume, where available.
- Collection location: Where the goods are currently located.
- Destination: The country, city or port where the shipment is going.
- Shipping requirements: Whether you need collection, storage, container shipping, groupage or other services.
- Preferred timeframe: When you would like the goods to be shipped.
- Contact details: Your name, telephone number and email address.
For vehicle shipments, please also provide the make, model, year and running condition where possible.
You can submit your requirements through our Get a Quote page or contact us directly:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1375 523351
Email: admin@ocimex.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 7515 451859
Our team will review your information and contact you if further details are needed.
Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking.
What is the difference between full-container shipping and groupage?
Ocimex offers different sea freight arrangements depending on the size, volume and nature of your shipment.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full Container Load means booking a dedicated shipping container for your cargo.
This option is generally suitable for larger shipments, household relocations, commercial merchandise, vehicles and machinery.
Ocimex can arrange 20ft and 40ft containers, subject to availability and shipping requirements.
Groupage (Consolidated Shipping)
Groupage allows smaller shipments from different customers to be combined in a shared container.
Rather than booking an entire container, you pay for the space allocated to your goods according to the applicable pricing arrangements.
Groupage can be suitable for boxes, personal belongings, pallets and smaller commercial shipments.
Which option should I choose?
- Choose full-container shipping if you have enough cargo to justify a dedicated container or need an arrangement suited to your particular shipment.
- Choose groupage if you are shipping a smaller quantity and want to explore a shared-container option.
Our team can help you compare the available arrangements based on your cargo, destination and preferred shipping timeframe.
Get a Sea Freight Quote
Contact Ocimex with a description of your goods, approximate dimensions or volume, and destination.
We’ll advise on available shipping options and provide a quotation.
Container availability, consolidation schedules, transit times and charges are subject to confirmation.
Which destinations does Ocimex currently serve?
Ocimex specialises in international freight forwarding between the United Kingdom and Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, including Lagos.
We support enquiries for personal belongings, consolidated cargo, commercial merchandise, vehicles, machinery and container shipments.
Shipping to other African or international destinations may be possible depending on the cargo, carrier arrangements and available routes.
Please contact Ocimex with your intended destination and shipment details so our team can confirm whether a suitable service is available.
Shipping destinations, sailing schedules and transit times are subject to confirmation.
Air Freight
How are air freight charges calculated?
Air freight charges are generally influenced by several factors, including:
- The origin and destination of the shipment
- The actual weight and dimensions of the packages
- Chargeable weight, which may be based on actual or volumetric weight
- Cargo type and any special handling requirements
- Collection, documentation and destination charges where applicable
To request an assessment, please provide a description of your goods, the number of packages, their weight and dimensions, and the intended destination.
Please note: Ocimex’s current air freight service availability has not yet been confirmed. Our team will review your enquiry and advise whether suitable arrangements are available before providing a quotation.
Air freight rates, routes and transit times are not guaranteed until confirmed.
What cargo is accepted for air freight?
The types of cargo that may be suitable for air freight depend on the destination, airline requirements, applicable regulations and available shipping arrangements.
Examples of goods that may be considered include:
- General commercial merchandise
- Clothing and textiles
- Documents and packaged personal items
- Certain non-hazardous equipment and spare parts
Some goods, including lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable substances, chemicals and other dangerous goods, are subject to special restrictions or may not be accepted.
Please provide an accurate description of your shipment before making any delivery arrangements.
Important: Air freight availability is subject to individual confirmation. Ocimex will advise whether your proposed cargo can be considered for an available service.
Acceptance of goods is not guaranteed.
Sea Freight
Can I ship boxes and pallets by sea?
Yes. Ocimex offers sea freight arrangements for eligible boxes, pallets, household goods and commercial cargo.
Smaller shipments can be transported using groupage (consolidated shipping), where goods from different customers share available container space.
For larger shipments, dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers may be available.
To request a quote, please provide the number of boxes or pallets, their contents, approximate dimensions and weight, and the intended destination.
Cargo acceptance, packaging requirements, available shipping arrangements and charges are subject to confirmation.
Please contact our team before delivering goods to our Purfleet facilities.
Does Ocimex offer full-container shipments?
Yes. Ocimex offers Full Container Load (FCL) shipping for customers who need a dedicated container for their goods.
We can arrange 20ft and 40ft shipping containers, subject to availability, cargo requirements and destination.
Full-container shipping is suitable for:
- Household goods and personal belongings
- Commercial merchandise and bulk shipments
- Vehicles and machinery
- Business imports and exports
What if I don’t need a full container?
Ocimex also offers groupage (consolidated shipping), where smaller shipments from different customers are combined in a shared container.
This can be a more economical option for customers shipping boxes, pallets or smaller quantities of goods.
How do I get a quote?
Contact Ocimex with details of your cargo, including its type, approximate volume or dimensions and destination. Our team will advise on the available container options and provide a quotation.
Container availability, shipping schedules, transit times and rates are subject to confirmation.
How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping costs at Ocimex depend on the type of cargo, shipment size, destination and transport arrangements.
We provide quotations based on the specific requirements of each shipment.
What affects the cost of shipping?
Several factors can influence your shipping quotation:
- Destination: Shipping costs vary depending on the destination country, port and delivery location.
- Cargo size and weight: Charges may be calculated using weight, dimensions, volume or the space occupied.
- Shipping method: Full-container shipping, consolidated cargo (groupage), vehicle shipping and other services have different pricing structures.
- Container size: For full-container shipments, the cost may depend on whether a 20ft or 40ft container is required.
- Collection and delivery: Additional charges may apply if you require cargo collection, inland haulage or delivery.
- Storage and handling: Warehousing, loading, unloading or extended storage may attract additional fees.
- Documentation and customs: Relevant documentation, customs clearance, duties, taxes and third-party charges may affect the overall cost.
Can I get a quotation before shipping?
Yes. Contact Ocimex with your shipment details, including the type of goods, approximate weight or dimensions, collection location and destination.
Our team will review your requirements and provide a quotation based on the available shipping arrangements.
Are there any additional charges?
Your quotation should identify the services and charges included. Some costs, such as customs duties, destination charges, storage or third-party fees, may be charged separately.
Please ask our team to clarify what is included before confirming your booking.
Request a quote: Visit our Get a Quote page, email admin@ocimex.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1375 523351.
All quotations are subject to confirmation, applicable terms and any changes to shipping or operational requirements.
What is the difference between full-container shipping and groupage?
Ocimex offers different sea freight arrangements depending on the size, volume and nature of your shipment.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full Container Load means booking a dedicated shipping container for your cargo.
This option is generally suitable for larger shipments, household relocations, commercial merchandise, vehicles and machinery.
Ocimex can arrange 20ft and 40ft containers, subject to availability and shipping requirements.
Groupage (Consolidated Shipping)
Groupage allows smaller shipments from different customers to be combined in a shared container.
Rather than booking an entire container, you pay for the space allocated to your goods according to the applicable pricing arrangements.
Groupage can be suitable for boxes, personal belongings, pallets and smaller commercial shipments.
Which option should I choose?
- Choose full-container shipping if you have enough cargo to justify a dedicated container or need an arrangement suited to your particular shipment.
- Choose groupage if you are shipping a smaller quantity and want to explore a shared-container option.
Our team can help you compare the available arrangements based on your cargo, destination and preferred shipping timeframe.
Get a Sea Freight Quote
Contact Ocimex with a description of your goods, approximate dimensions or volume, and destination.
We’ll advise on available shipping options and provide a quotation.
Container availability, consolidation schedules, transit times and charges are subject to confirmation.
Pricing & Payments
How are freight rates and charges confirmed?
Freight rates and charges are confirmed through a quotation provided by Ocimex based on your shipment requirements.
To prepare a quotation, we may need details of your cargo, its size or weight, the origin and destination, and any collection, storage or handling services required.
Your quotation will identify the services and charges included. Additional costs, such as customs duties, destination charges, storage fees or third-party services, may apply where they are not included in the agreed quotation.
Please review the quotation and confirm any questions with our team before making payment or arranging delivery.
Shipping rates may change due to carrier pricing, operational requirements or changes to your shipment. Any final charges should be confirmed with Ocimex before booking.
What payment methods are accepted?
Ocimex will confirm the available payment methods when providing your shipping quotation or invoice.
Payment arrangements may depend on the type of service, shipment requirements and applicable charges.
How do I make a payment?
Once your booking details have been agreed, our team will provide the relevant payment instructions, including the amount due and any applicable payment deadline.
Can I pay online?
Please contact Ocimex to confirm whether online or card payment is available for your particular service.
Important payment information
For your security, always verify payment instructions directly with Ocimex before transferring funds, particularly if you receive a request to change previously supplied bank details.
For payment enquiries, contact us:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1375 523351
Email: admin@ocimex.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 7515 451859
All payments are subject to the terms agreed in your quotation, booking confirmation or invoice.
Customs & Documentation
What shipping documents will I need?
The documents required for international shipping depend on the type of goods, destination country and shipping arrangements.
Ocimex can help you identify the relevant paperwork and prepare the information needed for your shipment.
Common shipping documents
Depending on your shipment, you may need:
- Proof of identity: A valid passport or other accepted identification.
- Packing list: A detailed description of the items being shipped, including quantities.
- Commercial invoice: Usually required for goods being sold or exported commercially, showing their description and value.
- Consignee details: The full name, address and contact details of the person or business receiving the shipment.
- Proof of purchase or ownership: Where required for particular goods or equipment.
- Export or import permits: For certain regulated goods, depending on the destination and applicable laws.
Additional documents for vehicle shipping
For cars, vans and other vehicles, you may also need:
- Vehicle registration documentation, such as the V5C where applicable
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Proof of ownership or purchase
- Any additional export or destination-country documentation required
What about shipping to Nigeria?
Nigeria has specific customs and import requirements. Depending on the shipment, additional documentation or regulatory approvals may be necessary.
Ocimex can help coordinate shipping documentation and advise when specialist customs assistance is required.
How do I get started?
Contact Ocimex with a description of your cargo, its estimated value and the intended destination.
Our team will advise which documents you should prepare before shipping.
Important: Documentation requirements vary by shipment and may change. Providing documents does not guarantee customs clearance. Customers remain responsible for accurate declarations and compliance with applicable import and export regulations.
Which goods are restricted or prohibited?
Certain goods are prohibited or restricted for international shipping due to safety, customs, carrier or destination-country regulations.
Examples of goods that may be prohibited or require special approval include:
- Dangerous goods: Explosives, fireworks, flammable liquids, gases and certain chemicals.
- Batteries and electrical equipment: Lithium batteries, power banks and some battery-powered devices may be subject to special transport requirements.
- Medicines and medical products: Certain medicines and healthcare products may require permits or may be prohibited.
- Food and agricultural products: Some foodstuffs, plants, seeds and animal products may be restricted.
- Weapons and ammunition: Firearms, ammunition and other regulated weapons are subject to strict legal restrictions.
- Counterfeit or illegal goods: Counterfeit products and goods prohibited by applicable law are not accepted.
- High-value or sensitive items: Cash, precious metals, jewellery and certain valuable goods may be restricted or excluded from shipment.
What should I do if I’m unsure?
Before delivering your cargo, provide Ocimex with a complete and accurate description of the goods, including quantities and any relevant packaging or product information.
Our team can review your enquiry and advise whether the goods may be accepted for shipping or whether further documentation or specialist advice is required.
Important: Goods accepted for shipment must comply with UK export regulations, destination-country import requirements and the relevant shipping carrier’s rules. Acceptance is always subject to confirmation.
Customers are responsible for accurately declaring the contents of their shipments.
Collection & Delivery
Can I deliver cargo to the warehouse?
Yes. Customers can arrange to deliver eligible cargo to our facilities at 1 Tank Hill Rd, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SX, United Kingdom.
Please contact Ocimex before making a delivery so our team can confirm receiving arrangements, cargo acceptance requirements and any applicable handling or storage charges.
Office opening hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Delivery arrangements must be confirmed in advance. Office opening hours do not necessarily indicate warehouse receiving hours.
For enquiries, call +44 (0) 1375 523351 or WhatsApp +44 7515 451859.
Can Ocimex collect cargo from my address?
Yes. Ocimex can assist with arranging cargo collection from residential and business addresses in the UK, subject to location, cargo type and service availability.
Collection arrangements are assessed individually, and additional charges may apply depending on the location, size, weight and nature of the shipment.
To request a collection, please provide:
- Your collection address and postcode
- A description of the goods
- The number of boxes, pallets or other items
- Approximate dimensions and weight
- Your preferred collection date
- Any special access or handling requirements
Our team will review your requirements and confirm whether collection is available, along with the applicable charges and arrangements.
To arrange a collection, contact us on +44 (0) 1375 523351, WhatsApp +44 7515 451859, or submit an enquiry through our Get a Quote page.
Please do not assume a collection is booked until Ocimex has confirmed the arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
Tell us what you need to ship and our team will help you with the next steps.