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Where is CastleGate Forwarding  located?
CastleGate Forwarding is a rapidly growing full-service Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) with global presence and offices in Boston, Berlin, Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

Which services does CGF offer? 
At CastleGate Forwarding we offer or arrange FCL, LCL, Port to Port, Port to Door, Door to Door, Drayage, Customs, Fulfillment and Origin Consolidation services for all inbound shipments to North America and Europe. 

Which contract types does CGF offer? 
At CastleGate Forwarding we offer floating, fixed, premium fixed and drayage only contracts for all inbound shipments to North America and Europe. 

What are the benefits of using CastleGate Forwarding?

• One-stop-shop Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) experience (Origin Agent, Customs Brokerage, Cargo Protect, Origin Consolidation, Drayage and more)
• Market Competitive rates to ship products from origin to our Fulfillment Centers as well as to your own warehouse(s).
• Reliable ocean capacity via our A1 flag status
• Great Digital service experience
• Dedicated support for all customers

How do I contact CastleGate Forwarding?
If you're interested in becoming a valued customer of CastleGate Forwarding, simply head over to our 'Contact Us' page, and one of our dedicated representatives will promptly reach out to you.

How do I request a quote from CastleGate Forwarding?
If you're interested in receiving a quote from CastleGate Forwarding, simply head over to our 'Get Started' page, and one of our dedicated representatives will promptly reach out to you and provide you a quote.

General Average

What is General Average (GA)?
General Average is a maritime principle that requires certain parties involved in a maritime venture to share in cargo losses due to a voluntary sacrifice made to save the vessel and cargo from a common peril. It provides for the equitable distribution of risk of loss among such parties.This means that cargo owners are responsible for a portion of the total cost of the general average that is proportional to the percentage of the total value of the voyage that their owned cargo represents.

What if my cargo was not damaged, does this still pertain to me?
Yes, if you have cargo on a vessel where the vessel owner has declared General Average, you are still responsible for sharing in the burden of the loss, even if your cargo was not damaged or otherwise implicated in causing the loss.

What happens to my cargo?
Your cargo likely will not be released for further transport or delivery until you provide a financial guarantee, such as a surety bond, or otherwise make the necessary security arrangements with the appointed General Average adjusters (“GA Adjuster”) for the release of the cargo. When General Average is declared, ship owners will exercise any maritime lien rights that they have, e.g., on the cargo and containers, to obtain security for General Average. In such instances, before the cargo can be discharged or released at destination, you must provide satisfactory GA security.

What documentation is typically needed in order to get my cargo released?
Prior to delivery or release of Cargo the below documents must typically be provided to the GA Adjuster:

• Cargo Receiver’s signature to an AVERAGE BOND.
• Provision of a copy of the COMMERCIAL INVOICE indicating cargo value.
• Cargo Insurers’ signature to an AVERAGE GUARANTEE.
• If cargo is uninsured, a CASH DEPOSIT is lodged at a percentage to be announced.

When will we be notified of the portion we owe?
The shipowner or appointed GA Adjuster will typically send a notice outlining the estimated contribution required from each cargo owner, based on the value of their cargo and its relationship to the total value of the voyage that such cargo represents. This notification typically includes instructions for submitting the necessary security to facilitate the release of the cargo. It is important for cargo owners to respond promptly to ensure timely access to their cargo.
The timeline for receiving the finalized contribution owed varies from case by case. Historically, General Averages claims take a significant amount of time to resolve due to the complexity of the situation.

Will I still be invoiced (Ocean Freight, Ocean Accessorials, etc.) for this shipment?
Yes, you will still be invoiced for the freight and other related charges in connection with the shipment by CastleGate Forwarding. Your shipment once released may then continue to its final destination.

Why do I need to involve my insurance?
Marine cargo insurance may cover both the cargo owner’s proportional cost in the General Average and provide for the required financial guarantee to release the cargo.
If you are part of CastleGate Forwarding’s Cargo Protect Program, our Cargo Claims Compliance team will assist you in gathering and submitting any paperwork required by the GA Adjuster to your Insurance Broker to help facilitate coverage of your proportional cost in the General Average, the requisite guarantee and subsequent release of your cargo as soon as possible.
If your cargo on board the vessel is not insured and you want to insure future shipments, please contact your Key Account Manager (KAM) for more information. We’re happy to help you secure cargo insurance to protect your future shipments from similar General Average events!

Can CastleGate Forwarding assist in the filing out the necessary documents?
We highly encourage you to involve your internal or external legal counsel, along with your Insurance Broker to complete General Average documentation. These parties are best equipped to assist you in completing the required documentation.
If you need assistance with the Port of Shipment, Port of Destination/Discharge, HBL, and Container Number, CastleGate Forwarding can assist in providing this information to you upon your written request to your KAM or Claims Compliance.