Free Guide for Importers

The Spider Lines
Shipping & Customs Guide

The terms that decide how much your shipment costs and who pays for delays — explained simply. Bookmark this page, and call us when you'd rather we just handle it.

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Avoid Surprise Charges

Demurrage vs Detention

Two of the most expensive words in shipping — and the most misunderstood. Both are delay charges, but they happen in different places and are paid by different people. Knowing the difference is the first step to never paying them.

Infographic comparing demurrage and detention charges — where they happen, who pays, and when
How we save you money: we begin clearance the moment your cargo arrives and track free-time deadlines for every job, so containers move before extra-day charges ever start. At King Khalid Airport — where there is no free time at all — this is the difference between a clean delivery and a costly one.
Who Pays for What

Incoterms: FOB, EXW, C&F & CIF

Incoterms define exactly where the seller's responsibility ends and yours begins — for transport cost, insurance, and risk. Choosing the right one before you buy can save you thousands and prevent nasty surprises at the port.

Infographic explaining the differences between FOB, EXW, C&F and CIF Incoterms and seller responsibilities
Quick rule of thumb: with EXW you handle almost everything from the seller's door; with CIF the seller covers transport and insurance to the destination port. Not sure which to agree with your supplier? Send us the deal and we'll tell you which term protects you best.
Decode the Jargon

Freight Abbreviations Cheat-Sheet

Every shipping document is full of three-letter codes. Here are the ones you'll actually meet — from FCL and LCL to MBL, HAWB and THC — in one quick reference.

Glossary of common freight and shipping abbreviations: FCL, LCL, POL, POD, B/L, MBL, HAWB, CBM, THC and more
You don't have to memorize any of this. When you ship with Spider Lines, we read the documents, catch the errors, and explain anything you want to understand in plain language.
Put It Into Practice

Have a Shipment Coming?

Send us the commercial invoice and we'll handle the terms, the duties, and the clearance — so you don't have to think about any of the above.

WhatsApp: +966 54 366 6646 Customs Clearance in Riyadh
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