Import procedures
This topic is split into two sections. The first section concerns those who receive containers from overseas partners. Second section concerns those who wish to place bookings at Maersk Line office in Riga.
Container release procedures
If your company is listed on bill of lading as notify party, Maersk Line will send a fax or e-mail with container arrival notice several days prior to the arrival of the container to Riga port.
Please note that arrival notices are distributed automatically. Maersk Line keeps track of undelivered arrival notices, however cannot guarantee that arrival notice is sent to actual consignee. For example, if your trading partner put himself as notify party in bill of lading, respectively he will receive arrival notice.
Upon container arrival to Riga port, please contact our import customer service by email (latcsigen@maersk.com)or by phone +371 67084940. Please be ready to advise container or bill of lading number.
Customer service will find out whether there are any charges to be paid and issue respective invoice. If bill of lading originals were released, you will be asked to surrender them. The following set of documents is required to release the container:
- Maersk Line's bills of lading originals (if originals were released);
- power of attorney for the person authorized to receive containers on behalf of the company;
- copy of payment order as a proof of payment;
Local authorities may ask for additional documents.
Upon container arrival to the port, customer has 5 standard free days to pick up his cargo, depending on container type. Days exceeding free time are subject to storage/demurrage charge.
Carrier and merchant haulage
Carrier haulage - inland transport from the port to the place of delivery is provided by Maersk Line. Maersk Line's responsibility ends when cargo is unstuffed from container. Customer has 12 hours to empty the container.
Merchant haulage - inland transport from the port to the place of delivery is provided by third party agent or Transport Company. In this case Maersk Line's responsibility ends when container is loaded on third party's truck. Customer or his agent must return empty container within 10 days, depending on agreement. If container is returned later, container detention is applicable.
Import booking procedures
Freight
Freight rate (transportation price) must be agreed prior to any shipment. Please contact Sales (latsal@maersk.com) with all freight requests. In your request, please indicate the following information:
- your company's name, contact person, telephone, fax or email
- commodity
- cargo pick-up point
- cargo delivery point
- container size and type
- special requirements, if any or your comments.
Any additional information about your future shipment is welcome. For dangerous cargo, please indicate full commodity name, IMO class and UN number. For temperature-controlled cargo, please advise required temperature and humidity.
Please note we can assist you only with FCL (full container load) shipments. Minimal tare size is 20-foot container.
Booking
Please place your booking by sending an email message to Sales (latsal@maersk.com). Alternatively you can use our website at » www.maerskline.com. Sending of bookings by EDI or desktop application can be discussed with Sales (latsal@maersk.com)
Booking must be in written form and contain the following information in order to be processed smoothly:
- container size, type and quantity
- contact person and phone number
- destination (delivery address is not required at this stage)
- any other information relevant to the shipment
- expected stuffing date
For import bookings, please allow 2 working days for pick-up coordination.
For dangerous cargo, please indicate full commodity name, IMO class, UN number.
Documentation
Shipping instructions have to be sent to Maersk Line to e-mail to (latcsxtr@maersk.com). Sending of shipping instructions by EDI or desktop application can be discussed with Sales (latsal@maersk.com)
Shipping instructions should contain:
- shipper's name and address
- consignee's name and address
- notify party (if required)
- commodity description, weight and piece count
- Container number(s) and seal number(s).
You can request Shipping Instructions form from latcsxtr@maersk.com.
Please provide shipping instructions before container leaves origin port. Although it is possible to submit shipping instructions later, we will not be responsible for any fines that arise due to late submission of shipping instructions. These fines will be passed over on to the shipper or forwarder concerned.
Bills of lading originals
The bill of lading will be issued as per proper shipping instructions.
Bills of lading originals can be released after vessel departure from the port and only against full freight payment. | 
