Sea freight

• 72% of imports and exports from France take place by sea, representing 365 million tons.
• Marseille (Fos-sur-Mer), with more than 80 million tons treated, is the leading French port and the fourth busiest European port ahead of Le Havre, Bordeaux and Nantes. The ports of Antwerp, Genoa and Barcelona capture part of the national traffic.
• French CMA/CGM, based in Marseille, is the world's third largest shipowner. Maritime transport in France today represents a hundred companies.
• The return of empty containers on inland container depots is possible in Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Chalons-sur-Saône, to save money on to/return trucks.
• Container collection and delivery options in combined barge/road and rail/road transport exist for cost-effective solutions and a positive carbon footprint.

You benefit from increased security and speed by calling on MATHEZ FREIGHT, an authorized AEO-Full FIATA forwarder, providing both maritime transport and customs transit for your merchandise.

When major players in maritime transport are merging and creating alliances, only an independent freight forwarder can solicit all shipowners, and get the best rates.

Independent cargo agents also have a better knowledge of the field - players, routes and commercial conditions in each zone. Working in networks they ensure optimal global responsiveness for shippers.

MATHEZ FREIGHT, a competent independent agent throughout the French territory, has developed worldwide networks of trust guaranteeing optimal pricing conditions and quality.

FIATA accreditation secures the relations between shippers and maritime transport players, FIATA regulations apply should litigation occur.

"AEO" (Authorized Economic Operator) accreditation is granted by the EU customs administrations to companies that meet strict customs criteria and demonstrate consistent quality, conformity and reliability in the international supply chain. Working with an "AEO-Full" forwarder gives you, as a consignor, the following benefits:

• Simplifying your customs operations
• Physical and records inspections are reduced and adapted to your goods
• Status recognized throughout the European Union and worldwide
  "AEO-Full" accreditation will be highly appreciated by your foreign customers or buyers.

MATHEZ FREIGHT, a FIATA authorized agent for more than 40 years, has since 2013, been granted the OEA-Full status, which includes the Customs Simplifications AEO certificate and the security/safety AEO certificate. When working with MATHEZ FREIGHT, you can rest assured that all your customs transactions across the EU and beyond will be carried out with precision, reliability and professionalism, according to the highest standards.

Domestic and international freight transport, whatever their mode (maritime, air, land), are governed by international conventions that limit the liability of the carrier and the freight forwarder (except for gross misconduct), compensation for a disaster most often corresponds to sum well below the damage actually suffered.

In addition, if the carrier or the freight forwarder is not liable (exemption in the event of force majeure, general average), you will not receive any compensation.

This principle of limitation of liability is naturally and legally included in our GTC (TLF). For example, for all damage to merchandise attributable to any operation as a result of loss or damage and for all consequences that may result, limit to 20 € per kilogram gross weight of missing or damaged goods.

You nevertheless have the option of subscribing a declaration of value ("ad valorem insurance") Which has the effect of substituting the amount of this declaration for the limits of indemnity; in this case and unless there are specific exclusions*, you will be compensated on the basis that you wish to insure (e.g.: cost and freight + 10%).

* Exclusions: Inherent vice of the goods, the influence of temperature, shrinkage, packaging insufficiency, gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the contractor, war, seizures, nuclear contamination, piracy, riots, strikes

It should also be noted that it is possible for you to subscribe a special interest on delivery (SID) in the event that you would like to be compensated for damages resulting from a delay in delivery (material damage and commercial damage in particular), mainly if the time limit for the for your delivery is imperative.

There are 9 classes of regulated products: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing materials, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosive materials and miscellaneous dangerous goods. Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals fall into these categories.
These materials or articles are regulated because they pose a potential risk to the health and safety of people, infrastructure and/or their means of transport.

Maritime transport of hazardous goods is governed by the IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and other national and international regulations. Freight forwarders and their contractors involved in the preparation and maritime transport of hazardous goods, including road hauliers, must comply with these regulations and undergo regular training to ensure that their consignments are compliant so that they can be handled quickly and easily by shipping companies.

MATHEZ FREIGHT agencies can organize the transport of your hazardous goods by sea because they have the necessary accreditations and well trained, authorized personnel.