Shipping & Delivery Policy
Global Timber Trade Hub ships ethically harvested African hardwood logs, sawn lumber, squares, veneer and plywood from the Central African forest zone to buyers worldwide. This page explains how orders are shipped and delivered.
Where We Ship From
Orders are loaded and shipped from the main Central African export ports, including Douala and Kribi (Cameroon), Owendo (Gabon) and Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo). The loading port depends on the species and where it is produced.
Where We Ship To
We ship to most countries worldwide by sea freight, in 20 ft and 40 ft containers, flat-racks or break-bulk vessels. We do not ship to destinations subject to international trade sanctions.
Shipping Terms (Incoterms)
- FOB (Free On Board): the price covers the timber loaded on board at the Central African port. Ocean freight and insurance are arranged and paid by the buyer.
- CFR / CIF: on request we quote ocean freight (and insurance for CIF) to your destination port. These costs are shown separately on your quotation and pro-forma invoice.
Prices shown on product pages are per cubic metre (m³) and do not include ocean freight, insurance, import duties or local taxes unless your written quotation says so.
Lead Times
- Stock sizes: usually ready for loading within 2–4 weeks of order confirmation and payment of the deposit.
- Cut-to-size, kiln-dried or large orders: usually 4–8 weeks, depending on species, drying and volume.
Typical Transit Times (Sea Freight)
- Europe and the Mediterranean: about 3–5 weeks
- Middle East and Asia: about 4–6 weeks
- North and South America: about 5–7 weeks
Transit times are estimates provided by shipping lines and can change because of port congestion, routing or weather.
Container Loads and Minimum Orders
A 20 ft container typically holds 18–25 m³ of sawn timber and a 40 ft container 40–50 m³, depending on species and dimensions. Most buyers order full containers, but mixed-species containers and smaller trial orders can be arranged.
Export Documents
Each shipment is supplied with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate, plus legality documents, fumigation certificates where required and CITES export permits for listed species.
Tracking and Loading Photos
Before the container is sealed we send loading photos, the packing list and the container and seal numbers. After departure you receive the bill of lading and vessel details so you can track your shipment with the shipping line.
Import Duties and Customs
The buyer is responsible for import duties, taxes, customs clearance and any local delivery from the destination port, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Questions
For a shipping quotation or the status of an order, please contact us.
Shipping questions
For freight quotes, lead times and CIF prices to your port, email sales@globaltimbertradehub.com.