For each individual task, our logistics specialists calculate the optimal route and select the most suitable mode of transport.
These may include sea, rail, and road transportation, as well as containerized multimodal transportation. We can also arrange air freight.

Documents Required for International Cargo Transportation
Properly prepared documents help ensure that cargo crosses international borders quickly and without unnecessary costs. Below is a list of the documents generally required for international cargo transportation.
Transport Documents Prepared by the Shipper (Seller)
The seller is required to prepare the following set of documents:
Commercial Invoice
The Commercial Invoice is issued at the payment stage and before the goods are dispatched from the shipper’s warehouse.
It is required to identify the transported goods during customs clearance and includes the following information:

• Description of the goods;
• Quantity of goods;
• Unit price and total value;
• Buyer’s and seller’s details.

The invoice is prepared in five copies in English and must include the date and invoice number. It is one of the key documents carefully reviewed by customs authorities.
Packing List
The Packing List contains information about the cargo, including:

• Number of units and weight of each unit;
• Gross weight;
• Net weight;
• Number of packages and other relevant information.

The information in the Packing List generally corresponds to the Commercial Invoice but additionally specifies weights, number of packages, and other logistical details. Unlike the invoice, the Packing List does not indicate prices.
It helps verify the quantity and condition of the cargo during loading and unloading, including when the goods are received and counted by the final consignee.
Certificate of Quality
A Certificate of Quality may be required to confirm the specified quality or technical characteristics of the goods.
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin confirms the country in which the goods originate. It is typically issued by an authorized body, such as a chamber of commerce in the exporting country.
The required form of the Certificate of Origin depends on the destination country and applicable trade regulations.
Transport Documents Prepared by the Carrier
CMR Consignment Note
The CMR is one of the principal documents used in international road freight transportation. It confirms the contract of carriage and records information concerning the shipper, consignee, carrier, cargo, and transportation conditions.
The CMR may be completed by either the shipper or the carrier and is generally issued in multiple copies. During transportation, various stamps and notes may be added to the document, which can serve as important evidence in the event of disputes.
TIR Carnet
The TIR Carnet facilitates international road transport under the TIR customs transit system. Goods transported in approved and sealed vehicles or containers can cross participating countries with simplified customs procedures.
The TIR system provides customs guarantees and is applicable between countries participating in the TIR Convention.
International Road Transport Permits
Depending on the countries involved and the carrier, additional international road transport permits may be required.
Such permits may authorize bilateral transportation, transit through a country, or transportation between third countries. Multilateral permits may also be issued under systems such as the ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport).
Documents Required for the Movement of Goods To/From the EU
T1 — Transit Declaration
The T1 document is used for customs transit of certain goods within the European customs territory. It allows goods to move under customs control until they reach the customs office where the relevant customs procedure is completed.
The procedure generally requires a customs guarantee covering potential customs duties and taxes.
EX1 — Export Declaration
An export declaration is used when goods are exported from the European Union to a destination outside the EU.
It provides customs authorities with information about the exported goods and confirms their export from the EU customs territory. Depending on the transaction and applicable rules, confirmation of export may also be relevant for VAT purposes.
Important
All documents prepared for international cargo transportation should be completed correctly and contain consistent information about the shipment.
Discrepancies between the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, CMR, customs declarations, and other accompanying documents may result in additional customs inspections, delays, and extra costs.

Transit Times for Road Freight Transportation from/to Europe
To estimate transit times for imports and exports between Europe and Kazakhstan, it is important to consider the type and volume of cargo being transported.
If we are talking about consolidated cargo (LTL) from Europe, the location of the consolidation warehouse where the cargo will be delivered for further transportation to Kazakhstan must be taken into account.
As a rule, smaller vehicles collect cargo throughout Europe and deliver it to a consolidation warehouse, where a separate consolidated truck is prepared. Once the cargo arrives at the consolidation warehouse, all necessary documents are prepared and the truck departs for the Republic of Kazakhstan. On average, we allow 9–10 days for the truck to reach customs in Astana.
If the truck carries multiple shipments that need to be cleared at different customs offices, additional time should also be taken into account. As a general rule, approximately one day is allocated for each customs clearance point. Therefore, the expected arrival time of a particular shipment depends on the order in which the truck visits the customs offices.
If we are talking about a full truckload (FTL), transit time is calculated from the moment the cargo is picked up from the shipper until it reaches customs. In this case, the delivery time is easier to estimate.
On average, a truck covers approximately 500–650 km per day. To estimate the transit time, the total distance from the loading point to the destination is divided by the average daily distance travelled by the driver.
However, possible queues and delays at border crossings should always be taken into account. It is recommended to allow at least one additional day when estimating the expected delivery date.

To calculate the cost of cargo delivery, it is best to contact one of our specialists, who will prepare a commercial offer based on the information provided by the potential client.
The following details are required to prepare a transportation quote:
Route: loading address, delivery address, and transit points (temporary storage warehouse, customs control point) in the case of international road transportation.
Delivery terms: for import/export shipments in accordance with Incoterms.
Type and nature of the cargo: it is important to specify exactly what kind of cargo needs to be transported. This information allows our specialists to select the most suitable type of vehicle and transportation method.
Weight and dimensions: please provide the exact volume, dimensions, weight, and number of cargo units.
Additional services: please specify whether you require additional services such as loading/unloading, additional packaging or repackaging, cargo insurance (cargo value must be specified), rigging services, or assistance with export/import formalities. These services may affect the final transportation cost.
The more detailed the information you provide, the faster and more accurately our specialists can prepare an economically justified offer with information on delivery times, the appropriate type of vehicle, and the total transportation cost.

TSW — Temporary Storage Warehouse is a specially designated and equipped facility or other location where goods and vehicles crossing the customs border of the EAEU are temporarily stored.
Foreign goods and vehicles are placed in a temporary storage warehouse from the moment they are presented to customs authorities until they are released under the relevant customs procedure. Throughout this period, the goods and vehicles remain under customs control.
Operations permitted at a TSW are regulated by the Customs Code of the EAEU and applicable customs legislation.
Goods stored in a regular warehouse are generally not under temporary customs storage status, and operations involving such goods are not subject to the same customs regulations and restrictions as goods stored at a TSW.

The freight forwarder’s liability when arranging cargo transportation, although not an essential condition of a freight forwarding agreement, plays an important role for the Client, who is often the owner of the cargo.
Minimizing risks such as loss, shortage, or damage to cargo, delays in delivery, or failure or improper performance of the freight forwarder’s obligations is a natural concern for the Client. These requirements should be consistent with both national and international legislation governing freight forwarding activities.
The Client should keep in mind that the freight forwarder’s liability may differ between international and domestic transportation within Kazakhstan. Therefore, before entering into a freight forwarding agreement, it is advisable to review not only national legislation but also the relevant international conventions to which Kazakhstan is a party.

The Risk Management System is a software system used by customs authorities that contains a database of goods involved in foreign economic activity. It automatically compares the information about goods declared in the customs declaration with similar parameters contained in the customs database.
The value of goods is one of the parameters subject to customs control. Monitoring this parameter is intended to protect the country’s economic interests. The customs database contains information for internal use and is not publicly available.
During customs clearance, the actual transaction value of the goods should be declared and, if necessary, supported by appropriate documentation. Such documents may include the manufacturer’s price list, export declaration, contract specifications indicating selling prices, and other supporting documents.
The actual value of the goods, when properly documented, may be accepted by customs authorities as the basis for calculating customs duties and taxes, even if it is lower than the reference values used by the customs risk management system.

For successful customs clearance, the client must provide:
Invoice with translation
Detailed technical description with translation. For chemical products, the chemical composition must also be provided, including the percentage (%) of each component and the intended field of application.

Cases where cargo is found to be damaged upon collection are relatively common. Damage may be discovered either at the shipper’s warehouse or at the consignee’s warehouse. The key questions are who is responsible and what actions should be taken.
If the damage is discovered at the shipper’s warehouse
Cargo damage may be identified before transportation begins, specifically when the freight forwarding company accepts the cargo for transportation.
In this case, the following actions should be taken:
The freight forwarder should remain at the loading location, notify the Client/consignee of any visible damage, and obtain instructions regarding further action.
Both the freight forwarder and the Client/consignee should take photos and videos of the damage. If these materials may later be required as evidence, it is recommended that the date and time be recorded.
If the Client instructs the freight forwarder to proceed with transportation, the damage should be noted in all copies of the relevant transport and forwarding documents, with one copy provided to the shipper.
If the Client refuses further transportation, the freight forwarder may be entitled to claim reimbursement of expenses and other losses resulting from the cancellation, subject to applicable legislation and the terms of the agreement.
If the damage is discovered at the consignee’s warehouse
When cargo arrives at the consignee’s warehouse, it is advisable to inspect it visually inside the vehicle before unloading, paying particular attention to the condition of the packaging and containers.
If damage is detected, the following steps are recommended:

1. Do not immediately sign the transport and forwarding documents presented by the driver or freight forwarder.
2. Document the damage:

• Notify the carrier or freight forwarder and invite their representative to participate in preparing a damage report.
• Take detailed photos and videos of the damaged cargo, packaging, and containers.
• Prepare a Cargo Damage Report in the presence of a representative of the freight forwarding company, who may be the driver.

What should be included in the Cargo Damage Report?
The report should include:

• Date, time, and place where the report was prepared;
• Description of the damage;
• Name, model, brand, quantity, and value of the damaged goods, where applicable;
• Nature and extent of the damage;
• Information about any visible or suspected hidden defects;
• Condition of the packaging or containers and any signs of external impact during transportation;
• References to supporting photo and video evidence;
• Signatures of representatives of the freight forwarding company and the consignee, as well as any other persons present when the report was prepared.

The Cargo Damage Report should preferably be prepared in two copies — one for the consignee/Client and one for the freight forwarding company.
The transport documents should also contain appropriate remarks regarding the damage and indicate that a Cargo Damage Report has been prepared.
Determining the amount of damage
The Client may seek compensation from the party responsible for the cargo damage. Proper documentation is essential to substantiate the amount claimed.
Commercial and accompanying documents confirming the value, quantity, and characteristics of the cargo should be retained.
The Client may also arrange an independent inspection or engage a cargo surveyor, while notifying the freight forwarding company.
The inspection should determine:

• Whether there is a causal relationship between the cargo damage and transportation;
• Whether the packaging was suitable for safe transportation;
• The extent and monetary value of the damage.

Depending on the applicable law, contract, and established liability, inspection costs may also form part of the claim.
Submitting a formal claim
After documenting and assessing the damage, the Client should prepare a formal written claim and submit it to the freight forwarding company or other responsible party.
Copies of supporting documents should be attached, including the Cargo Damage Report, transport and forwarding documents, commercial and accompanying documents, photographs, videos, and any independent inspection report.
The applicable procedure and deadlines for submitting claims depend on the governing law, type of transportation, contractual terms, and any applicable international conventions.
Clear procedures agreed upon in advance — including inspection of packaging, checking the number of packages, weighing, loading procedures, and preparation of transport documents — can significantly simplify the handling of cargo damage claims.

During cargo consolidation, your goods are stored at a warehouse where they are sorted and prepared for further transportation.
Once your goods and shipments from other customers are combined into a single consolidated load, they are transported along a shared route. The goods do not necessarily have the same final destination. Logistics specialists plan the route so that the carrier can make deliveries at several locations along the way. This approach helps consolidate shipments efficiently and organize delivery.
One of the main advantages of consolidated cargo transportation is that the transportation cost for each customer is significantly lower than hiring an entire vehicle for an individual shipment. At the same time, the transport company is responsible for handling the shipping documentation and ensuring the safety of the cargo. This option is particularly beneficial for customers who regularly ship goods of relatively small weight and volume.
Companies providing cargo consolidation services typically offer:

• Cargo weighing and measurement;
• Sorting;
• Packaging and additional packaging;
• Transportation of goods to the consolidation warehouse.

Large transport companies often operate their own network of consolidation warehouses. The more extensive the warehouse network, the faster and more efficiently shipments can be consolidated and transported.
The quality of cargo consolidation also depends on the professionalism of the staff, effective logistics management, and careful handling of each shipment.

The shipper is responsible for any losses and transportation expenses resulting from inaccurate or insufficient information provided in the consignment note or from other instructions concerning the completion of the transport documents.
The shipper has the right to request that the carrier verify the gross weight or quantity of the cargo, including quantities measured in other units. The shipper may also request verification of the contents of the packages.
The shipper is liable to the carrier for damage caused to cargo, persons, or equipment due to defective packaging, unless the carrier was aware of or could clearly identify such defects when accepting the cargo and did not make appropriate reservations.
Before transportation, the shipper must attach to the consignment note or provide the carrier with all information and documents required for customs clearance and other formalities. The shipper is responsible for damage resulting from missing, inaccurate, or incomplete documentation or information.
The carrier is responsible for:

• Partial or complete loss of the cargo;
• Damage to the cargo during transportation, from the moment of acceptance until delivery at the destination;
• Delays in delivery.

When accepting the cargo, the carrier must verify:

• That the information in the consignment note corresponds to the number of packages, their markings, and identification numbers;
• The apparent condition of the cargo and its packaging. If verification is not reasonably possible, the carrier should enter appropriate reservations in the consignment note.

Upon arrival at the destination, the consignee may request the second copy of the consignment note and delivery of the cargo against a receipt.
Right to Dispose of the Cargo
The right to dispose of the cargo may be exercised under the following conditions:

• The shipper or consignee wishing to exercise this right must present the original consignment note containing the new instructions for the carrier and reimburse the carrier for any expenses or losses resulting from carrying out those instructions;
• The new instructions must be possible to execute at the time they are received and must not interfere with the carrier’s normal operations or cause damage to other shippers or consignees;
• The instructions must not result in damage to the cargo.

Disputes and Claims
In disputes arising from transportation governed by the applicable Convention, a claimant may bring proceedings before the competent courts agreed upon by the parties, as well as, where permitted by the Convention, before the courts of the country where:

• The defendant has their habitual residence or principal place of business, or where the branch or agency through which the contract was concluded is located;
• The place where the cargo was accepted for transportation or the designated place of delivery is located.

Claims arising from transportation are generally subject to a one-year limitation period. In cases involving wilful misconduct or equivalent fault, the limitation period may be three years.
The limitation period is generally calculated as follows:

• In cases of partial loss, damage, or delayed delivery — from the date of delivery;
• In cases of complete loss — from the 30th day after the agreed delivery period expires, or, if no delivery period was agreed, from the 60th day after the cargo was accepted by the carrier;
• In all other cases — after three months from the date the contract of carriage was concluded.

ECMT (CEMT) is a multilateral permit issued to a carrier, allowing it to perform international road freight operations between participating countries under the ECMT multilateral quota system. It also allows certain cross-trade operations between participating countries.
This type of permit does not generally cover transport operations between an ECMT member country and a non-participating third country. However, an ECMT permit may remain applicable when transportation only transits through a third country, subject to the applicable rules.
For example, cargo may be shipped from Greece and transported by a carrier registered in Poland directly to another participating country. The TIR and CMR documents can be issued in Greece, allowing the cargo to follow the most efficient permitted route without necessarily travelling through Poland solely because the carrier is registered there.
An ECMT permit is valid for the period specified in the permit and allows the carrier to perform multiple freight operations between participating countries and transit through one or more participating countries, subject to the applicable ECMT rules and restrictions.
Validity of ECMT Permits
ECMT permits may be issued for different periods:

• Annual permit — valid for up to one year;
• Short-term permit — generally valid for up to 30 days.

Important Requirements
The ECMT permit must be carried on board the vehicle during the transport operations for which it is required.
The first loaded or empty journey must generally begin from the carrier’s country of registration. Under the applicable journey rules, the carrier may perform a limited number of loaded journeys outside its country of registration before the vehicle must return to that country.
After the maximum permitted number of such loaded journeys, the vehicle must return to its country of registration, either loaded or empty. Merely transiting through the country of registration may not constitute a return for the purposes of these rules.
ECMT permits are also subject to vehicle safety and environmental requirements. The applicable technical and emissions standards depend on the current ECMT/ITF rules and the type of permit.
The company name indicated on the ECMT permit must correspond to the legal entity operating the vehicle and should be consistent with the relevant transport documentation, including the CMR consignment note.
Incorrect Use of an ECMT Permit
Incorrectly completed or improperly used ECMT permits can result in significant penalties. Depending on the country and circumstances, authorities may impose fines, detain the vehicle, or apply other administrative measures.
This can also lead to additional expenses, including parking or impound fees, accommodation costs for the driver, delays, and other operational losses.
For this reason, carriers should verify the current ECMT/ITF requirements and national regulations of every country on the route before beginning transportation.

A road transport permit (often informally referred to as a dozvol, from the Polish zezwolenie, meaning “permit”) is an authorization that allows a foreign-registered commercial vehicle to enter or perform certain international road transport operations in another country.
Such permits are generally issued or administered by the competent transport authorities of the countries concerned. Each permit has a unique number and is subject to specific conditions of use. Depending on the type of permit and applicable bilateral agreement, it may be valid for a single journey or for a specified number of operations.
Permits must be completed and used in accordance with the applicable regulations. Improper use, failure to complete the permit correctly, or attempting to reuse a single-use permit may result in significant fines and other penalties.
Countries negotiate the number and types of road transport permits exchanged under bilateral or multilateral agreements. The quotas are usually determined by the competent transport authorities of the participating countries.
The number of permits available is an important element of international transport policy, as it affects access to the national freight market and the interests of domestic carriers.
Once permits are allocated between countries, they are distributed to eligible carriers through the competent national authorities or authorized organizations in accordance with national regulations.

CMR is an abbreviation derived from the French title Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route — the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.
A CMR consignment note is an international road freight transport document.
The CMR records key information about the shipment and serves as an important document governing international road transportation. When a shipment is transported under the CMR Convention, the applicable rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties are determined in accordance with the Convention.
The document is generally prepared in at least three original copies and signed by the sender and the carrier. One copy remains with the sender, while the others accompany the cargo. Upon delivery, the relevant copy is provided to the consignee.
The CMR may be completed by different parties involved in the shipment. The information contained in all copies should be consistent and accurate.
Cargo weight is generally indicated as gross weight, including the goods and their packaging.