What Can a Steamship Agency Do for Me?

A ship owner doesn’t need to find himself bogged down in the day-to-day tasks associated with a ship coming into port. Rushing from port to port in an attempt to solve whatever problems that may arise can be both time consuming and costly. That’s why you need a steamship agency service that can be your liaison on the ground locally. A steamship agency takes care of each step of the process at port so you can focus on more pressing tasks. Plus, they also bring a variety of other benefits, such as familiarity with the area and crew, in addition to the knowledge and experience necessary to nail every transaction.

Let’s take a look at the role of a steamship agency in Texas and how it can benefit your business.

What does a steamship agency do?

Shipping agents have played an integral role in the transporting of goods for more than 100 years. The owner of the vessel must appoint a shipping agent to serve as their representative at the port before it even arrives. This individual serves as the main point of contact between the ship and the local authorities. They will prepare for the stop by letting the port officials know the vessel is arriving, what it is carrying and the purpose of the docking. At the same time, they will be working the various service suppliers, including forwarders, factory agents, exporters and importers. This can also include booking transportation to ensure the product is being delivered to the designated recipient on time and communicating with customs officers.

What are the benefits?

A shipping agent provides an integral service that often can’t be handled efficiently by the ship owner or charter. Not only is it not financially smart to have the owner present at every port the ship docks at, but it’s probably not the most efficient use of resources for the company. A steamship agent brings knowledge and skills to a deal that most owners don’t possess, such as familiarity with the area, relationships with local officials and specialty in the field. Their experience will help keep everything to schedule and keep costs low. Their role is to keep the entire visit running as smoothly as possible. For example, the steamship agent will speak the native language at international ports to prevent any misunderstandings. Ultimately, the role of a steamship agency in Texas, is too important to just attempt to delegate to someone who doesn’t possess the necessary skills, qualifications and knowledge, as it could lead to lost business.

Let a steamship agency help you

Aztec Marine Agencies, Inc. can provide you with full representation at any port as a full-service steamship agency in Texas. Our experienced team has in-depth knowledge of all custom laws, port regulations and local services for vessels and fleets of all sizes. We take care of every step of the process so you never have to worry about a thing, while still providing constant communication if needed. Call us today to learn more about how Aztec Marine Agencies, Inc. can help with all your port service needs!

Categorised in: Steamship Agency