Frequently Asked Questions
Price your lane, confirm specs, and book rail—fast.
UMS ships standard & specialized containers across Poland ↔ Ukraine with port integrations. Below are the most asked questions.
Quotes & Ordering
How do I request a freight quote?
Use our “Get a Freight Quote” form with destination terminal, container size (20’/40’), material + spec, and target ship date. We confirm availability and reply with pricing, lead time, and Incoterms options.
What information speeds up quoting?
Destination, volume (containers), material spec/TDS, required documents, and any last-mile needs. Attaching prior specs or photos helps us return a price faster.
How long are quotes valid?
7 calendar days unless stated otherwise. Rail slots and FX move—ask us to re-validate if your timing shifts.
Can I book directly from a quote?
Yes. Approve the quote, we issue a pro forma invoice and lock your rail slot after payment confirmation.
Do you handle door-to-door or only terminal pickup?
Standard is terminal-to-terminal. Door-to-door and last-mile options are available in select lanes on request.
Materials & Specifications
Which materials are in stock vs. made-to-order?
Common SKUs are stocked; specialty grades are made-to-order with lead times. We’ll confirm per lane and depot.
Can you provide TDS/COA and sample photos?
Yes. Supplier TDS/COA and sample imagery are available. We can arrange custom sieve curves for some products.
Do you support custom grading or sieving?
Available for many SKUs; expect added lead time and a surcharge depending on tolerance.
How are moisture and contamination controlled?
Covered staging, sealed containers, and pre-dispatch QC checks; specifics vary by supplier and depot.
What are typical MOQs for containers?
One full 20’ or 40’ container per SKU is typical; mixed loads may be possible depending on material and packing.
Pricing & Payment
What currencies do you accept (USD/EUR/PLN/UAH)?
USD/EUR by default; PLN/UAH for qualified buyers and lanes.
Can we pay by bank transfer (ACH/SWIFT)?
Yes—preferred for container/block-train orders. You’ll receive a pro forma invoice with instructions.
Are deposits required for first-time buyers?
Typically 30–50% deposit, balance before dispatch. Terms can adjust after initial transactions.
Do prices include taxes, duties, or surcharges?
Pricing is quoted ex-tax. Duties, VAT, customs, and terminal/handling charges are itemized per lane and Incoterms.
Can you issue pro forma and commercial invoices?
Yes. We issue PI for payment and commercial invoice at dispatch with agreed HS codes and references.
Shipping, Rail & Delivery
Which routes do you serve?
Primary lanes across Poland ↔ Ukraine, with port integrations (e.g., Gdańsk). We propose the best slot by timing and congestion.
What are typical transit times?
5–14 days terminal-to-terminal on standard lanes, subject to customs, weather, and network conditions.
Who handles customs and terminal handling?
We can coordinate through partners, or you can use your broker. Responsibilities follow the agreed Incoterms.
How do I track shipments?
We provide milestone updates (dispatch, border, arrival). Live tracking is available with select carriers.
What happens if a train is delayed?
We monitor status and proactively re-slot if needed, keeping you updated on ETAs and any knock-on costs.
Compliance & Documentation
Which documents are included by default?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and transport docs (B/L or CMR). EUR.1 or origin docs can be arranged when eligible.
Can you list specific HS codes on the invoice?
Yes. Provide your broker’s preferred HS codes; we’ll align documentation accordingly.
Do you help with import permits or certificates?
We can coordinate required certificates and permits with your broker/authorities where applicable.
How do you handle sanctions and restricted parties?
We perform counterparty and route screening and may decline shipments that conflict with applicable laws.
How is buyer data protected?
We limit access to operational staff, use secure invoicing and storage, and follow data-minimization practices.
Damage, Shortage & Returns
What should I do if there’s damage at delivery?
Note issues on the delivery record, photograph seals/container/product, and notify us within 48 hours so we can open a claim.
What evidence is needed for a claim?
Photos of exterior/interior, seal numbers, packing, and product; delivery notes; weight/quantity records; and timeline details.
Who files the carrier claim?
We typically initiate with the carrier and work with you on supporting documents per the transport contract.
Replacement vs. credit—how is it decided?
Case-by-case based on extent, cause, and insurance terms; we aim for the fastest commercially fair resolution.
Is there a return window?
Returns are uncommon for bulk materials; claims must be reported within 48 hours of delivery unless your contract states otherwise.
Accounts & Support
How do I set up a business account?
Contact us with company details and billing preferences; we’ll enable account access for your team.
Can I assign multiple buyers under one company?
Yes. We can group users and permissions under your company profile.
Do you offer SLAs or key-account support?
Yes for qualified volumes—response times, dedicated manager, and scheduled status calls.
What time zones do you cover?
Poland/Ukraine business hours with US West Coast overlap.
What’s the fastest way to reach logistics?
Use Contact UMS for tickets or Schedule a Call for pre-book consultations.
Trusted across corridors
We obsess over the details and strive to deliver the best products at the best prices, every time.
Ops Manager, EU importer
We're always on your side: keeping our loyal customers happy is our top priority and number one goal.
Logistics Lead, CEE distributor
Compliance & Documents
Clean files move faster. We prepare BL/CIM, packing lists, invoices, certs, and HS code validation—so border time is spent moving, not fixing.
