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How we work

How a shipment works, step by step

International grain trade follows a well-established sequence. Here is what happens from your first enquiry to delivery, and who does what.

  1. STEP 01

    Enquiry

    You and us

    You tell us what you need. The more detail we have, the more precise our offer.

    • Commodity and quality (for example wheat class, protein, moisture)
    • Quantity in tonnes
    • Delivery period and destination port or site
    • Any certification or assurance requirements
  2. STEP 02

    Offer

    Worldview Trading

    We check availability with exporters at origin and freight options, then send a written offer.

    • Price and price basis (for example CIF UK port, or delivered)
    • Specification and tolerances
    • Shipment or delivery period
    • Payment terms
  3. STEP 03

    Contract

    You and us

    Once terms are agreed, both sides sign a contract. International grain contracts are commonly written on standard trade association forms, such as those published by GAFTA in London, which include sampling, analysis and arbitration clauses.

  4. STEP 04

    Loading & inspection

    Exporter, inspectors, Worldview Trading

    The cargo is loaded at the export port. An independent superintendent draws samples and checks the vessel's holds. For US-origin grain, official inspection and weighing is carried out under the US Grain Standards Act and certificates are issued.

  5. STEP 05

    Shipping & documents

    Worldview Trading

    The vessel sails for the UK. We assemble the shipping documents required by the contract.

    • Bill of lading
    • Commercial invoice
    • Certificate of origin
    • Phytosanitary certificate where required
    • Quality and weight certificates
    • Insurance certificate under CIF terms
  6. STEP 06

    Payment

    Banks, you and us

    Payment follows the agreed terms. With a letter of credit, the buyer's bank pays once compliant shipping documents are presented. With documents against payment, the documents are released to the buyer when payment is made.

  7. STEP 07

    Discharge & delivery

    Port, customs agent, Worldview Trading

    The vessel discharges at the UK port, where samples are drawn again. The cargo is cleared through customs and either collected by the buyer or delivered to site, as agreed.

Glossary

Trade terms explained

The terms you will see in our offers and contracts. Incoterms® are published by the International Chamber of Commerce.

FOB (Free on Board)
The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the port of shipment. The buyer arranges and pays for freight and insurance from that point.
CFR (Cost and Freight)
The seller pays the freight to the destination port. Risk passes to the buyer once the goods are on board at the port of shipment.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
As CFR, with the seller also providing minimum cargo insurance to the destination port. Risk still passes on loading at origin.
Bill of lading
The document issued by the carrier that receipts the cargo, evidences the contract of carriage and is used to transfer ownership of the goods.
Letter of credit
A bank's undertaking to pay the seller once documents complying with the credit's terms are presented.
Phytosanitary certificate
An official plant health certificate, issued in the exporting country, confirming the consignment meets the importing country's requirements.
Superintendent
An independent inspection company appointed under the contract to sample, analyse and supervise loading or discharge.
Demurrage
A charge payable when a vessel is kept in port longer than the time allowed for loading or discharge.
FAQ

Common questions

Which commodities can you supply?

Grains (wheat, corn, barley, rice and others), oilseeds, vegetable oils and meals, pulses, sugar, coffee, cocoa and cotton. A current focus is US-origin wheat for UK buyers. If you need something else, ask us.

What do you need from me to prepare a quote?

The commodity and quality, quantity in tonnes, delivery period, destination port or delivery address, and any certification your business requires. You can send these through our enquiry form.

How are quality and weight verified?

By independent inspection at loading and discharge, as set out in the contract. For US-origin grain, official inspection and weight certificates are also issued at export.

Which price terms do you offer?

We can quote on terms such as CIF to a UK port or delivered to your site. The basis is always stated in our offer.

What payment terms are used?

Payment terms are agreed for each contract. Letters of credit and documents against payment are common in international grain trade.

Where do you deliver?

To buyers in the United Kingdom, via UK ports with grain-handling facilities, and onward by road where agreed.

Have a requirement in mind?

Tell us the commodity, quantity, delivery period and destination. We will come back to you with availability and terms.

Request a quoteEmail info@worldviewtrading.com