When it comes to international shipping, the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest. That’s a lesson Sydney Operations Manager Anna Angelkoska has learned many times over her 24 years at International Cargo Express (ICE).

“Importers often go for the lowest rate offered by their overseas supplier,” Anna explains, “but those cheaper freight rates usually come with hidden charges once the cargo lands in Australia.”

Why Incoterms matter

For Anna and her team, educating importers on Incoterms—the internationally recognised rules that define who is responsible for costs, risks, and logistics during international trade, is one of the most important parts of the job.

“Many first-time importers don’t realise how much control they lose when the supplier books the freight,” Anna says. “Once the shipment leaves the origin port, they often have little visibility of what’s happening, and by the time it arrives, they’re faced with high destination fees or unexpected delays.”

Understanding Incoterms empowers importers to make better commercial decisions. It determines who arranges and pays for freight, who bears the risk during transit, and where responsibility transfers from the seller to the buyer.

“For example,” Anna explains, “if an importer chooses Ex-Works (EXW) terms, we can manage the process end to end, from the supplier’s warehouse to the final delivery in Australia. But under CIF or CFR terms, the supplier controls the freight, and the importer often ends up paying hidden local charges.”

By knowing their options, ICE clients can choose the most suitable terms for their business model and avoid costly mistakes. “It’s not just about freight pricing—it’s about control, transparency, and peace of mind. When our customers understand Incoterms, they import smarter.”

The truth about supplier-controlled freight

In many cases, overseas suppliers ship goods under C-terms (CIF or CFR in Incoterms). Under these terms, the supplier pays for the freight to Australia, but the buyer (known as the consignee) must cover all local port and terminal charges once the cargo arrives.

At first glance, these arrangements seem convenient. The supplier handles the freight, provides a low shipping rate, and the importer simply waits for the goods to arrive. But as Anna Angelkoska, ICE’s Sydney Operations Manager, explains, this often leads to unexpected expenses and delays.

“Importers think they’re saving money,” says Anna, “but when their shipment lands, they find themselves paying high handling fees, terminal access charges, and documentation or forwarding costs that weren’t disclosed upfront. These are fees we can’t control if the freight is booked overseas.”

In addition to the surprise costs, supplier-controlled freight can also make it harder for importers to track their shipments, coordinate delivery schedules, or resolve issues if something goes wrong. “You lose visibility and flexibility,” Anna adds. “If there’s a delay, a missed document, or a customs issue, it’s much harder for us to intervene when we’re not managing the freight.”

To avoid these risks, ICE recommends importers use Ex-Works (EXW) or FOB terms instead. “That way, we can manage the entire process from the shipper’s warehouse to the final delivery point in Australia. It gives the customer full visibility, predictable costs, and eliminates hidden charges.”

By taking control of the freight, importers not only protect their bottom line but also gain a smoother, more transparent logistics experience—with ICE overseeing every step of the journey.

One-off quotes: transparency with a caveat

ICE often provides one-off freight quotations for new importers who want clarity before shipping. “The benefit is transparency,” Anna explains. “A one-off quote outlines the freight, origin charges, customs clearance, and delivery costs, so clients can see the full picture.”

However, she notes one limitation: exchange rate fluctuations. “If we quote a rate today and the importer ships two months later, the conversion rate might change. That can affect the total cost.”

Still, Anna believes the benefits outweigh the risks. “You’re getting a clear estimate of what your shipment will cost door to door, rather than unexpected bills after arrival.”

Marine insurance: peace of mind for every shipment

Another frequent misconception among new importers is insurance coverage. “Suppliers often tell customers their freight is insured under CIF,” Anna notes. “But when goods are damaged, clients discover the coverage is limited or non-existent.”

Many CIF policies only cover minimal loss or damage and often exclude incidents that happen outside specific stages of the journey. “Importers assume they’re protected,” Anna says, “but when something goes wrong, they find out the claim process is complicated or the policy doesn’t apply at all.”

To ensure full protection, ICE encourages clients to take out Marine Transit Insurance directly through ICE. “It guarantees coverage from door to door,” she explains. “If anything happens to the goods—whether at the warehouse, in transit, or during delivery, you’re protected.”

Having the right insurance in place gives importers peace of mind, knowing that their cargo is secure every step of the way.

Safety first: dangerous goods compliance

With decades of experience in freight operations, Anna Angelkoska is also certified in Dangerous Goods (DG) handling, a crucial qualification for anyone managing international shipments. “Being DG-qualified ensures we know what products can be shipped together and which can’t,” she explains. “It’s about keeping cargo, aircraft, and people safe.”

Every day, freight forwarders handle a wide range of products that fall under dangerous goods regulations, from aerosols and paints to batteries and cleaning chemicals. “Even something as common as lithium batteries can pose serious risks if not declared correctly,” Anna says. “When improperly packed or labelled, these items can overheat, catch fire, or cause significant damage during transport.”

To prevent such incidents, ICE takes a proactive approach to DG compliance. “We make sure all documentation is accurate, packaging meets international standards, and that DG declarations are completed properly before cargo is accepted,” Anna adds.

She notes that misdeclared or undeclared cargo remains a growing concern, particularly as new battery technologies like lithium-ion and sodium-ion become more common. “Many shippers simply aren’t aware of the risks or the paperwork required,” she says. “We always encourage exporters to declare DG items properly so nothing is hidden. Transparency keeps everyone safe.”

At ICE, DG training and compliance aren’t just regulatory checkboxes. They’re a vital part of maintaining safety and trust across the entire supply chain.

A career built on care, teamwork, and family

After nearly 24 years with ICE, Anna says her motivation goes beyond logistics. “I love coming to work because I love the people I work with. Many of my colleagues started here as school leavers, I’ve seen them grow, get married, have children. They’re like family.”

She even jokes that her role sometimes extends beyond operations. “I once helped one of my team members find his partner online. Now they’re married with two beautiful kids!”

That sense of care is exactly what defines ICE. “When you call International Cargo Express, you don’t get placed in a queue. You get real conversations with real experts in real time. We consult, we plan, we deliver, and we’re here to help.”

Talk to Anna And Our Team Of Experts Today

Anna Angelkoska is the Sydney Operations Manager at International Cargo Express (ICE), where she has been a cornerstone of the business for more than two decades. With extensive expertise across import operations, export air and sea, and cartage, she helps Australian businesses navigate global freight with confidence and ease.

From choosing the right Incoterms and managing door-to-door freight, to arranging marine insurance and ensuring dangerous goods compliance, we make global shipping simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Speak with our team today to discuss your next shipment and discover how ICE can help you import smarter at 1300 227 461.