So here is some correspondence that we were having back and forth with our offices in New York and Nicaragua.

• XXXX can you call DHL and find out if we are ready to go and pick up the machine? We have produced all the paperwork and paid all our bills and even a fine so that we are clear and able to import the machine. We are waiting on DHL and we have sent two messages and called twice as well.  

• Spoke with Ginny (sp?) at DHL JFK.  She said she needs to contact Managua (by email) and will get back to me on it.  Will keep you posted...

• Please have your party in Nicaragua contact Maria – reference hawb (house airway bill) 6ry4606 JFK/MGA.

• Note the prepaid airfreight was DAT (delivery at terminal) meaning door to airport only.
• To be cleared thru Nicaragua customs the consignee needs his own customs broker or they can work with DHL Global Forwarding Nicaragua to have the shipment cleared.

• Please note the Customer has not complete the required documentation in order to DHL NI can be their broker at destination

This is how it starts and if you can't provide the documentation they seize your package.  So the proper documentation is a very loose term. What does that include? So as we found out, it includes anything they ask for.  Even things that can be impossible to prove or provide such as you will see in the following posts.