When shipping goods across borders, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of e-commerce and the need to cater to a global audience, establishing an international network is vital for business success.

Whether you are after speedy services or cost-effective solutions, it is crucial to establish a partnership with a trusted and reliable logistics carrier to bring your international shipping ambitions to life. 

The Role of Customs

Regardless of how you choose to ship products internationally, every package you send will have to pass through customs, the official government agency responsible for regulating all imports and exports in each country. 

These agents are required to verify the contents of all shipments, ensure that the necessary documentation is accurately completed and submitted, and determine whether duties or taxes will be applied. Any issues at customs can lead to delays, returned shipments, or additional fees. 

Restricted & Prohibited Items

While you can ship a variety of commercial items across the world, each country has its own set of restrictions on products that can or cannot enter its borders. Furthermore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established and continues to maintain the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, which, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization, details items that are strictly prohibited from being shipped anywhere in the world. 

These universally-prohibited goods include weapons and explosives, bullion (gold or silver in bulk), cash and active bank cards, illicit substances and contraband, and infectious or highly flammable substances. Country-specific bans or limitations typically include books or printed materials, electronics, medical devices or supplements, and food and agricultural products.

Factors to Consider

There are many important factors to consider when building an international supply chain. Establishing efficient and accurate business practices and procedures is the key to creating a reliable logistics process. 

Shipping Methods & Fees

One of the most important things to know before shipping items overseas is which carrier will work best for your budget and freight needs. Air, sea, and ground shipments each offer unique advantages and disadvantages that affect costs, delivery times, and environmental impact. Traditionally, air delivery is the fastest option, but it comes with higher costs and is less eco-friendly than ground shipments. 

Alternatively, sea shipments are more affordable but take much longer to reach their destination, making them a risky choice for perishable items, which typically don’t perform well in sealed containers over long periods. In many instances, you will likely have to use a combination of the three different methods. 

Furthermore, shipping fees can vary significantly, depending on the carrier you use, the products you are shipping, the destination country, and the weight and size of your freight. This makes it crucial to compare costs and carriers in advance to fully understand all the details of your shipment, especially if you don’t already have a trusted logistics partner. 

Delivery Times

It is vital to be aware of your delivery dates and times in advance, but equally important to understand that they are only estimates and can change at any time. Delays can be caused by unpaid taxes and fees, customs issues, severe weather that disrupts travel routes, and more, creating a disruptive roadblock that delays your shipment and leaves customers disappointed and frustrated. 

When calculating delivery dates, it is better to allow a buffer period to account for potential delays. This additional leeway means your shipment will either arrive earlier than anticipated or on time, even if it encounters delays en route. This reduces unnecessary stress during transit and ensures your customers’ expectations are met or exceeded. 

Compulsory Documents

Several crucial shipping documents must accompany every international shipment, including the Commercial Invoice. This mandatory document acts as a legal receipt for your shipment. It includes a comprehensive list of the products being shipped, information on both parties to the transaction, and the shipment value. 

Other essential documents that may need to be included, depending on the nature of the shipment, include Certificate of Origin, NAFTA Certificate of Origin, Shipper’s Export Declaration, Electronic Export Information, and any other industry-specific compliance paperwork.

The Right Packaging

Selecting the right pallet type provides extra protection for your products and ensures they move through the supply chain safely and securely. Compare materials, sizes, and methods to identify the right solution for your shipping needs. In some cases, you may find using crates to be a better option compared to pallets, as they offer better protection for more sensitive items.

Additionally, the size and weight of your products will affect your shipping fees, so accurate freight measurements are crucial before shipment. If you haven’t yet purchased one, investing in your own scale to weigh packages and pallets will eliminate surprises and help you create a more accurate budget. Some carriers impose size and weight restrictions that could disrupt your process, so it is essential to have accurate information to meet these requirements.