“7 Rules to Consider When Shipping Internationally
Thinking of shipping a package internationally? If you’re new to how the process works or have never shipped a package overseas before, this article is for you.
So, how does international shipping work? We’ve created a step-by-step guide on best practices for getting it done.
Ready to send your package safely around the world? Want to save time and money in the process? continue reading.
1. Understand the international demand for your product and how it is regulated in your target country.
Decide how to fulfill orders to different countries by answering basic questions. What is the demand for your product? Are your items taxable in this country, and what is the value or quantity? Which customs regulations affect your products? What is the minimum level (minimum threshold for tariffs) in the country? Is there a way to quickly locate the lowest level for a given product so you can make the right decisions for your business model?
2. How does international shipping work when suspended?
As packages are often traveled on commercial flights, the reduced availability of international flights has resulted in significant delays in shipping. Countries have also taken extra precautions to ensure their products are virus-free before they are shipped, and are experiencing warehouse shortages, further delaying the arrival of international mail.
If you’re wondering how long it might take for your package to reach its destination, check for any shipping suspensions. The U.S. Postal Service frequently updates its list of currently suspended shipping by country.
Fortunately, the list of suspensions has gotten smaller over time, and there are many countries that are not facing shipping suspensions at all. For example, if you want to ship from Mexico (or Mexico), you’re in luck! Currently, no international shipping to and from this country is suspended.
3. Control your shipping costs with a package aggregator.
Most consumer e-commerce international packages weigh 20 pounds or less. The IPC survey also found that more than two-thirds of international consumer e-commerce purchases are made by parcel post. However, unlike US First Class Mail, it doesn’t make much sense to process one package at a time internationally. First-Class Mail International can get expensive, making it a challenge to sell low-cost items due to shipping costs. Rapidly growing freight volumes from China and other countries have put pressure on last-mile delivery speed and reliability.
The challenges facing international postal services have given rise to a new type of parcel service called parcel consolidator. After shipment, suppliers use one of these services to ship packages to U.S. shipping centers, then consolidate them on pallets or large boxes by country and receive postage for the destination country. When packages reach the destination country, they pass through customs in bulk and are delivered to the local post. This process reduces shipping and cross-border costs and increases shipping speed. These packages are distributed globally to customers’ doorsteps.
4. Consider cost and compare shipping rates
A major factor in international shipping costs is the total shipping distance. The further the distance, the higher the price. However, there are other factors that can determine international shipping costs:
Shipping agency
Prices vary depending on the company you’re shipping from. Before choosing your business, check out the prices they list online or call one of their stores for a price estimate.
time
Consider how long the package will take to reach its destination. If it contains perishable items, it will require faster shipping.
You will also need to check with the package recipient to see how long it will take them to receive the package. If it’s time sensitive, consider a faster shipping method (such as Priority Shipping) to get there faster.
Package Weight and Dimensions
If you want to estimate shipping costs, weigh the contents and packaging materials, if any. Shipping costs can be reduced if you can remove anything to make the package lighter.
You can also check out the shipping box. Some companies offer flat rates when you use their boxes, so you may find cheaper shipping options if you measure the contents of your package.
5. Use shipping automation software to create a more predictable international buying and fulfillment experience.
Couriers may charge re-attempted deliveries, address correction fees, and return fees. Sellers are required to provide valid and accurate customer contact and address information. Shipping automation software allows users to automatically import orders from marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and more, eliminating input errors. Sellers can also purchase discounted postage, accurately and automatically print labels, and quickly locate orders and track shipments from a centralized dashboard. This is invaluable for dealing with customs issues immediately. Many products also allow you to create custom shipping automation rules to further simplify your fulfillment operations.
6. Keep written records
After you complete the documentation process, you will get a copy of everything you filled out. Keep these documents and receipts in a safe place in case there are any discrepancies with the package on the way. Many shipping agents won’t give you any information about the status of your package if you don’t have tracking information – even if you can give them all the other details.
7. Never misrepresent or underestimate the value of your items.
International shipping is serious business. Don’t try to play around with the system. If customs suspect the goods are more valuable than you claim, they can confiscate or delay your shipment. Follow the rules to incorporate tariffs and other product bans into the international e-commerce equation.”
