Category: <span>China Freight News</span>

All freight quotes are accompanied by an expiry date, once this date has passed, the quote expires, so do the rate associated with the quote. This is because the tariffs offered by carriers change frequently and are only guaranteed for a limited amount of time. Shipping rates are subject to an extremely volatile market and seasonal changes, including GRI and PSS.
Therefore, ocean FCL rates are generally valid for a maximum of two weeks at a time (expiring on the 15th and 30th of each month). LCL rates may last longer and typically expire at the end of each month.
However, air prices are more subject to change and usually expire after a week (or sometimes less). Technically, airlines can, at their discretion, change rates before a flight actually takes off, although they are valid for their validity period — although rates generally remain until a given date.

Standard Freight Quote
Standard shipping is the discounted price that TJ china freight gets from the carrier. Because of the large quantities we offer carriers, they are able to offer us discounted rates. This in turn gives us the opportunity to provide our clients with the highest level of service at competitive prices.
Due to fluctuating fuel prices, these discounted prices are valid for 30 days. Fuel charges are percentage surcharges added to all shipments. During the 30 days that quotes are valid, they are not expected to fluctuate so much as to cause pricing to change.

What if the offer for a reservation expires?
For all U.S. inbound and outbound ocean freight, rates are locked with the carrier once the container is in the container yard at the port of origin (or, in the case of LCL, gated in the warehouse). If a shipment comes in after the quote due date, we will need to re-quote the shipment at the new updated rate. In order to comply with FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) regulations, TJ china freight needs to have a valid NRA (Negotiated Rate Arrangement) before the shipment departs. Once the shipment is rebooked with the updated rates, we are ready to sail!

Do I still need to book in advance if the offer is due to expire?
Yes! If your shipment is ready to ship after the current rate setting expires, it is best to book in advance. The more notice we have of upcoming shipments, the more time we have to ensure that flights or boats are booked as early as possible. Typically, space on ships and flights is booked at least a week in advance; in high season, this can happen up to two weeks in advance.

From warehousing, inventory management and order fulfillment, 3PLs are at the heart of the supply chain. For companies that rely on these logistics operations, the receipt, storage, and transportation of inventory are key components of their growth—especially when supply chain management can be complex. With the specialization of logistics functions becoming a necessity for many organizations, especially with the rise of e-commerce and omni-channel fulfillment, the outsourcing of these specific responsibilities has fallen to third-party warehouse operations known as 3PLs or third-party logistics warehouses.

But what exactly is 3PL? What are they doing? What’s the reason for hiring one?

What is third-party logistics?
Third-party logistics or 3PL is used interchangeably with fulfillment warehouse or fulfillment center. Companies that offer 3PL services offer many of the same services as order fulfillment companies. These services include:

Warehousing
Inventory management
Shipping and receiving
FTL and LTL Freight
Pick and Pack
Kitting and Customization
Reverse Logistics (Returns)
A third-party logistics company acts as an e-commerce fulfillment company. It provides all the services you need to outsource your logistics business.

Different 3PL service companies specialize in different types of fulfillment and warehousing. Some come with cold fulfillment. These warehouses can store and deliver food that needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Other 3PL companies are prepared to store and transport hazardous materials.

What is not a 3PL?
Private warehouses or warehouses that only fulfill orders for their own products are not considered 3PLs. These types of warehouses are usually owned and managed by a manufacturer or retail store. They use specific accounting, billing, and shipping software that often doesn’t have the flexibility to manage inventory and billing for multiple customers. If private warehouses want to profit from additional warehouse space, they may need to invest in a warehouse management system (WMS) designed for 3PL.

The benefits of third-party logistics
This operating model has several benefits.

1. Reduce the cost of goods sold. When you pre-purchase a product, you will pay the wholesale price. The more you buy, the lower your costs and the higher your profit margins.
Greater flexibility in product sourcing. When you use an e-commerce fulfillment business model, you can more easily source products from multiple manufacturers. All your items will be stored in the same warehouse, so orders containing products from multiple suppliers can be shipped in the same box. This saves on shipping.
Greater control of your logistics operations. You can choose an order fulfillment partner that delivers the service your customers expect.
Faster order fulfillment. You can choose a third-party logistics service with warehouse locations for fast delivery of your order.
Easier returns processing. The 3PL warehouse that ships your products can provide customer service and process any returns seamlessly. This increases customer satisfaction and allows you to quickly put products back in stock.

2. Leverage industry expertise
As an ecommerce professional, you may not have the time to master every detail of shipping and logistics. That’s where a 3PL comes in: Comprised of e-commerce logistics professionals, your 3PL will be knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and complexities – so you don’t have to.

3PL companies also have technical resources and a network of partners—including marketing agencies, custom packaging suppliers, and more—that enable them to continuously improve supply chain efficiencies and perform supply chain optimizations to help drive e-commerce success.

3. Expand your reach
If you only sell in one region, you are limiting your business potential. Partnering with a 3PL can help you expand your reach.

3PL companies have a huge network of fulfillment centers, which in-house fulfillment lacks. 3PLs with fulfillment centers in major U.S. cities can help you reduce shipping costs and shipping times for your orders.

Shipping orders from one location also means higher postage for packages that span multiple shipping zones.

“FREIGHT BROKER VS. FREIGHT FORWARDER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Freight brokers connect shippers and carriers and oversee the movement of goods. Brokers must be registered with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to obtain brokerage rights. However, the broker does not possess the goods. Freight brokers primarily handle shipments from origin and destination points in the United States. While freight brokers can handle international shipments, these shipments are usually in one specific area.

Freight forwarders arrange shipments for their customers and then go a step further. In addition to shipping goods, freight forwarders can also store products for their customers. What’s more, freight forwarders have FMCSA operating rights in interstate or foreign trade. This means they handle international shipments from one country to another or across multiple countries.
Freight forwarders clear the shipment of goods from one country to another, forwarding the goods through the legal requirements of each location. Freight forwarders usually deliver goods according to their own bills of lading. They also offer assembly and integration services. They can book cargo space for customers, usually by contacting the ocean or air freight provider directly, and negotiating shipping rates. Freight forwarding is usually a more specialized job with specific terminology and legal requirements.

What is the difference between a freight broker and a freight forwarder?
Although they are often used interchangeably, the requirements of a freight forwarder are broader than those of a freight broker. Both freight forwarders and freight brokers are vital in the logistics industry. Each year, businesses move approximately $106.2 billion in goods through the United States. Freight forwarders and freight brokers are key players in this complex market, but the specific differences between the two are often misunderstood.

Freight forwarders and brokers both help arrange the logistics of goods, but they take different approaches and serve different segments of the freight industry. Each of them works between the shipper (the person who wants to transport the goods) and the carrier, which is the company that has the equipment and facilities to transport the goods. For those entering the trucking industry and those looking for the right means of transportation, it is important to understand the difference between these two roles.

There are many similarities, and some businesses can act as both freight brokers and freight forwarders. Additionally, some businesses may offer the services of freight brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers. Typically, a company provides all three services if it also owns a vehicle for transporting the goods.”

“Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What’s the Difference?

Freight Forwarding: Definition
Freight forwarders are defined as supply chain-related specialists who specialize in the logistics and physical transportation of goods. They are in contact with any entity that handles or knows about the goods being shipped by truck, ship, plane, or a combination thereof during the export process. Freight forwarders are responsible for assembling and completing various documents and compliance documents.
TJ china freight exemplifies a freight forwarder as a “”freight travel agency””, a third-party entity that arranges the trip and then facilitates the entire trip, including paperwork and documents, for a single sum of money.

Customs Broker: Definition
As defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a customs broker is defined as a private individual, partnership, association, or corporation licensed, regulated, and authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting U.S. government regulations Import and border protection requirements. Export.
Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and bill them for this service. They must have expertise in entry procedures, entry requirements, classification, valuation, and duties and applicable taxes on imported goods.
A customs broker is a specific term used to identify an intermediary between an importer and the customs department of the government of the importing country.

The difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker

The main difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker is that the freight forwarder handles the logistics of actually moving the shipper’s goods from the origin to the destination. Freight forwarders contract directly with carriers to secure bookings by sea, air, rail or truck and provide shippers with estimated freight, port charges, special documentation costs, insurance costs and terminal handling charges.
Customs brokers, on the other hand, deal with bureaucracy, complete documents, and ensure that shippers’ goods move in and out of a country. Customs brokers typically focus on the import side of export transactions and have direct contact with various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the FDA, and, of course, U.S. Customs Border and Protection.
Due to the complexity of importing goods into the United States, many importers hire customs brokers to help clear US imports. Individuals can self-clear goods for their own accounts, but corporations, partnerships and associations rely on licensed brokers to navigate all aspects of the “”customs business””.
Freight forwarders without licensed customs broker capacity often work with customs brokers to help resolve export transactions.

case study
An exporter in Kentucky wants to ship a few cars to Vancouver. Their freight forwarder gives them a quote for the goods and asks the Canadian dealer if they have a customs broker. They say they have, so the freight forwarder only handles shipping.

The exporter (car manufacturer) cooperates with the importer (car dealer) and needs to agree on the terms of sale (Incoterms) and the details of the transaction, including hiring a customs broker, etc. In this example, the freight forwarder and the customs broker are two separate entities; the exporter must manage his partnership with the freight forwarder and the transaction with the importer.”

“Advice for exporters: Should I use a freight forwarder?

1. What is a freight forwarder?
TJ china freight defines freight forwarder as follows:
A company that specializes in arranging the storage and transportation of goods on behalf of their shippers. It typically provides a full range of services including: tracking inland shipments, preparing ocean and export documents, warehousing, booking, negotiating freight rates, LCL, cargo insurance and filing insurance claims. The freight forwarder usually ships with its own bill of lading or air waybill (called sub-container bill of lading or sub-container air waybill), and its agent or partner (overseas freight forwarder) at the destination provides document delivery, unpacking, and collection. Serve. Also called a repeater.
This definition is a bit wordy and sounds complicated, so let’s make a basic definition as follows:
A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the import and export of goods for you.

2. What can I expect a person to do for me?

Generally, a freight forwarder should be able to understand your requirements and determine the best shipping option to deliver your shipment at a competitive price within the desired time frame.

In addition to these core shipping services, they should also be able to provide:

Customs Clearance – Most freight forwarders should be able to complete customs paperwork on your behalf and facilitate the payment of any taxes or duties owed to customs on your behalf
All other shipping documents such as bill of lading, certificate of origin, letter of credit or any document required by the bank before payment
Insurance – A good freight forwarder will be able to provide insurance services to insure your shipments for loss or damage
Logistics and supply chain management, which has many facets but can include fulfillment, customs consulting, contract logistics services, and other similar value-added services.

3. What are the benefits? Are there any downsides?
The main benefits of working with a freight forwarder are:

Industry expertise and knowledge
They can use their purchasing power to reduce shipping costs
You can focus on your business instead of complicated shipping or customs procedures
Global Agent Network
Provides confidence in exporting to or importing from new markets.
The main disadvantages of working with a freight forwarder are:

It’s an opaque industry and it’s hard to tell the good from the bad
The UK’s freight forwarding industry is unregulated, meaning anyone can start a business
Due to contracting with third parties, freight forwarders have little control over schedules or shipments.

4. Do I need to use a freight forwarder?
No, you can choose to oversee the entire process yourself if you wish. However, the vast majority of international trading companies do use them as it makes things easier and allows them to leverage their expertise and connections.

5. How to find a freight forwarder?
You are lucky! You have found one. This is the website of TJ china freight, a trusted freight forwarder since its inception. We are happy to help you with your international shipping needs.”

“The Ultimate Guide to International Shipping in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia (SEA) is being hailed as the next land of opportunity for e-commerce. With fast-growing markets like Indonesia ripe for cross-border sales of your e-commerce goods, it’s perfect for your shipments to pass through customs and reach your customers safely and on time.

1. The novelty of international shipping
Thanks to international shipping, today’s e-commerce customers have access to global markets. Products that were once unavailable and unavailable in the country are now accessible with just a few clicks. This gives e-commerce sellers the opportunity to expand into new markets and expand their reach at affordable prices.
However, international shipping has historically been painful for Southeast Asia. The region’s complex customs, fragmented cultures and archipelago topography make cross-border shipping a challenge. These not only result in longer travel times, but also significantly increase the price of international freight.
But cross-border online sellers can’t take the risk of a poor international shipping experience. After all, logistics plays a huge role in customers’ perceptions of a platform’s trustworthiness. In addition, competition for the shopping carts of Southeast Asians is increasing, and quality delivery services are now an important factor in online sales success.

This means that cross-border e-commerce sellers must be able to offer customers:

Reliable delivery service with packages intact
Faster service such as express options
More options (eg, cheaper standard delivery, package pickup)
Wide coverage
But when it comes to international shipping, it’s easier said than done.

2. Choose the right shipping company
In today’s competitive logistics industry, explore the shipping company of your choice from the many logistics providers. In some regions, some operators may have wider networks and better expertise than others.
Shipping companies that choose to establish operations in specific destinations can speed up deliveries to customers in those countries. Shipping lines that are major players in a country are likely to also have physical locations at the destination. An operator with a physical base of operations in the destination country can provide you with local expertise and provide more effective customer service to your customers.
In today’s logistics industry, there are e-commerce logistics service providers that aim to provide end-to-end fulfillment solutions for businesses that intend to ship across borders. Consider working with a logistics partner such as TJ china freight that has a larger network of carriers that can help you reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction with e-commerce logistics.

3. Customs Clearance Basics
Regulations vary depending on which country you ship to and from. Make sure you understand the required licenses, special regulations, and restricted and prohibited items for the appropriate country. Most countries also require importers to register with the relevant trade authority and obtain a customs identification number.

Typically, the documents you need to pass to your shipping partner are as follows:
commercial invoice
Gives the total shipment value. Help determine import duties and taxes and eligibility for shipments.
packing list
Provides product details, shipment volume in kilograms (KG) or cubic meters (CBM), and serves as a checklist to ensure shipments are properly packaged.
Shipping-related documents often require the volumetric dimensions of the package, which can be calculated using the following formula:
Dimensional weight (KG) = (packaging length x width x height cm)/5000

prohibited and prohibited goods
Each country has its own list of goods that require additional regulations to comply with or cannot enter the country at all. These items are generally banned or restricted in most countries in Southeast Asia:
Anti-government, inflammatory or politically sensitive material
pornographic material
Narcotics or recreational drugs
Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition
tobacco products
alcoholic beverages
drug
For restricted items, you may need additional permits and licenses that your shipping partner can help you obtain. Certain restricted items are also subject to higher duties or duties.

Duties and Taxes
Your shipments will be charged different import duties and taxes depending on where you are shipping to, the value of the shipment and the type of shipment you are shipping.
To make sure you understand the amount you or the end customer must pay, it’s important to understand how these factors affect the amount of tax you need to pay.

4. This can all be solved by hiring the right logistics partner
These are a lot of things to keep in mind, but don’t worry – finding the right logistics partner who can guide you through these processes will be key to ensuring smooth and successful cross-border shipping.

Not only does this minimize the risk of costly mistakes and the headaches of changing regulations, it also allows you to enjoy the benefits of cross-border shipping at a cost-effective rate.

Remember that not all logistics providers offer the same services. Some can handle sourcing, while others focus on last-mile delivery. But for busy e-commerce sellers who want to focus on growing their business, we recommend finding an end-to-end partner who can complete the package journey through technology rather than manual methods. Choosing a digital-first partner ensures efficiency, transparency and a great customer experience.”

“Choosing a Warehouse Location: 7 Key Criteria to Consider
Choosing the right warehouse location can have a major impact on a company’s effectiveness, efficiency and profitability. Leasing or purchasing a warehouse is a major decision, and choosing the right location can significantly improve a company’s competitiveness and ability to serve customers effectively.
When choosing a location, it’s important to take the time to consider all of the following criteria, take some notes, and then compare your notes to all the options available. A final decision can only be made after all data has been compiled and analyzed.
Let’s review the 7 selection criteria for the best warehouse location.
1. Location
Considering the current shipping locations of the company’s suppliers, as well as the delivery locations scheduled for customers, is critical in choosing a warehouse. Where do most of these deliveries take place? Are warehouses located in the best areas to reduce and optimize costs for the company and customers?

2. Labor Availability, Labor Skills, and Costs
Labor availability, skills and labor costs are directly related to local demographics. Not every geographic location has the right skilled workforce at the right price. Note the local demographics of the state/city under consideration.
When evaluating labor availability, consider supply and demand: low labor availability and high demand will drive wages up (meaning higher operating costs). vice versa. High levels of labor availability and low demand will lead to lower wages.
In addition to the availability and cost of labor, skills are also important. The workforce skills gap will lead to poor customer service and reduced competitiveness and productivity.

3. Roads, highways and traffic flow
Road and highway accessibility and local traffic density must also be considered, especially if trucking is the primary mode of transportation.

Shipping costs are affected by some or all of these variables and can affect a company’s competitiveness or the attractiveness of a warehouse facility to customers. Consider the following points:
Accessibility to highways and exit ramps
highway interconnection
public transport penetration
average speed
Average traffic flow
rush hour
road safety and conditions
Appropriate road signs and signals
Factors such as congested highways and surface roads and poor signalling systems will increase fuel consumption, accident rates and wasted time.

4. Storage area
If a company has strict storage and fire protection requirements for hazardous or flammable materials or even food, you need to ensure that the location chosen for the warehouse appropriately fits and handles the company’s needs. As an e-commerce order fulfillment or logistics technology company, one needs to understand ways to handle products that require chemical systems, not water-based systems. These companies should also consider the environment and should know if there are any streams or bodies of water nearby.

A large number of unnecessary disasters can be avoided by proactively checking the storage requirements of warehouse locations. It is important to ask not only the owner of the warehouse storage area, but more specifically what is currently available. Does the warehouse owner anticipate that more storage space will be available in the future to accommodate the projected growth?

5. Experience
Existing warehouses are checked for build dates to ensure a good balance of age, showcasing their weathered qualities and the test of time, combined with the novelty of modern technology and additional facilities for the efficient flow of items. Stale settings can mean outdated processes, but too new can mean problems still need to be fixed, so to speak.

6. How will you pay?
If you’re a newer business, or aren’t sure how much growth potential you might have over the next few years, having a payment game plan is crucial. You don’t want to buy a warehouse outright if you’re going to surpass it in just a few years.

On the other hand, if you know you’re likely to see significant growth, it might be a good idea to find a property that you can rent out. That way, you’ll have more flexibility to change or relocate, depending on how much you actually grow.

Also, if you’re considering a location with a lot of extra space on your property, take a look at what you can do with that space. You might outgrow your current building, but it might be cheaper to build on it, rather than trying to find a whole new one. Especially if the location is perfect.

7. What are the possible risks?
This is a very important thing to consider at the warehouse location. Research the area where the building is located.
Is it in an area known for flooding? Are there trees or other things that could damage the facility if a storm hits?
These are things you want to make sure to consider. Talk to your insurance company to find out the cost of properly insuring your warehouse and limiting any future disasters.”

“8 Tips for International Shipping

1. Determine the international demand for your product.
Before launching a site-wide campaign for an international clientele, do your research to determine if there is real demand for your product abroad.
If you’ve already received requests from customers around the world to start shipping to them, this can give you a clear idea of ​​which countries to expand to.
But if you don’t have international clients knocking on your door, you’ll need a well thought out strategy to enter new markets around the world.
Start by looking at what’s currently available in the country you’re shipping to, and if any similar products are already sold.
And don’t forget to pay attention to your main competitors in each country.
You might be able to offer one country something completely unique, but join the sea of ​​competitors in another territory.
Once you’ve judged the demand for your product in certain countries, it’s a good idea to test the waters by selling in your local market.
More importantly, it will be a great way to start growing your international audience, just like you did with your domestic audience.
It takes time, so don’t rush. Before promoting international shipping throughout your online business, make sure you have a strong strategy in place.
Keep in mind that international customers will shop slightly differently and may use a different marketplace than Amazon or eBay.

2. Reduce transportation costs. Just like domestic shipping, don’t be afraid to think outside the box to save on shipping. Try pricing strategies like flat-rate shipping or free shipping. Another great way to keep costs down is to adjust the delivery time of your packages. If customers don’t mind waiting a few days longer to receive their items, they’ll see huge shipping savings.
3. Understand what is legal overseas shipping.
One of the many reasons why international shipping differs from domestic shipping is country-specific shipping requirements. Items that are regularly sold and shipped in the U.S. may be prohibited from being imported into certain countries. Nail polish, fresh fruit, vegetables, cigarettes, medical equipment, cell phones and jewelry are just a few examples of regulated goods that either cannot be transported at all or require additional documentation when traveling to certain countries. Don’t be afraid to do the list and don’t. USPS, UPS, and FedEx have created helpful guides listing what can and cannot be shipped worldwide.
4. Be prepared for additional duties and taxes
The next important step in preparing your online business for international shipping is determining the duties, duties and taxes that may apply. Also, you want to make sure you have the customs documents you need to ship abroad, as duties and taxes will depend on the information you fill out on the customs forms. Factors that can affect duties and taxes include:

Related insurance
Shipping fee
The value and quantity of the product shipped
There are two ways to collect duties: DDU (Duty Unpaid) and DDP (Duty Paid). DDU means that the customer pays any duties or taxes themselves, while DDP means that you, the merchant, pay those fees up front.
If you ship directly to the customer, DDP is the more obvious option, as long as you make it clear to the customer that any customs or taxes are their responsibility. Alternatively, if you’re bulk shipping to a warehouse or fulfillment provider in the destination country, you’ll be using DDP, so you’ll need to factor these fees into your cross-border product costs.

5. Protect fragile packages during international shipping.
If you plan to ship fragile items around the world, then you must take steps to protect them from being damaged or damaged in transit.
The key is in the packaging.
You need to make sure you choose the right size box for the job. Ideally, it should be large enough to hold your belongings, but still have plenty of room for protective material.
General rule of thumb:

You want to leave about 2 inches of space on all sides for additional packing. On top of that, you run the risk of moving items around in the box too much.
What’s more, it’s better to use a brand new box, as the used box may be weaker and therefore more likely to give way.
If possible, opt for double-wall corrugated boxes, especially if your items are heavier, as they are the sturdiest variety.

6. Start with one or two countries.
Selling internationally is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It is wise to start small and sell in one or two countries. Then, you can slowly expand your reach. How do you choose where to sell and ship first? Start from a country where you already see a lot of web traffic or where you know the language

7. Do your research to avoid scams
Take appropriate steps to avoid being deceived. If you plan to use a freight service, get multiple quotes first. Some shipping companies that offer to ship your items abroad are actually fragile businesses that struggle to take care of your products and rarely deliver your shipments to their destination within the agreed time frame. Here are a few ways to detect possible scams:
Double check the URL. It is a common practice for fraudulent freight forwarders to imitate more reputable brands. Check to make sure their website is hosted on their own domain and spelled correctly.
Look carefully at the content on their website. Scammers sometimes clone blogs, web copies, and videos of other businesses (and accidentally leave references to those companies). And, in the case of their original content, it’s often full of grammatical errors. Sometimes you can even identify a clone by looking at the quality of the logo on the homepage.

8. Know the correct shipping terminology.
Our final big tip is to master shipping terminology.
No matter which international shipping service you choose, it’s always helpful to know some basic terms so you can always ensure a coherent conversation with the courier and everyone involved with your shipping.
More importantly, having this knowledge can help you better control the entire shipping process and avoid unnecessary surprises for you and your new global customers.
Harmonized Tariff Code – This is the code given to each of your products to indicate the description of the item and it is required when filling out your commercial invoice documents.
Commercial Invoice – A customs document containing all relevant information about your product, used to calculate duties and taxes on your package.
Certificate of Origin – An official document used to verify the country of origin of your shipment.
Export Declaration – A form that provides information on the quantity, nature and value of an item, presented during customs and used as an export control document.
Duties and Taxes – Fees levied by the country where your goods are imported.
Additionally, duties and taxes are calculated based on product value, trade agreements, country of manufacture, product use and the product’s Harmonized System code.

Whether you, as a merchant, pay these fees (shipping paid) or charge your customers (shipping not paid) is up to you as a merchant.

If you want your customers to pay any duties and taxes, just make sure they are fully aware of these additional charges after receiving the package.”

“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.”

“5 reasons why global shipping rates keep rising!

Shipping costs have been rising steadily since the fall of 2020. The first few months of 2021 have seen a surge in freight rates on many major trade lanes, with prices on some trade lanes tripling from last year. Costs look set to continue rising for a number of reasons.

Here are five reasons why shipping costs won’t drop anytime soon:

1. Persistent global imbalances push prices further

Issues that have accumulated since the COVID-19 pandemic include imbalances in the production and demand of goods, different lockdowns and opening times across countries, as well as shipping lines reducing capacity on major routes and shortages of empty containers. As the economic recovery progresses, global demand is recovering strongly, especially in areas most closely related to international trade in goods. With the further opening of the economy and the restructuring of inventories in multiple links of the supply chain, the competition for shipping capacity has intensified.

2. Lack of Alternatives
How many shipping alternatives do you know? Unfortunately, there are only a few options other than sea freight. Before you choose to ship by train or air, you should consider product value, as well as limited capacity and high tariffs. One option for transporting high-value products is by train or air. What you need to check before hiring an air freight forwarder in Kuwait is what you need to pay. Is this shipping method cost-effective for your business? It mostly depends on the value of your product. The situation is different for low-value products such as household items, toys, clothes or promotional items. Unfortunately, they found that shipping increased from around 5% of the purchase cost to more than 20%.

3. An uneven recovery throughout 2021
Trade in goods will grow further, and not only major trading countries but also their trading partners will continue to recover. As competition for capacity will continue, the uneven recovery will continue to exacerbate some of the problems in world trade, including the diversion of empty containers. All of this adds to the pressure on freight in the short term.

4. Port congestion and closures
Another reason global shipping costs will continue to rise has to do with port congestion and closures. Congestion is a huge problem, as the link between cancelled sailings and delays shows. Unfortunately, the rate of ship compliance with schedules has declined. Even late ships are accompanied by increased delays. There are signs that recovery and average performance will start to improve. Average delays have improved as the percentage of ships arriving at their destinations on time stopped the slide in April 2021. When it comes to lower ship on-time rates and an increase in the average delay rate for late ships, some performances are starting to pick up. Shipping performance in 2021 continued where 2020 was disrupted. Still, overall performance was the lowest it’s been in a decade.

5. Reduce blank sailings
While global capacity on major routes has generally returned to pre-lockdown levels, airfreight continued to reduce scheduled capacity by 10% in the first quarter of 2021. Part of the cancellation is due to delays, so continued congestion within the system could cause shipping to reduce capacity for a short period of time.”