“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.”

“Expeditors Kangjiekong was targeted by cyber attack!

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPD) announced that on February 20, 2022, we determined that our company was the target of a targeted cyberattack. Upon discovering this incident, we shut down most of our operating systems globally to manage the security of our entire global system environment. The situation is constantly changing and we are working with global cybersecurity experts to manage this situation. While our systems are down, our ability to conduct business will be limited, including but not limited to arranging shipments or managing customs and distribution activities for our customers’ shipments.
The impact is significant after Expeditor shuts down most of its operating systems, as Expeditor’s operations are limited, including freight, customs and distribution activities, which could stall shipments for its customers.

The company noted that systems will remain offline until they can be safely restored from backups.
At the same time, the company is working with its operators and service providers to find solutions to minimize the impact on customers. However, there is no estimate on when operations will resume.
A global team of cybersecurity experts is currently investigating the attack and helping businesses restart activities
Although Expeditors didn’t mention the nature of the incident, it’s likely they were hit by ransomware, as shutting down operations globally and restoring them from backups is often a process prompted by network-wide encryption.
The company said it would cover all costs of investigating the cyberattack and remediation, which it expects to extend over a longer period of time. And the event could have a material adverse effect on their business, revenue, results of operations and reputation.”

“China – Prohibited and restricted imports
The following items are prohibited from entering the country: weapons, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds; counterfeit currency and counterfeit securities; prints, magnetic media, films or photos deemed to be detrimental to China’s political, economic, cultural and moral interests; deadly poisons; illegal drugs ; Disease-carrying animals and plants; food, medicines and other items from affected areas; old/used clothes; and local currency (RMB). Foods containing certain food colorings and additives that are considered by the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) to be harmful to human health are also prohibited.

In addition, China restricts or prohibits the import of certain commodities related to processing trade. The “”Catalogue of Imported Commodities Restricted or Prohibited in Processing Trade”” aims to shift the direction of my country’s processing trade to processing commodities with higher technical content and greater potential for added value. The directory identifies several “”prohibited goods””: used clothing; the use of publications that contain obscene content; radioactive or hazardous industrial waste; and junk and restricted goods. The list was last revised in 2015.
The catalog identifies the following “”prohibited goods””: second-hand clothing; use of publications containing obscene content; radioactive or hazardous industrial waste; garbage trucks, used vehicles or parts; seeds, seedlings, fertilizers used to grow or grow any export goods , feed, additives or antibiotics. The catalogue lists seven categories of “”restricted goods””: plastic raw materials, polyester profiles, chemical fiber raw materials, cotton, cotton yarn, cotton cloth and some steel. The list has been updated annually since 1999 and was last published in 2010.

However, these reports only show updates and do not reflect the final listing. U.S. companies should contact the General Administration of Customs of China for guidance on importing these products. (Contact information see below).

All wood packaging should bear the IPPC logo, otherwise further requirements will apply. The latest rule, called “”Measures for the Quarantine Supervision and Administration of Wooden Packaging of Imported Goods””, was issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and took effect on January 1, 2006.”

“The main reasons why containers may be delayed
Containers are essential equipment for global trade. But even nearly two years after the pandemic began, logistics nightmares still plague global supply chains. Here are a few reasons for the shortage of shipping containers.
1. The pandemic and changing customer habits
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on shipping and deliveries since 2020. As consumer behavior changes, they are shifting toward buying more goods and less services. As a result, many carriers are currently busy moving cargo around the world. In particular, trade routes from Asia to Europe and from Asia to North America were severely affected. This has resulted in a lack of equipment and space constraints on many vessels. While the situation continues, it is important to keep an eye on the latest developments.

2. Changes in commodity demand
The pandemic has also led to noticeable changes in consumer buying behavior. This is an unforeseen change and has led to some irregularities in global trade. This ultimately increases the cost burden for operators as well.
3. Unusual events and external factors in the shipping industry
Some delays may be entirely beyond you or your logistics partner – for example, external factors such as weather, piracy, war, fire and special events – are described as “”force majeure””. Hurricanes, cyclones and many other natural disasters can happen, unfortunately, they can have serious impacts on shipping.
Another example is the blockage of ships in the Suez Canal in March 2021. The jam makes it difficult for the shipment to go smoothly and without any delays. About 12 percent of global trade passes through the Suez Canal every year, the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. And the lockdown just stopped that global trade for a week at the end of March. Now, delays continue, and most importantly, there is a lack of equipment and space on board.
These factors should come into play when forecasting your supply chain. To prepare, check out different supply chain forecasting methods to make it easier for you to prepare for such events.
4. Labour shortage/unrest
In countries with strong unions, we sometimes see labor unrest leading to delays in ship processing, which affects all ships calling at the port, throwing schedules into chaos and causing massive delays and pile-ups.

This is often the case at US West Coast ports, where dockers unions sign 10-year contracts with port authorities, and we typically see friction between unions and port operators over renewal terms at the end of each 10-year cycle.
5. Detention/Delay at Customs/Other Government Offices
Occasionally customs and government agencies may take longer or longer than expected to inspect and clear containers. This can be caused by many factors such as very strict inspection of cargo and containers, additional checks on information on transporting contraband, lack of manpower, lengthy bureaucratic procedures, etc.
6. Insufficient technology
Sometimes, delays can be caused by insufficient technology in your logistics provider. This could be outdated software or a lengthy process of booking shipments through a chain of phone calls and emails.
If you ship with twill, you can rest assured that we use the latest technology to quickly ship your shipment and keep track of it. When booking with Twill, we offer you various benefits such as:
a digital platform
track and trace
simple report
7. Timetable changes and transportation challenges
Shipments may be delayed due to schedule changes or transportation challenges, especially when using inland transportation. This especially happens during peak seasons such as Chinese New Year or holidays. Many factories were closed for more than a week during such a holiday and did not resume full production for almost a month. Therefore, logistics companies, carriers and shippers will need to deal with this demand and the subsequent backlog once normal work schedules resume.
Therefore, we recommend that you always add extra days to your schedule, especially during peak seasons when congestion around roads and ports may be higher than usual.
8. Port congestion
This is a chicken-or-egg situation, and poor reliability is one of the reasons for port congestion, which affects port operations and the evacuation of cargo to final destinations, which in turn causes delays in berthing and loading and unloading vessels, worsening schedule reliability.
During special periods such as peak seasons or due to typical reasons such as labor issues and poor hinterland connections, crowded ports will further exacerbate poor schedule reliability and increase already delayed transit times.
9. Goods damaged in transit
Another factor that should not be forgotten is that your cargo may be damaged in transit. Damage can happen – even if they don’t happen often.”

“8 Tips for Preparing Your Cargo for International Shipping
Returns due to damage in transit can be a huge burden in terms of time and money for businesses that ship internationally. Here are 8 tips for preparing your shipment for international package shipping using a global package delivery service.
1. Make sure your goods are ready for the pressures of international shipping
At first, you will need to check the safety of goods in the journey. It is not only about secure packing, but the goods should withstand the pressures of international shipping. So, you should make sure that the items are arranged in a way that they do not crush down.

You never know what the other cargo contains that’s kept with your cargo in the container. So, choose sturdy and strong boxes. In most international deliveries, they use forklifts to load and unload the goods. This makes the handling procedure more complicated. If the goods are being shipped by air, you should ensure that the cargo can withstand tilting and some swaying in case of disturbance, turbulence, and landing process.
2. Choose suitable packaging materials for cargo transportation
For those who use ocean freight for international shipments, using containers received from a carrier or private leasing company is nothing new. This is a great option for sea containers as they are capable of carrying most of the available cargo.
Global ocean freight is different – ocean freight is heavier than air freight, but care must be taken to protect it. In most cases, normal quality packaging is acceptable if this is related to preserving the goods you send. Finally, shipping costs are summed up by volume and weight – an industry that facilitates easy exporting has sprung up to deal with this, using lightweight materials to package items without adding weight restrictions. You can save on international shipping by packing your shipments in a way that minimizes bulk and weight while protecting your shipments.
3. Don’t ignore the inner packaging
We have already discussed the importance of packaging materials. Now, with crates and pallets to protect your cargo, it emphasizes the importance of never underestimating the importance of packaging. The use of foam peanuts and durable air cushion support is an appreciable way to cover vacant space in a parcel box – a greater focus on internal packing of high-priority and fragile goods to reduce the available space inside the box. No matter how tough or durable your box looks, if you put small or fragile items in it without using the surrounding space, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a damaged and destroyed box at a later stage. This can be a very vulnerable possibility if the shipment is supposed to travel long distances and be handled by multiple employees. In this case, the most likely chance of destroying the item. A box-in-box strategy can also be used, where the box containing the goods is placed in a larger box and the vacant space around it is filled. Another important tip to note is the use of H-tape, where the edges and closures of the box are closed with wrapping tape to prevent any damage during handling and shipping.
4. Check the maximum weight of the cargo
It is important to weigh your shipment and make sure you choose the right package for the weight and size of your shipment. Choose a box or crate that can’t handle the weight of the item, which is more likely to cause packaging damage and accidents when shipping the goods.
This is especially important if you’re sending large or heavy packages, which are heavy and require boxes or crates and protectors designed to handle heavier shipments. That way they can get from A to B intact, rather than compromising on weaker packaging that just “”gets the job done”” but falls short when the customer receives the delivery.
5. Choose function over appearance
There are many packaging options that prioritize appearance over protection. Softer packaging such as sacks and baskets are gaining popularity in many industries. While customers may like how the goods are delivered, it makes little sense if the contents inside are completely damaged or broken.
If you’re considering fancier or softer packaging, make sure the packaging protects the item first. It’s not just about the walls of the package, but how the entire package is held and held together to prevent tampering or theft.
When shipping internationally, consider shipping the shipment to a temporary destination in sturdy packaging. The cargo can then be packed closer to the destination in softer but protective packaging to ensure the cargo is protected for as many journeys as possible.
6.Check shipping restrictions
Before shipping, it is really important to check shipping restrictions. There might be some restrictions for safety concerns and other reasons.
7. Prepare doc what shipping needed, basically invoice and packing list
Do not forget to prepare the required shipping documents before shipping. The mandatory documents include a packing list, invoice and import/export customs declaration. Air or Rail waybill, certificates, arrival notice, certificate of origin, and letter of credit are also required. An invoice is a very important document needed in the customs clearance process. A packing list is also an important document having information on the packing of the shipment. It also contains the numbers and marks noted outside the boxes.
8. Listen to your customers
Finally, and most importantly – listen to your customers! Check out review sites and feedback from your own customers about your international delivery service. If a customer tells you that the item arrived damaged or missing, go the extra mile to understand why your packaging might not be working and make improvements.
Don’t assume your packaging is good just because you haven’t heard anything from your customers either. While the item may be undamaged, the packaging may have been worn, soaked, or torn in transit, even if they don’t ask for a refund.
Knowing your customers is especially important if you are considering launching a new product with potentially complex packaging requirements. Knowing your weaknesses and where your current packaging falls short can help you plan and prevent the loss of new products.”

“Packaging Requirements for International Shipping
Cargo is generally shipped in containers, but is sometimes still shipped as breakbulk. In addition to the normal handling encountered in domestic shipments, bulk cargo shipped by sea may be loaded onto the vessel by means of slings, conveyor belts or chutes with increased package pressure. During transportation, goods may be stacked on top of each other or come into hard contact with other goods. Overseas loading and unloading facilities may not be as advanced as in the United States, and cargo may be dragged, pushed, rolled or dropped during unloading, passing through customs or in transit to its final destination.

Moisture is an ongoing concern as condensation can develop in the cabin even if the vessel is equipped with air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Another problem is that cargo may also be unloaded or loaded in rain and snow. Additionally, foreign ports may not have covered storage facilities. Theft and theft are additional risks.

If you are not familiar enough with overseas port systems to specify packaging requirements, make sure to prepare your shipment using the following guidelines:

Packaged in a sturdy container, sealed and filled as much as possible.
To provide proper support in the container, no matter the size, make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
Goods should be loaded on pallets and where possible in containers.
Packaging and packing filler should be made of moisture-proof material.
To avoid theft, avoid writing content or brand names on the packaging. Other protective measures include the use of tape, seals, and shrink wrap.
Comply with any product-specific or hazardous material packaging requirements.

All air freight shipments are shipped in accordance with TSA regulations, which stipulate that any shipment weighing more than 150 pounds or large enough to accommodate a person is bundled 4 ways. Buckets, made of plastic or metal, with 4 metal bands. Any pallet built to a height where the load may become unstable during shipping is plastic wrapped and 4 way strapped. All combustible engines must be “”drained and flushed”” with a letter on company letterhead certifying that the engine has been drained and flushed.

Label problem
When you’re sending something to a city 100 miles away, they can always call you when the shipment arrives to find out what’s in it, or some advice on how to unpack it, or where and how to store it.
When you’re sending something to the other side of the world, you have to make sure the package speaks for itself. Consider the following tips:
Use labels in the destination language whenever possible. Make sure the label will not fade or be damaged under the extreme conditions mentioned above.
Maintain a certain level of confidentiality. It is best not to put brand labels on the packaging to prevent theft.
Discuss labeling conventions in detail with buyers so you can agree on everything and there are no surprises. Make sure you have protocol records, as travel time can make memory less reliable!”