How to choose the right international shipping services for your needs

How to choose the right international shipping services for your needs

October 6, 2023

- By Jip Verduijn

If you decide to ship shipments overseas but are stumped when it comes to cutting through the maze of options, fret not – we're here to empower you with knowledge. From the might of airfreight to the resilience of sea and land transport by trucks, we'll create an explanation for you. It's crucial to pay attention to your labels and track a number of aspects such as transit times, weight, and even track the expiry dates of labels printed on certain goods. Let's power and fuel your understanding of international shipping and help ensure your goods and shipments don't just arrive safely, but also adhere to the scheduled timeline, to cover any potential expiry issues!

These subjects will take you through all the options for choosing the right international shipping services:

  • Understand the basics of air and sea freight shipping services

  • Consider your budget and time frame 

  • Research the different types of containers available 

  • Be aware of customs regulations 

  • Determine the importance of insurance

Understand the basics of air and sea freight shipping services

When creating a contract or the process to acquire a means of shipment for your goods overseas, it is crucial to account for all your options. Rely on air and sea freight as two prominent choices, each with premium benefits and drawbacks. Air freight might dent your stock and wallet a bit more, but its speed and premium security measures offer reliability and fast delivery which save time.

In contrast, sea freight is a slower option but could start saving you money due to its lower price and ability to handle larger volumes of shipments and heavier shipments. Grasping the basics of these two options will assist you in making an informed business decision, taking into consideration factors such as distances, delivery locations, timeframes, weight, and cost. The costs for sea freight is usually up to sixteen times cheaper than air freight.

Consider your budget and time frame

When it comes to the world of shipping, a wealth of delivery options exists, each boasting a price and its own particular advantages. That’s why it’s important to compare prices from different carriers. Furthermore, when choosing the right shipment, price and shipping option, two key factors to consider are your budget and your timeframe. If you're on a restricted budget, it may be prudent to pay for a slower, less expensive shipping method, thereby saving precious cash over an extended period.

On the flip side, if you want to save money and time and you require your parcel to reach its destination swiftly, you may need to pay a bit more into a quicker shipping service. By keeping these important factors at the forefront of your decision-making process when choosing to purchase a premium shipment and shipping option, you're sure to opt the most advantageous price and valuable shipment delivery service for your needs

Research the different types of containers available

Navigating the realm of shipping stuff to locations, be it via air or sea freight, places a significant emphasis on choosing the appropriate container. There's an number of options for buyers to purchase, providing solutions for a multitude of shipping needs. A standard dry container, the most commonly employed, proves ideal for goods and shipments that don't necessitate specific handling measures or temperature regulation. If you're tasked with the pickup and shipment of perishable goods, refrigerated units, referred to as reefer units, are available. These are paid to create and maintain optimal conditions, ensuring your products remain fresh during pickup and transit. However, this only counts for domestic travel, as you will probably not bring your products to other countries. For those larger shipments or boxes that require a top load, open-top containers offer a practical solution.

These boxes are optimal for bulky shipments that can't be loaded traditionally. Regardless of whether you're shipping agricultural products, electronics boxes, or vehicles, there are many options to fulfill your shipping requirements. Notably, failing to wrap your shipment properly in a protective envelope can result in damage during pickup and transit, leading to disgruntled customers, and so, investing time and money in proper packaging can save you considerable time in handling customer complaints down the line. The act of understanding the meaning and implications of the shipping labels for each shipment and container type will better connect you with the suitable option for your shipping needs. Research is key to successful shipment shipping.

Be aware of customs regulations

Coordinating the maze of international shipping demands a firm command of customs regulations to circumvent potential complications. Each destination-country has its unique set of rules and prohibitions, therefore, you must do your homework before you create your shipping plan. Non-compliance with customs regulations can result in shipping delays, shipment returns, or even legal repercussions.

For example, some countries ban specific items such as agricultural products or certain chemicals. It's advisable to contract or collaborate with a reliable shipping company or customs broker to navigate the complexities of customs rules and ensure security in the fulfillment of your shipping needs. By doing so, you can guarantee that your shipment reaches its final destination seamlessly and at a market price point that suits your budget.

Determine the importance of insurance

In the pursuit of shipping shipments, it's imperative to weigh up the value of your consignment and the associated risks. This is where the price of insurance takes the lead. If your shipment comprises high-value items, it is essential to search for comprehensive insurance to safeguard your assets should an unexpected event occur during transit. The peace of mind that insurance provides cannot be overemphasized - it's a source of comfort especially when your shipments are en-route over large distances or crossing international borders.

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