Online shopping is becoming the most popular way of purchase. This leads to about 11 billion tons of cargo being shipped per year. So, as a business, how do you switch to global shipping?
Look no more as this guide will tell you all to know about international shipping. Read on to discover more!
Create an Optimal Worldwide Shipping Plan
Individual countries have various shipment rules, and products must cross long distances. So international shipping could be challenging to organize, and prices tend to be low. However, a well-planned worldwide shipping plan can help your business to meet global regulations.
Moreover, it will keep costs low and optimize the chain of supply procedures. An essential part of an international shipping process is seller management. Your global seller management plan must revolve around purchase orders through technology.
To control the purchase order (PO), you need a point of communication with your sellers through a technology provider. So if orders come in, the provider estimates the cargo’s pickup and shipment dates and confirms the delivery date.
You may need supply chain skills and data analysis to manage a worldwide shipping method with a seller management plan. You could do this with the help of a supply chain advisor and a global technology outlet.
Most Reasonable Global Shipping Industries
You can have access to lower rates depending on your eCommerce forum, negotiated with global shipping firms. Some offer users negotiated rates with shipping firms like UPS and USPS. These corporations also allow organizing a discounted or free pickup.
Valid custom forms get generated if you buy global shipping brands through shipping firms. These documents will get digitally dispatched to customs without needing additional paperwork.
Global Shipping Rates
As an eCommerce company, learning how global shipping rates operate is necessary. When you offer free shipping, it will help to define how you must price your product. It’s better to avoid overcharging your buyers but not also absorb the cost.
Also, if you’re setting shipping fees separately, knowing shipping rates lets you assess your product’s cost better. International shipping rates differ on the origin and destination of your box. So the farther you ship the parcel, the higher the global package delivery fee.
So if you ship with express or postal carriers, it tends to be more costly. Secondly, it depends on the kind of products you ship. Other countries use various rates of duties and taxes on different products, which will impact your global shipping costs.
Options for Global Shipping
You have to determine how you will be shipping around the world. If your shipment has to cross oceans, your most likely option will be ocean shipping or air freight.
Each shipping process has its pros and cons. So, this international shipping guide will help determine which is best for your industry:
Air freight
Shipping globally by air provides two main advantages: reliability and speed. It can be pricey, but air freight quickly gets your products to their destination.
There are three kinds of air freight, consolidated, next flight out, and deferred. Consolidated types mix your load with other shippers’ and only pay for the space needed. As consolidated can be cheaper, the shipments move on a timetable, so plan your schedule carefully.
Next flight out or expedited air freight puts your products on the next available flight. Shipping through the next flight out, you have to pay a premium and find space capacity at the last minute. Deferred air freight is for low-priority shipments, as they get placed on aircraft with available space.
Finding a plane with extra space may take days, so only use this method if your parcel has a fast-approaching delivery date. Deferred air freight shipping tends to offer the most cost savings.
Ocean shipping
Consider the factors when deciding if ocean shipping is best for your company. First, ocean shipments’ costs get charged at a flat rate per standard container of 20 feet or 40 feet. Then, when the cargo is less than the average load, it gets billed by cubic meters.
Generally, ocean transportation is a very cost-effective international shipping option. The downside is not having the shipment speed, as it could last for weeks to arrive. Therefore, check delivery deadlines when choosing the ocean shipping method.
The reliability of ocean shipping is increasing due to ongoing partnerships between carriers. However, always consider the risky weather conditions that may knock off the delivery schedule. With air versus ocean shipping, if your budget allows and your shipments have a fast-approaching deadline, ship via air.
However, if you have more time for the arrival date, ship through the ocean to save money. Mixing air freight with ocean shipping as part of a global strategy is the best way to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Customs and Regulations
To ship worldwide, first, your parcel should pass through customs. All packages have to pass through customs before they travel globally. Customs will clear your box provided you have the correct documents.
The documents often have two customs forms, one for the origin country and the other for the destination country. Also, trade rules are constantly changing, so it’s vital to stay informed on protocols. Finally, use a skilled broker to help with duties, ISF filings, taxes, and other procedures.
Staff training is necessary, as compliance depends on intelligent processes and decisions. Avoid compliance fines due to improper classification and valuation, disregarding free trade contracts. Staying compliant ensures your shipment travels the world efficiently and safely.
Your Guide to Global Shipping
International supply chains can be more challenging than domestic ones as they have more moving details. Thus, focus on making an international shipping plan with a global seller management strategy. Moreover, practice purchase order management according to plan.
Choose the proper global shipping methods and use a global technology forum for successful shipments. If you need a fast, reliable courier service, contact us now! We will ensure that your products arrive at their destinations quickly, safely, and efficiently.