Let us make shipping internationally – a complicated process – simple and get your packages delivered on time and intact.
Whether your business has international customers or you just need to send a gift to a remote relative, you might be shipping internationally. There are several things to think about when your shipment needs to cross borders, such as customs costs and international laws. After that, preparing your shipment is similar to when you ship domestically. Here are steps you need to consider when shipping internationally.
Check shipping restrictions.
Depending on where and what you’re shipping, your shipment may be subject to restrictions on size, amount or weight. Some products might not even be allowed in the country you’re shipping to. Some restrictions are represented by a country’s laws, whereas others are imposed by shipping services. It is important to check with the receiving countries customs department to determine these restrictions.
Restrictions aren’t always obvious. For example, Vietnam doesn’t allow the importation of calendars. It’s always better to check rather than assuming there are no restrictions on your shipment.
Fill out necessary customs documents.
Customs documents are required whenever goods cross borders. The form itself will vary depending on the destination country, but almost all need information on the sender, recipient, and the shipment itself. The form will usually need you to specify what you’re shipping and its value. This is to determine if any customs or duty fees apply to your shipment.
Be sure to place your custom documents in the correct spot.
Some custom documents need to be placed in your shipment, while others need to be stuck on the outside. Make sure you know which is needed, so you’ll know how to include it in your shipment.
Properly research customs and duty costs.
It’s important to know these fees ahead of time, so you can factor them into your budget or charge them to your recipient.
Very Important – Make sure the recipient’s contact information is accurate.
If your package ends up being held at customs, border agents may want to contact the recipient. You may also want to get in touch with your recipient throughout the shipping process if there are any issues. Get the recipient’s phone number and email address and doublecheck them for any typos or mistakes.
Optimize the proper packing, crating, or pallets needed for the shipment
Pack N Send will pack your belongings for international shipping. Everything from household goods to medical equipment to artwork and sculptures. Whether, we are loading a 20-foot container, building a custom wood crate, or loading a pallet, Pack n Send will find the safest and most efficient way to get your belongings safely to their destination.
Properly Address and label your shipment.
Make sure the recipient’s address is included in its entirety and clearly visible. Don’t forget to include the postal code and any apartment or suite numbers.
Some customs documents need to be stuck on top of your shipment. If that’s the case, make sure it doesn’t obscure either address.
It’s a good idea to include phone numbers and email addresses for both yourself and your recipient. That way, you can be contacted if there are any problems along the way.
Track your shipment with tracking numbers.
Pack N Send offers the ability to track your package on its journey, with shipping tracking numbers. This allows you to follow along online, knowing exactly where your package is. This is crucial for international shipping; you’ll know if your package ends up stuck at customs.
If you’re shipping an item to a customer, you should also provide them with the tracking numbers as well.
Ready to Ship Internationally?
As you can see, shipping internationally requires some extra attention and guidance to be successful. Pack N Send can help to make this process easier – and get your items delivered safely and securely. Contact us today for all of your international shipping needs at sales@pack-n-send.com, or call us directly at 713-266-1450, and we will reply promptly to assist you in getting your packages shipped abroad.