Call For A Free Quote
636-812-2415
Serving All 50 States
Call For A Free Quote
636-812-2415
Serving All 50 States
April 23rd, 2020 6:09pm
Reaching out to international markets can be a great source of new customers for your business. Below are a few points to consider when shipping internationally.
1. Customs Clearance
Customs clearance can be more difficult in certain countries than others. The correct information on your delivery records will definitely speed up the process.
2. Tracking your item
When shipping you want your delivery to arrive first time, every time. Your InXpress shipping consultant has access to world class tracking programs, which will monitor your delivery over every part of the journey and even get proof of delivery at the end destination, enabling your customer to receive their parcel without any delay.
3. Packaging
The further the package is travelling the more hands it has to pass through. Is your parcel packaged sufficiently to withstand damage?
4. Transit times
Transit times vary with each carrier, but the one thing transit times struggle to identify is customs clearance. If your customer wants a definite day of arrival you may want to check with your InXpress Consultant who can liaise with the carrier in their local area and assist in customs clearance where possible.
5. Local holidays
Be aware of local holidays at the destination address of your shipments, particularly if this is an urgent delivery to someone who may still be working whilst others are not.
6. Hazardous or goods on the no fly list
Do the products that you are sending comply with the carriers policies? Hazardous goods may need to packaged differently or carry additional paperwork with it. Other goods may be difficult to ship because of what they are, or because of the country they are trying to be sent to. Contact your InXpress Consultant for specific hazardous goods classifications.
7. Best carrier to use
InXpress will help choose the best possible carrier to suit your goods and the destination. Locally you know your carriers and they value your customers as much as you do, but what happens with your goods once they leave the country? Who delivers them the "last mile" to your customer? The way the carriers deliver does have an impact or your customers experience when they are doing business with you.
8. Surcharges
Don't be caught out by certain surcharges that carriers charge, such as out of area surcharge. Check with your InXpress Consultant to see what additional surcharges can be expected, particularly if you are charging this shipment to your customer, you don't want to be losing money by quoting the wrong price.
9. Exchange Rates
When shipping internationally, make sure you consider varying exchange rates and bank transfer times. That will make sure you're not left out of pocket waiting for your customers to pay, particularly if they are paying on receipt of goods.
10. Protect yourself
In all cases with business, you protect yourself and minimise your risk. This is the same with international shipping, particularly with imports. Be wary who you share your account number with, and who can ship on your account, as you are ultimately liable for all shipments on your account number.
Did you know InXpress also ship road and air freight?
InXpress will help you with all your shipping to ensure your delivery arrives each and every time to suit your business needs. Whatever you need to ship to anywhere in the world, contact us today to discuss your best international options.
©2025 InXpress
