The steps of international shipping process

International shipping is a complicated process that involves a lot more than freight transport. There are multiple steps of international shipping process that need to be properly accomplished for a successful transfer of goods to another country. This is an important process that helps businesses expand and grow. Although the process may seem daunting if you haven’t dealt with it before, you shouldn’t let this prevent you from expanding your business. Therefore, one of the best international commercial shipping companies is here to help you better understand how international shipping works.

What are the steps of international shipping process?

Since online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years many retailers are starting to offer worldwide shipping. International shipping is usually explained through 7 steps that need to be fulfilled for a complete transfer. After all these actions are done your shipment will be successfully finalized. Here are the 7 steps compiled by our experienced Washington movers, and each one will be clarified below so you can understand how it works:

1. Export Hauling,
2. Export Customs,
3. Export Handling,
4. Freight by air or ocean,
5. Import Customs,
6. Destination Handling,
7. Import Hauling.

Export Hauling

This is the first step of the process known as export haulage. After you decide that you need to ship an item internationally, you have to transport it to your chosen freight forwarder’s warehouse. The shipper can do this in one of two ways. Either they organize transport, or the freight company offers a full service, which means that they will transfer your shipment from your location to their warehouse. The expenses of export haulage depend on which option you choose to use.

Keep in mind that if you have to transport hazardous, fragile, or valuable goods it may be the best option to hire one of the best shipping companies to do the job. You should also make sure that the company you choose uses some of the best Seattle storage units in case your goods need to stay there for some time. This is the safest way for your shipment to reach the freight forwarder’s warehouse.

Export Customs

Before your goods can leave the country they need to clear all customs requirements. You need to provide certain documentation to the customs office in order to check if you’re shipment is safe and suitable for export. Some international shipping companies Seattle offers, have their own certified customs agents that will handle this for you. The biggest problem that occurs during this stage is delays. Delays mostly happen due to incorrect labeling of goods or mistakes in the required documentation. After all customs requirements are cleared, it means your goods are legally compliant with all the necessary conditions for international shipping such as taxes and duties.

Export Handling

The stage of export handling prepares the shipment for transportation. What this means is that all the goods are put into crates and containers, either one or multiple containers. They are then transferred to a port where they will be loaded onto an airplane or a boat. The international shipping company will handle this process, therefore it is important to choose a forwarder with experience, as well as quality shipping crates in Seattle to ensure the safety of your goods.

Freight by air or ocean

After your shipment has been loaded onto a plane or a boat it will be transported to your chosen location. Air freight is more expensive but also quicker, while ocean freight is more cost-effective but it takes a longer time for your goods to reach their destination. The shipping company will choose the method of transport, depending on various factors, such as size and shipping time. It is important for the involved parties to decide who takes on the risk of damage during transport. The parties need to state this in the sales contract.

Import customs

The destination country has its own laws and regulations regarding the import of goods that international shippers have to obey. This means that certified customs agents need to provide documentation just as with export customs. Until the agent files documentation, the shipment will stay in a warehouse. There are some duties that the agents need to fulfill such as taxes. After this is over and the customs requirements are cleared, the shipment can go through the next step of international shipping. Similar to the required export customs most delays can occur during this phase. This can potentially be a problem, especially if you need express shipping.

Destination handling

Once your goods clear the import customs it is time to transfer them from the plane or the boat to the destination warehouse. The freight company takes care of this entirely, and they will pay the needed price. The cost of this will then be passed to the original shipper or the consignee. This depends on whether it is a DDP and DDU shipment (shipper covers expenses), or an FCA, FOB, and CNF ( consignee covers the expenses). Import handling includes unloading containers and transferring them safely.

Import hauling

Last but not least, the final stage is import haulage. This is one of the most important steps of the international shipping process. The shipment finally leaves the destination warehouse. It is then transferred to the consignee’s location for pick-up. In this phase, there are two ways to ship the goods to the consignee. The freight company can do it or they can hire a local shipping service to transport it via rail or road instead. However, road freight is the most convenient and cost-effective way to do this. After the shipping reaches the consignee the responsibility shifts to them, and the international shipping process is officially finalized.

Getting more in-depth knowledge can only help

Although we have only scratched the surface, this outline will give you insight into the process ahead. The steps of international shipping may seem like a complicated procedure, but with the right shipping company by your side, it is actually very straightforward and stress-free. There is nothing that can stop you now from conquering those international markets!

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.