Shipping
Method of Shipment
Should you ship by sea, air, rail or a combination? There are many considerations when selecting a method of shipping and specifying the handling of your shipment.
Packing
Exporters should keep four potential problems in mind when designing an export shipping crate: breakage, moisture, pilferage and excess weight. View these tips on product packaging for overseas transport.
Labeling
Learn how to correctly label your shipments to insure they get where they need to go.
Insurance
Damaging weather conditions, rough handling by carriers, and other common hazards to cargo make insurance an important protection for U.S. exporters.
Freight Forwarders
The exporter will find that the freight forwarder provides an indispensable service for a nominal rate. Services can include correct filing of export documentation, taking care of arrangements with carriers, and storage needs. Whether the firm is large or small, the weight of the cargo light or heavy, the freight forwarder will take care of cargo from "dock to door" if requested to do so. The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America has a searchable online directory.
UPS, DHL and FedEx
Each of these international air freight companies provides online information and assistance, and FedEx offers a downloadable International Shipping Reference Guide. [PDF]
The United States Post Office also provides international shipping services.