Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of reasons to use international shipping. But what is the best way to ship internationally? Here are some things you might want to consider in choosing international shipping companies before you start packing up your items and getting ready to ship out.
8 Things You Must Consider When Choosing an International Shipping Company
- 1. Shipping Rates
- 2. Delivery Speed
- 3. Shipping Restrictions
- 4. Specialized in Your Product Niche
- 5. Insurance
- 6. Tracking
- 7. Customer Service
- 8. Remote Area Delivery
1. Shipping Rates
Finding the cheapest way to ship internationally can be a game changer for your bottom line. If you want to save money, it pays to shop around. And there are plenty of ways to do that. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association, air cargo volumes grew 7% in 2018, reaching $1.2 trillion. But while air freight costs continue to rise, international parcel delivery prices remain relatively stable. This makes it even more important to find a reliable courier service that offers competitive rates. The best way to start looking for one is to compare the different shipping carriers online. There are many companies offering international shipping solutions, including FedEx and DHL. They offer both express and standard shipping options. Another thing to keep in mind is that some countries charge customs duties based on the value of the shipment. These taxes vary widely, ranging anywhere from 10% to 25%. So make sure to factor this into your calculations when comparing shipping rates. Once you have identified several potential suppliers, you need to determine how much each costs. To do this, take a look at the carrier’s terms and conditions. The best way to ensure that your products arrive on time and in good condition is to work with a 3rd-party logistics company (3PL). These companies have all of the resources, equipment, and expertise necessary to manage and deliver your products directly to your customers. They can help you develop a specific plan for each product, and even offer various shipping options for your business. Gone are the days of searching for multiple international shipping companies—this will save you both time and money!
2. Delivery Speed
The delivery speed of your shipment depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of package it is, and how far it needs to go. If you are sending something across the globe, there are several things you can do to ensure fast delivery.
3. Shipping Restrictions
There are many different types of shipping restrictions. Some are based on the type of product being shipped, while others are based on the location of the recipient. Hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, must be handled properly. There are also weight and size limitations that must be adhered to. The most common form of restriction is the one that states “No hazardous materials.” This usually applies to items like chemicals, batteries, aerosols, etc. If you’re shipping something that contains a hazardous substance, it needs to be packaged carefully and transported safely. Another form of restriction is the “no large/heavy objects” rule. This refers to anything over 50 pounds or 15 cubic feet. The third type of restriction is the “size limit,” which refers to how much space the box takes up inside a truck. It is good to research your options carefully to find the cheapest way to ship large packages internationally. 
4. Specialized in Your Product Niche
Choose a company that can offer expertise in your niche. You want someone who will really understand your product and what it will take to get it to your customer. A company that specializes in shipping specific products or services can be better equipped to handle your shipment correctly and deliver it safely and on time. A good shipping company should be able to help you determine the best way to pack your goods for transport and whether they will require refrigeration or other special handling procedures. They should also be able to give you advice about what documentation you’ll need at each step of the process so your goods will clear customs as quickly as possible.
5. Insurance
What happens if your package gets lost in transit? If you don’t insure your shipment, it could cost you thousands of dollars. But there are ways to protect yourself against damage or loss while traveling internationally.
6. Tracking
International shipping takes longer than domestic shipments, and the long wait often turns into a nightmare of frustration for your customers when they can’t see where their precious items are being shipped. In fact, it can take up to seven days to receive a shipment at your doorstep, and you don’t know anything about it. This makes package tracking capabilities one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best international shipping services provider. You want to make sure that you’re getting the fastest delivery possible while still keeping track of every step of the process. Here are some things to look for in a reliable international shipper.
a. Trackable Shipping Options
You’ll want to choose a carrier that offers multiple options for tracking packages. Some carriers offer tracking via email notifications, text messages, and even mobile apps. Others include GPS technology that allows you to monitor the location of your package throughout its journey.
b. Multiple Pickup Locations
If you’re sending something overseas, you might want to send it to several different locations across the globe. A good international shipper will allow you to pick up your package wherever you like. If you’re worried about losing it, you can always add additional pickup points.
c. Multiple Destinations
The best shippers have warehouses all over the world so that they can send packages directly from their nearest location and make sure that they get delivered on time. It’s also important that you choose an international shipper who has experience sending packages across multiple destinations and can advise you about which destinations are most likely to require additional documentation or other preparations before sending your parcel off.
7. Customer Service
Customer service is key. You want to be dealing with people who are friendly and professional, who will be able to answer your questions and help you get answers when you need them. Make sure that the company is able to handle all of your shipping needs.
8. Remote Area Delivery
International shipping is becoming increasingly popular because it offers consumers the ability to purchase goods online without having to pay import duties and taxes. However, there are challenges associated with international shipping, one being the fact that many people live outside major metropolitan areas. In addition, some items shipped internationally require additional handling due to customs regulations, which adds to the overall cost of shipping. According to UPS, about 40% of shipments worldwide go to locations outside of urban centers. This is why most carriers offer “remote area delivery,” meaning that they deliver packages to specific addresses within a certain radius of the city center. These small towns often lack the infrastructure needed to receive large shipments, such as warehouses or distribution centers. As a result, shippers must rely on local carriers to transport their products to remote locations. If you’re interested in selling globally, make sure your carrier partners with a reliable 3PL provider that provides high-quality customer service and fast, accurate shipment tracking. For example, FedEx Freight, DHL Global Forwarding, and United Parcel Service (UPS) each offer a variety of solutions designed to help shippers navigate the complexities of international shipping. 
Top 5 Best International Shipping Companies
International shipping has become increasingly popular over the last few decades. When you think about it, most people live in different countries now, and many are buying products online from overseas. This is why there are many options out there to choose from when it comes to sending packages internationally. However, knowing what to look for in a good international shipper can help make sure you find one that meets your needs. Here we list 5 top overseas shipping companies based on reviews and feedback from around the web. These companies offer reliable shipping solutions that include tracking, insurance and customs clearance. Some even provide free delivery quotes and 24/7 customer support.
- DHL Express – This is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. They offer door-to-door shipping, express deliveries and pick up services across 200 countries worldwide. With offices in over 50 countries, DHL offers local expertise and fast, efficient delivery.
- FedEx – FedEx provides trusted transportation solutions including air and ground delivery, expedited shipping, freight forwarding, supply chain management and ecommerce logistics. Their global network includes 474 FedEx Office locations, 3,400 FedEx Kinko’s stores, and 9,500 Authorized Ship Centers.
- TNT Post – TNT Post is another major player in international shipping. Founded in 1881, they operate in over 220 countries and territories. Customers can benefit from their large range of transport offerings, competitive pricing, and high levels of customer service.
- EMS – EMS is a global provider of express shipment solutions. They deliver overnight shipments to almost every destination worldwide. You can trust EMS because they use a highly secure system called TrustedShipment Network™.
- UPS – UPS is the largest package delivery company in the world with revenues exceeding $65 billion. They provide door-to-door delivery, courier services, and accessorial services such as parcel lockers and pickup.
Working with a 3PL order fulfillment company gives you access to all these top international shipping companies. A 3PL is a company that specializes in helping other companies handle their logistics and distribution needs. They’re able to connect businesses with all kinds of services that they wouldn’t have the resources to provide themselves, including international shipping and warehousing. A good fulfillment partner will be able to connect you with a number of different options within your budget so you can find the right fit for your business and run a successful eCommerce operation.
Taking The Load Off Your Shoulders!
NextSmartShip aims to provide a better and easier way for eCommerce companies to ship their orders. The core goal of this service is to reduce the overall shipping cost that eCommerce companies are paying each year while improving customer experience. We are trying to achieve this by partnering with the top courier services worldwide. With our system, customers can choose from 70+ courier companies. It also allows customers to automatically pick their preferred method of shipping from the available options including shipping speed and cost. We also provide a tracking number for our customers to track the package status via the website. NextSmartShip enables merchants to sell their products globally by offering safe and fast delivery service through our system. No matter what shipping needs you have-NextSmartShip is here to help.
