In today’s global economy, international shipping is an increasingly important part of ecommerce. But it can also be confusing and time-consuming for new business owners.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the basics of international shipping. Learn the seven facts about international shipping services that can help you make more informed ecommerce shipping decisions!
Cost
When considering expanding your ecommerce business to international markets, it’s essential to know the costs. You’ll also need to know how long it will take to complete the process.
The cost of shipping internationally depends on the type of merchandise you’re sending, your location, and other factors. International shipping services are more expensive than domestic ones.
Some of this extra expense is because international shipping can be more complex than local shipments. For example, when you ship to a new country, you’ll need to prepare your products for customs inspection and payment of duties and taxes.
Another factor that can contribute to international shipping costs is carrier fees. But, again, these can vary from service to service and even country to country.
These fees are charged as a percentage of the shipping rate and can be added to any other charges you might incur, such as customs clearance fees or insurance.
In addition, there may be additional fees if you need to hire an agent in the destination country. This will help you navigate the local customs and paperwork.
Many other factors can affect your international shipping service costs, but these are the main ones to keep in mind when looking for a reliable provider. Choosing exemplary service is crucial to ensuring your shipments arrive on time and are handled safely.
Time
Shipping to customers abroad is a great way to boost your standard pallet sizes business and get your products in front of more people. But first, it’s essential to understand the factors affecting your international shipping service and what you need to do to ensure your goods arrive safely.
First, it’s important to note that international shipping can take longer than domestic. This is due to several factors, including customs procedures and the need to follow specific country regulations.
If your shipment doesn’t comply with these restrictions, it may be held at the destination or departing country until you can prove it does. This can be frustrating and add unnecessary delays to your international shipping service.
Another factor impacting your shipping time is your carrier’s opening hours and deadlines. This can be especially true around major holidays, so it’s a good idea to check with your carrier to see how they operate during the holidays and how this may impact your shipping timeline.
In addition to ensuring that your products are shipped as soon as possible, you’ll also need to ensure that your international shipping policy clearly states who pays duties and taxes. This is an essential step in building customer trust and winning new shoppers.
Security
The maritime industry faces various security threats, including terrorism, piracy, robbery, and the illegal trafficking of goods. To ensure the safety of ships and crew, companies must take security measures at sea and on land.
Several state and international organizations have formed to help set standards for better maritime security, so companies must ensure their employees are trained in the latest protection methods. This includes a ship’s security plan, onboard and off-board safety personnel, and a company’s security policies.
In addition, the shipping industry has to be able to monitor its shipment and track it at all times so that it arrives at its destination safely and on time. AIS technology is one of the ways that ships can do this.
If your customers aren’t willing to wait for their packages, choosing a transportation partner that provides transparent and real-time tracking is essential. This will save your company time and money and ensure shipments promptly arrive at their destinations.
Excellent international shipping service will take care of your shipments and be able to deliver them on time, every time. However, it depends on how fast you need them to arrive. Some shipments can be shown in as little as three business days, while others may need to travel for up to seven days.
Environment
International shipping service is a vital part of the trade, but it’s also a significant source of pollution. Air pollutants emitted by ships can lead to poor air quality, while greenhouse gas emissions are associated with climate change.
As it expands, the shipping industry’s high dependence on heavily polluting fuels hurts the environment. The Getting to Zero Coalition, for example, brings together leading maritime companies with the goal of developing and deploying commercially viable deep-sea zero-emission vessels by 2030.
Environmental issues associated with international shipping include water pollution, sound pollution, and oil spills. These pollutions can destroy marine habitats and affect the health of people.
These issues can have a direct impact on the economy. For example, the UN report estimates that climate change impacts could reduce global trade volume by as much as 10% in 2100.
While the shipping industry is making progress, many problems still need to be addressed. For example, the industry needs to switch to cleaner, zero-emission fuels and adopt other strategies to mitigate the impact of shipping on the environment.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently examining market-based measures for reducing GHG emissions from ships. These measures can generate significant revenue, strategically used to deliver more climate and development outcomes.
