Sunday, December 11, 2016

How To Choose The Right International Shipping Service

By Patricia Russell


While cross-border trade is expected to grow significantly over the near future, it can be a daunting undertaking, especially for small businesses. Due to the numerous rules, regulations and risks, one needs to hire a reliable carrier to ensure they ship affordably and efficiently. So, what points does one consider when looking for a suitable international shipping service provider?

To find the right company, you need to examine the shape, size and type of products you plan to ship. This will help you explain your shipment's specifications to each company you're considering, which in turn helps in identifying suitable transport solutions. It should also be noted that some companies don't deal with expensive or delicate goods. Don't forget to check the restricted goods list of the countries where your shipment will be sent.

There are plenty of websites that offer information on the professionalism and service quality of different companies. Do your research by going through feedback from past customers and noting how they rate certain companies. This way, you'll gain some good insight into the reputation of various companies. You'll thus be able to make an informed decision by focusing on firms reputed for their professionalism and quality service.

Check out the container options offered by the carrier. The company you choose should provide options suitable for the goods you need to ship. Generally, you can expect an established company to have refrigerated, dry cargo, open top and tank containers, each of which is used to transport specific commodities. Besides offering the right kind of containers, the carrier also needs to be well-versed in handling your shipment.

Obviously, pricing will be a huge determinant in your choice of shipping service. To find affordable options, all you need to do is to compare quotes from several carriers. But besides finding favorable freight rates, you need to be careful to avoid falling prey to scammers. Not all companies will be straightforward in their quotations. You should thus only use quotes that are inclusive of all charges to ensure you're comparing apples to apples.

Look for companies who adhere to the relevant shipping protocols and rules. They also need to be well versed on the policies applicable in different ports. While evaluating the experience of different companies may require some effort on your part, you'll gain crucial knowledge that will help you prepare for shipping in future.

When comparing carriers, turnaround time is something that you should take into account. Are you looking for an expedited service or is it okay if the shipment takes weeks to reach its destination? Depending on your priorities, there could be several companies offering suitable solutions. It's worth noting that delivery time could be affected by the route your shipment takes and restrictions in certain countries.

Trading beyond domestic borders can be somewhat tricky. That said, it could boost your business substantially by exposing you to a bigger market. It thus helps to choose the right company to ensure reliable shipping.




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