Shipping Boxes
Internationally
The international marketplace can be a highly lucrative business market. Many small businesses tend to stay clear of the international market because they are not familiar with the shipping process. When a business acquires knowledge about shipping products and boxes overseas, they will find it is much easier to tap into a huge market.
The international marketplace can be a highly lucrative business market. Many small businesses tend to stay clear of the international market because they are not familiar with the shipping process. When a business acquires knowledge about shipping products and boxes overseas, they will find it is much easier to tap into a huge market.
Shipping products and boxes internationally has
a number of different features then regular
domestic shipping. In order to take advantage of
the overseas market, one has to be aware of the
aspects involved with shipping products and
boxes overseas. The key to finding the best
overseas shipment method is to do your homework.
There are number of ways one can ship their
products overseas such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and
companies that specialize in shipping items
overseas. Because some companies are cheaper
than others, it is important to compare
international shipping prices and how each
company transports their boxes and products. You
may be able to negotiate volume discounts with a
shipping service for certain types of shipments.
When packaging a product or a box for shipment,
it is important that the package is packed
properly in order to minimize damage. When
shipping items overseas, packages and boxes pass
through many hands so a well packed item will
help avoid damage. The box should have the
correct labeling to help avoid disruption in
shipment or a lost shipment. You must also have
the proper documentation that meets your
country's requirements as well as the receiving
country's requirements. Typical documentation
includes air waybills, bill of lading,
commercial invoice, consular invoice,
certificate of origin, NAFTA certificate of
origin, inspection certification, dock receipt
and a warehouse receipt, destination control
statement, and shipper's export declaration. You
should also make sure that the box is insured
against damage and loss. When packing the boxes,
conceal the identity of the content and make
sure the item is in compliance with
environmental and safety standards.
Because of the large number of considerations
and steps involved in physically shipping
products and boxes internationally, most people
enlist an international shipping company to
perform these services. International shippers
are knowledgeable about the overseas port
systems, so they will know details such as
packaging and the required documentation.
Shipping overseas normally involves a number
parties that can include shipper, consignee,
(usually the client or importer representing
client) notify party, (client or a third party),
freight forwarder, (shipping agent coordinating
the process) and the Customs broker (helps clear
Customs for the imported products)
If one does not want to use a an international
shipping company, they should prepare their
shipment utilizing the following guidelines:
- Pack in strong and well-sealed containers.
Label the boxes clearly.
- The weight should be uniformly distributed to provide secure bracing in the container
- Packaging should be moisture resistant.
- Do not pack any materials that are on a countries import prohibited list. This can include such items as weapons, pesticides, flammable products..etc. Each country has a list of prohibited items. Make sure that you check the list before you ship your packages or boxes.
- The weight should be uniformly distributed to provide secure bracing in the container
- Packaging should be moisture resistant.
- Do not pack any materials that are on a countries import prohibited list. This can include such items as weapons, pesticides, flammable products..etc. Each country has a list of prohibited items. Make sure that you check the list before you ship your packages or boxes.
Basically, you should hire a specialized company
to ship your products. Prices and services can
vary from company to company. For instance, some
companies may use different shipment routes.
When looking for a company to send your products
overseas, shop around and don't hesitate to ask
a lot of questions. A little knowledge and
research can open up a huge new market for your
business and we can help at
www.internationalshipping.com .
Packing - General Tips
We
realize that you and your family are shipping household
goods, personal effects and perhaps your family
automobile, family heirlooms, and prized possessions.
Whether this is your first time moving or you are an old
pro you will benefit greatly from the advice and tips in
our website. We can offer you a number of packing
solutions for your international move. Why not consider
letting us handle your packing needs so you can
concentrate on other details? Our shipping consultants
provide each of our customers with a free consultation
to arrive at the most cost effective and safest
solutions for shipping the household goods and personal
effects.
Packing Solutions
- Packing cases manufactured from plywood with timber frame construction, neoprene gaskets and captive screws for security. Shock resistance and instulation are provided by expanded polyester urethane, closed cell (Ethafoam) or crosslined (Plastazote) polyethylene foams where appropriate.
- Corrugated Boxes custom designed for the item to be shipped, constructed of 350 lb. text, double-wall corrugated, secured with staples (not tape) to ensure carton integrity. The boxes are lined with 1" polystyrene board. Each piece is shrink wrapped to protect it from dirt and moisture. Additional packing and shock absorbing materials are used based upon the nature of the piece.
- Picture Crates are built with 3/4" plywood frames and 3/8" plywood sides. The crate is lined with 1" polystyrene board. Stretched canvases and gold leaf frames are covered with pH neutral glassine paper. Multiple pieces are separated by full size corrugated cardboard. Artwork with glass is wrapped with 2 layers of bubble wrap. This crate can be built to hold a number of pieces and offers excellent protection for shipping.
- Medium Wood Crates have a 3/8" plywood base framed with 2 x 4s and skids for easy handling. The sides are 3/8" plywood externally framed on all sides with 1 x 4 lumber. Internal packing is engineered using various materials and techniques based upon the nature of the item. This crate is ideal for very large art shipments (10-20 paintings) and sculptures.
- Heavy Wood Crates. Our heavy wood crates are made with 3/4" plywood base framed with 2 x 6s, with skids for forklift handling. The sides are externally framed with 2 x 4s. This crate is very rugged and durable, suitable for large sculptures and other pieces weighing more than 300 pounds. Items in the crate are blocked and/or braed, held in place with fill or packed tightly to prevent movement.
Points to remember
- Movers may give binding estimates.
- Non-binding estimates may not be accurate; actual charges may often exceed the estimate.
- Specify pickup and delivery dates in the order for service.
- The Bill of Lading is your contract with the mover... READ IT CAREFULLY... If you have any questions ask your mover.
- Be sure that you understand the extent of your mover's liability for loss and damage.
- You have the right to be present each time your shipment is weighed.
- You may request a reweigh of your shipment.
- If you have moved on a non-binding estimate, you should have enough cash or a certified check to pay the estimated cost of your move plus 10 percent more at time of delivery.
- Unresolved claims for loss or damage may be submitted to arbitration; ask your mover for details.