What is international shipping? An advanced guide

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International shipping is a core part of global trade, transporting goods from one country to another across national borders. Whether personal trading or corporate logistics, international shipping is an important bridge connecting the global market. This guide will take you through the basic concepts, processes and considerations of international shipping.

What is international shipping?

International transportation refers to transporting goods from one country to another by Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Railway Freight, or land. It covers the entire management process, from shipping and customs clearance to transportation. It is commonly used in import and export trade, cross-border e-commerce sales, and the global distribution of large equipment or goods.

Compared with domestic transportation, international transportation is more complex. It involves compliance with regulations, laws, and policies in multiple countries. It may also face language barriers, time zone differences, and currency conversion.

Therefore, companies need to understand each country’s relevant regulations or use professional freight forwarders’ help to ensure the smooth completion of international logistics and customs clearance.

What are the advantages of international shipping?

Global coverage International shipping links the world and helps companies expand overseas.

Efficient and fast Transport methods such as air transport can quickly deliver goods to their destination, meeting urgent needs.

Flexible and diverse: Various transport methods (such as ocean freight containers and air freight parcels) are available to meet the needs of different types of goods.

Cost optimization For large quantities of goods, ocean freight and other methods provide a cost-effective option.

How long does international shipping time?

    Ocean freight time

    Ocean freight time varies depending on the route’s distance, the ship’s speed, port calls, and other factors. Generally speaking, short-distance shipping (e.g., between ports within Asia) can take a few days to about a week, while long-distance shipping (e.g., from Asia to Europe or the Americas) can take 2 to 6 weeks. For example, ocean freight from Shanghai, China, to Yokohama, Japan, usually takes 3-5 days, while ocean freight from Shanghai to Los Angeles, USA, takes about 12-16 days, which is also affected by the weather, port congestion and other factors.

    Air freight time

    Air freight is relatively fast. The flight time of an international flight plus the loading and unloading time at both ends of the journey usually means that intercontinental transport can be completed within 1–3 days. For example, a direct flight from Beijing to New York takes about 13–14 hours, and with airport handling time, the goods will arrive at their destination within 1–2 days. However, air freight may also be delayed by factors such as flight scheduling and customs inspections.

    Land transport time (rail and road)

    Railway freight times depend on the route length and the train’s speed. The operating time of China Railway Express trains is generally around 10-20 days, depending on the route and stops. Road transport times are more flexible but are greatly affected by distance and border customs procedures. Short-distance cross-border transport can take a few hours to a day, while long-distance transport can take several days.

    How much does international shipping cost?

    1. The shipping method: Air freight is more expensive, while ocean freight is cheaper but takes longer.

    2. The weight and volume of the goods: The heavier or bulkier the goods, the higher the cost.

    3. The destination: Shipping to remote or hard-to-reach areas is more expensive.

    4. Additional fees: These include fuel surcharges, customs duties, customs clearance fees, etc.

    5. Insurance costs: Insurance can be selected to protect the goods but will cost extra.

    How do I arrange international shipping?

    Determine the mode and route of transport.

    Choose the appropriate mode and route of transport based on the nature of the goods (e.g. weight, volume, value, timeliness), transport costs and destination. Ocean freight may be the best option for large quantities of general cargo that are not time-sensitive; air freight is more suitable for high-value, urgent goods; and land transport (rail or road) may have advantages for trade with neighbouring countries.

    Complete the relevant documents and formalities.

    A customs declaration is essential for declaring imported and exported goods to customs. It requires accurate information about the goods’ name, quantity, value, and origin.

    Bill of lading (ocean freight) or air waybill: This is proof of the transport contract, receipt of the goods, and proof of delivery. Ocean freight has a master bill of lading and a copy. The air waybill is mainly used to track and collect goods transported.

    Commercial invoice: used to indicate the price of goods, terms of trade, etc., and is an essential basis for customs tax calculation and trade settlement.

    Certificate of origin: certifies the country of origin of goods and is essential for enjoying tariff preferences or meeting the specific requirements of the importing country.

    Packaging and marking of goods

    Goods packaging should meet international shipping requirements and protect the goods during long-distance transport and repeated loading and unloading. Unique packaging materials and techniques are required for fragile, perishable or dangerous goods. At the same time, the name, weight, destination, sender and other information about the goods should be marked on the packaging to facilitate identification and handling during transport.

    How does domestic shipping differ from international shipping?

    Comparison dimensionsDomestic shippingInternational shipping
    Scopedomestic shippinginternational shipping
    Documentsimple (e.g. waybills, invoices)complex (including customs clearance documents)
    Time1-5 days5-60 days
    The costrelatively lowhigh, involving tariffs and surcharges.
    Legal regulationsComply with national shipping regulationsInvolve multinational trade policies

    What do I need to pay attention to when shipping internationally?

    Customs and regulatory requirements

    Countries have different customs regulations and trade policies, including import tariffs, quotas, lists of prohibited and restricted imports, etc. Before shipping internationally, you need to fully understand the customs requirements of the destination country to ensure that the goods meet the import conditions and avoid being detained or returned. For example, some countries impose strict import controls on agricultural products, medicines, etc., and require corresponding licenses, inspection, and quarantine certificates.

    Cargo insurance

    Various risks exist during international shipping, such as natural disasters, accidents involving the means of transport, and theft of goods. To reduce these risks, it is recommended that the goods be insured. Cargo insurance can choose an appropriate insured amount and scope based on factors such as the value of the goods, the mode of transport, and the destination. For example, for high-value electronic products, it may be necessary to purchase full and partial loss insurance for the full value.

    Cultural and language differences

    In international shipping, cultural and language differences between countries must be considered. For example, local cultural taboos and language customs should be considered regarding packaging, labelling, and product instructions. At the same time, when communicating with foreign customers, freight forwarders, customs, etc., it may be necessary to use a foreign language or the services of a translator to ensure that the information is accurately conveyed.

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