International Shipping Solutions for New Ecommerce Stores

If you’re a new ecommerce store looking to ship your products internationally, there are several factors you need to consider. These include laws and regulations, time zones, language barriers, and currency exchanges.

Shipping internationally can be a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for you to grow your business and expand your customer base. It’s important to learn as much as possible about the international shipping process before you get started so you can find the best solutions for your business.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is one of the most effective international shipping solutions. It can be used to ship a wide range of goods from small parcels to large containers and is especially useful when it comes to transportation of heavy items.

In addition to providing affordable rates, it also offers a number of other benefits, including lower safety restrictions and the ability to transport large quantities at once. This allows supply chain leaders to enjoy a higher level of flexibility, especially when it comes to time-sensitive shipments.

However, there are a few important things to consider before choosing this form of transport. First, it’s important to understand how long the process typically takes, as it can vary based on the type of goods you’re shipping and the destination.

Once you have decided on a route, the next step is to book your shipment with an ocean freight company. These companies will take care of everything, from securing containers to handling all of the required paperwork. They will also help you get a quote for the transport fees, as well as provide assistance with customs clearance and other procedures.

The final phase of the process is the delivery of your shipment, which will take place at the location of your choice. This process includes a number of steps, including inspection and sorting before your cargo is carried by a truck or train to its new home.

Depending on the type of container you use, it may take a few days to complete this stage. It is best to international shipping solutions plan ahead for the time it will take your shipment to reach its destination, as it can take up to a week to arrive.

Another benefit of sea freight is that it’s incredibly reliable when it comes to delivering your goods. In fact, there are a number of ongoing partnerships between freight carriers that help them stay on top of their schedules and avoid disruptions. This makes it an excellent option for some time-sensitive shipments, as well as for large volumes of non-perishable merchandise.

Air Freight

Air freight is a great way to get goods to their destination quickly. It’s also a reliable and affordable option, as it is charged based on weight rather than volume. However, you should always choose the right method for your specific needs.

Shipments can be sent on any aircraft type, including passenger planes, narrow-body airplanes, wide-body airplanes, and cargo aircraft. The size and weight restrictions are based on the aircraft type, airline, and whether your shipment is shipping domestically or internationally.

For smaller shipments, you can also use an on board courier (OBC), who will fly directly to your destination and deliver your package personally. These specialized express couriers are a great option for delivering smaller packages and can save you time and money on your international shipments.

A freight forwarder can help you plan and coordinate your air shipments. They will handle all the essential logistics, from pickup to delivery, and ensure that your goods arrive at their final destination safely.

An air freight broker will also help you manage your supply chain by negotiating for space, speed, and cost. These experts are skilled at navigating the complexity of the air freight market, which can be complicated by differences in carrier services, capacity, and pricing.

They’ll also provide expert guidance on all of the key freight documents, insurance, customs clearance procedures, and any other unforeseen issues that may arise along the way.

Getting your shipments to their destinations is a big deal for many companies, especially those that sell products across the globe. These companies often require shipments to arrive at a moment’s notice, so they prefer air freight solutions as a way of keeping their products fresh and ready to sell.

Air shipments are typically quicker than ocean shipments, but they are not free of delays and can be affected by weather. Moreover, they’re also more expensive than ocean shipments. This is why it’s important to consider the costs and benefits of international air freight when deciding on a shipping solution.

3PL Services

One of the best ways to ship internationally is through third-party logistics (or 3PL) services. These companies provide warehousing, inventory management, and transportation services to e-commerce merchants.

Whether you’re a small company or an enterprise-level brand, a 3PL can help you grow your business and meet customer demand. They can also help you manage shipping costs and handle a variety of other shipping-related responsibilities, including tracking and analyzing data.

A 3PL warehouse has international shipping solutions several locations around the country and world, which means they can send items to customers quickly and easily. This is an advantage for ecommerce stores because it’s easier to meet customers’ delivery expectations if their order arrives quickly.

Another key benefit is that 3PL providers usually have distribution centers in the locations where your products are being manufactured or sold, which can save you a lot of money on shipping. This is because it cuts down on the re-shipping costs associated with sending out the same product to multiple customers.

If you’re expanding your international reach, a 3PL can also handle the documentation and accounting that comes with expanding your business overseas. They can also help you navigate local real estate and labor laws, which can be tricky for new businesses.

It’s important to choose a 3PL that specializes in your type of business. For example, if you’re an electronics retailer, you should partner with a 3PL that has expertise in storing and handling electronics products.

Additionally, it’s important to select a 3PL that can handle all types of orders. This includes ecommerce, B2C, and B2B orders.

Finally, it’s important to select a third-party logistics provider that’s flexible and scalable, so you can scale up when your business grows. They should have experience handling large orders and can offer different shipping rates based on your needs.

Ultimately, choosing the right 3PL can make a huge difference in your supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction. It can also allow you to focus on growing your business and improving your customer experience, instead of worrying about logistics. And in the wake of the recent supply chain crisis, it’s especially critical that ecommerce brands have access to a full-service 3PL with the right expertise and resources to ensure your business is functioning at peak performance.

Local Carriers

Choosing the right local carrier for your business can help you avoid costly delays and damage to goods. It’s also important to choose a carrier that provides high-quality service, which can impact customer satisfaction, shipping reliability, communication, problem resolution, and cost-effectiveness.

When shipping internationally, it’s essential to find a carrier that can provide fast and reliable delivery. This can be done through a variety of methods, including air and ocean freight services, as well as third-party logistics (PLL) solutions.

One of the most common ways to ship international is through regional carriers. These companies are smaller and specialized, providing fast and affordable shipping options for businesses. These companies are typically based in a specific city or region, and may offer multi-state coverage within that region.

As a result, they are ideal for ecommerce brands looking to deliver products quickly and efficiently to customers throughout their local area. They also have a familiarity with local delivery routes, which can be helpful when ensuring that packages get to the correct location on time.

Another way to ensure that your shipments are delivered on time is by partnering with a carrier that offers real-time courier tracking. This will ensure that your customers can check on their orders at any time, eliminating the need for them to call for updates or an estimated time of arrival (ETA).

In addition to offering real-time delivery visibility, many local carriers use paperless delivery driver apps with features such as barcode scanning, navigation, order management, and photo Proof of Delivery. These tools can eliminate the need for customers to call on the status of their shipments, while allowing drivers to stay focused on delivering the product.

Local couriers are often ideal for ecommerce, as they can handle the heavy workload that comes with handling local deliveries. They can also ensure that each package is delivered to the correct address, which helps avoid lost orders and damaged items.

When choosing a local carrier, it’s important to consider their experience and expertise with shipping internationally. These companies can also provide additional services, such as white glove delivery for luxury items and other high-value shipments. They can also offer a range of delivery options, such as next-day and same-day deliveries.