Cargo Shipping for Domestic and International Destinations

nick_1ipl
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Posted in: , on 26. Feb. 2008 - 14:40

If your business sells products to customers around the world, cargo shipping offers you the opportunity to ship goods to customers within your own country or internationally. You can benefit greatly and save money on cargo shipping if you understand how it works.

Domestic Cargo Shipping

Shipping cargo domestically is usually less complicated than shipping items to other countries. To ship domestically, first determine what needs to be shipped, its weight, and how it should be packaged. The weight is extremely important because most major parcel companies such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS will only ship items that are less than 100 pounds. Also, determine how quickly you need the items to be delivered. Avoid Next Day or Express deliveries unless your customer requests and pays for this type of delivery.

Next, select several freight or parcel companies to compare pricing, delivery times, and delivery methods for cargo shipping. If you ship products to customers on a weekly or daily basis, find a service that you will feel comfortable using all the time. If shipping very large or heavy freight that weighs more than 100 pounds, you will likely need to choose a domestic freight company.

After selecting a cargo shipping company, create an invoice with your company name and information, customer information, a description of your product, its dimensions and weight, and a packing list. Package your cargo according to the parcel or freight company's requirements. If using pallets for very heavy objects, there are certain methods of packaging to ensure a safe and less costly delivery. Some freight companies offer websites that illustrate how to package these items. This can be very helpful if you're new to cargo shipping.

Lastly, set up an account with the cargo shipping company to arrange for your package delivery. Most shipping services offer tracking numbers so you can keep track of your cargo from start to finish. UPS, USPS, and other major companies offer cargo tracking online and by email to make this process even easier.

International Cargo Shipping

For international cargo shipping, the process is similar to domestic shipping except there are a few more rules to follow.

There are two ways to handle international cargo shipping. You can work directly with a freight shipping company or you can use the services of a freight forwarder. A freight forwarder is an international shipping agent, licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Federal Maritime Commission, that assists companies with overseas deliveries from start to finish. The freight forwarder knows and understands the vital rules and regulations involved with international shipping to various countries. It's a good idea to use a freight forwarder if you plan to ship products to consumers from many different countries.

If working directly with cargo companies, compare several of these before making a choice. Determine the weight of your packages and the method of packaging needed to reach another country. Keep in mind that shipping cargo internationally can cause more strain on the packages than domestic shipping because it will be handled many times along the way. So package accordingly.

Study the cargo shipping regulations of your destination country so you can understand what's required to ship your package. Also, be sure you understand the freight costs, insurance charges, port charges, handling fees, etc. that are required by the freight company you choose.

Once you select a freight company and know exactly what to expect, you're ready to ship and track your packages.

Understanding these important aspects of cargo shipping will enable you to take your business to the next level.

Source:

http://www.1ipl.com/movinginformatio...oshipping1.php

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