Taking it global is the dream of every business person marketing a product that potentially appeals to consumers in countries around the world. That dream is only fulfilled through the process of international shipping.  To reach potential customers in cities in other countries, businesses need to work with international freight companies.

How To Take Your Product To Foreign Markets

Expanding your market is the key to increasing profits and growing your company. Working with freight shipping companies that can facilitate shipping across international borders is critical to making that happen. International logistics companies are experienced in the process of importing and exporting goods via ocean, air, train, and road transport. Each of those methods presents a different challenge for international freight companies. They include:

1. Administration and compliance
2. Time frames related to international shipping
3. Tracking and security of shipments
4. Customs and border rules and regulations

Working with a 3PL provider familiar with all the metrics involved in international shipping is vital. For example, every country has its own rules and regulations governing what can be imported and exported across its border. Some products are not allowed entry; some have enormous tariffs.  All products have to be shipped with proper paperwork to ensure ease of entry. It is a complex process to move freight over borders regardless of whether it’s done via ocean or air. Documents have to be properly filled; taxes have to be paid. To import or export freight, businesses have to put their trust in their 3PL partners to ensure everything is done properly.

There are a few standard steps involved in international shipping. First step is export haulage, which involves the shipping of freight from its place of origin to the location from where it will depart to the border. Prior to leaving the country, freight has to pass through an export customs clearance. From there it gets transported via whatever method of shipping that best suits the shipper’s need; air transport is usually the fastest, sea transport takes much longer. If it’s travelling across multiple borders in Europe, transport could be handled by truck or train. Once it arrives at the importer’s border, import customs clearance is required. Once all the proper documentation is completed and the goods are cleared, the freight is once again hauled to its final destination.

International freight companies understand that a lot of information has to be gathered and verified in order for freight to travel across borders. Such detailed administration is the responsibility of any 3PL partner helping facilitate your shipping needs. Such 3PLs usually have networks of contacts across the globe; such relationships are important, because customs clearing can hold up shipments. Differences in language and local rules governing imports can be a roadblock for easy shipping. A 3PL would also be responsible for tracking shipments and ensuring goods are safe, secured, and handled properly.

NATS Canada has expertise in helping shippers move freight across North America and, when necessary, across internal borders beyond Canada and the USA.