International Shipping's Most Frequently Asked Questions

INTRODUCTION:

We all have our unique and individual skill sets. And, if we work hard or have been working hard in our life, we may have multiple skill sets. With that said, most of us still must admit that we need help and input from others fairly often. Maybe the first thing that come to mind is medicine. Unless you're a doctor, you're going to want help with most things medical. Business faces the same reality. Maybe you can be your accountant but it's probably not the smartest decision you'll ever make. Even if you wanted to try, do you think you would be able to represent your business in a legal proceeding? Probably not. Most well run businesses need specialists for accounting, legal, marketing, human resources, shipping and more. Even if you are capable, you still need to delegate and make sure all critical activities are managed and executed properly. Wearing to many hats can prove detrimental. After all, cleaning companies are just as important in your business process because ultimately, you want all aspects of your operation handled by individuals or teams that can do the best job possible at the best price.

International shipping is one of these critical components that is best managed by an experienced business partner. In fact, international shipping has so many variables and moving parts and can become complicated at times. As a business, you want to be sure you have an experienced, reliable partner you can lean on from start to finish to be sure your shipping operation is as smooth as can be. This article will help advance your research and better understand the staples to this operation you will need to understand yourself is you are relocating a business or relocating a residence and family. Our goal is to help you prepare better for hiring an international shipping company or at least understand more about the process. For many organizations, international shipping plays a key role in the success and profitability of their business. International shipping also plays an important role for families relocating overseas, shipping a car overseas or an individual accepting a new job overseas. There are so many questions that should be asked and so many different situations that call for focused answers. This blog post will help businesses, individuals and families through the process of moving overseas and international shipping in general.

Before we get started, here are some other articles that may also help with your international or domestic shipping requirements:

• Get A Fast Rate Quote On A Specific Shipping Need
• Planning To Make A Residential Move Overseas
• Warehousing & Distribution Options & Procedures

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Below you will find many of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to International Shipping. We wrote this article to help businesses that need to ship products overseas, families that are moving their residence to a different country, a business relocating overseas, shipping a car overseas or many related business or personal situations. Because there are so many different situations and therefore so many questions, we will be posting a series of these questions and answers to try and cover as many questions as possible. So, stay tuned to this blog and we will do our best to help you with many of the complex challenges that will help you make the best decisions whether business or personal.

First some of the most common personal or family relocation considerations and questions:

1. Dietary Considerations

Q: What should I or my family consider about the changes in food we may experience?

A: Every country is different and the challenges you face in one country will be harder than those faced in another. Take some time to think about your current diet, likes and dislikes, then do some research about what type of offerings your destination commonly offers. This will help you be aware and prepare for you and your family's food challenges.

2. Making A Living

Q: What research will I need to help the most if I am moving overseas without a secured job?

A: Research is a big part of this answers. The big difference will be relocating with a secured job or moving overseas before you find a preferred occupation. In fact some occupations overseas help you prepare for your relocation by contributing to transportation costs and other challenges that come from settling in a new country.

3. Patience And Understanding

Q: What are the major differences I can expect from living in a different society and way of doing things?

A: This question is sometimes the last thing you consider when moving. You have seen all the attractive elements of the new city or town you moving to but possibly missed some of the changes that will be required. Take some time before your move and think about the differences you will be confronted with. Everything you are now used to, sometimes even the language will be new and different. Prepare yourself for these changes times 100 and know that frustration will come hand and hand through many of these differences. Prepare yourself and these adjustments will be easier as they present themselves.

4. Medical Management

Q: How can I be sure medical needs are understood as they are in my current location?

A: It is critical to plan ahead and be prepared for how you plan to and what options you have to take care of all you and/or your families medical needs. Does your destination offer medical insurance like you have now? What type of changes will you need to prepare for so no unwanted surprises will surface.

5. International Shipping

Q: What do I need to consider when efficiently shipping my property overseas?

A. Less is more. Much of what determines the cost and sometimes the speed of your international shipment is weight. Think about items you can't live without. Project yourself in your new palace and think about those essential items you must have. Depending on time frames and if your plans include moving back, try to store important, sentimental items with friends or family. Take some time and do some Internet research on shipping vendors that meet your needs. We strongly encourage you to connect with us at ETC International Freight Systems and speak with one of our expert team members. This conversation will answer many international shipping questions you have or never thought of yet.

Here are some of the most common business relocation considerations and questions:

1. What Is A Freight Forwarder?

Q: Is a freight forwarder different from an international shipping company? What does that mean to my business?

A: Freight forwarding normally deals with international or multi-national transportation requirements. The biggest difference is that international freight forwarders don't actually supply the equipment and act more like an intermediary. Using a freight forwarding company can many times be the best solution to manage the multitude of logistical challenges required for reliable, multi-national product shipments. A good freight forwarder has already established relationships with all of the entities needed to manage a complex shipping order. Insurance, customs and clearance are just but a few of the details you hire a freight forwarder to handle.

2. Freight Forwarding Tips:

• Recognize all the moving parts - Think about all the moves from where your product or business facility is and everything it takes just to get to the ship or airplane. The recognize that process has to repeat itself once it reaches the destination. These are a lot of moving parts and variables and the freight forwarder you select must be half artist. Partner with a highly skilled vendor.
• Be sure to declare any organic cargo - Any discovered organic items if discovered by customs can cause quarantine. This means that container can be held and left on the platform for days costing you a lot of extra money.
• Properly insure all of your cargo - You've heard the term S#%$ Happens? In the world of shipping this is true enough that it's important that you keep yourself covered. Technically the cargo belongs to the shipping company so theft isn't a term that should be used. Mis-placed, damaged or any other acceptable term can be used when explaining mishaps so be sure you are insured.
• Prepare for all extremes - Shipments can go through every extreme you can think of. Frozen temps and triple digit heat. It's important to take into consideration what and where your shipments will go.

MORE TO COME:

These are only some of the many, many tips, questions and answers that may confront your international shipping challenges. We will be posting more in this series of solutions to shipping overseas. So, stay tuned to our blog for more valuable information.

If you would like to connect and ask some of your questions directly with one of our expert team members, just use the button below.