There are numerous complicated stages. These include packaging, documentation, clearance through customs, the various restrictions that apply to different countries, the time frame for delivery, and the ability to track the parcel. Mistakes at any stage can result in additional costs, delays, or the package being returned.
Preparing a package to be sent internationally, regardless of whether it is personal or commercial goods, documentation, samples, gifts, or even personal effects, is not very difficult. Choosing the best international courier in India also matters.
Atlantic International Express offers door-to-door international courier packages and air freight services. The company offers services that include packing, customs documentation, and shipping with track and trace.
Here are some of the key international shipping mistakes and some shipping tips that can help avoid shipping mistakes.
Why Is Preparation Important for International Shipping?
Shipment preparation is important before the first stage of any shipping process occurs. A completed shipment may need to be collected, packed, documented, cleared for export, transported, and inspected by customs before it is delivered to the final destination.
Good preparation can help eliminate delays.
The following should be checked before the shipment leaves:
- The import requirements of the destination country
- Restricted and forbidden items
- Weight and size
- Required customs documents
- Recipient's full address and contact information
- Safe packaging
- Expected delivery period
How to Avoid International Shipping Mistakes
1. Not Determining the Shipping Type
One shipment service does not work well for all types of shipments.
Not all packages are created equal. A document envelope, a personal parcel, a fragile product, a commercial cargo, and a bulky shipment can have vastly different handling requirements and can travel via different transportation methods with varying speeds.
Things to think about before booking:
- What you are shipping
- Weight and dimensions
- Destination country
- Speed of delivery needed
- Fragility of the goods
- Whether you need customs help
A good logistics partner can determine a good service option for your shipment, rather than offering just one standard service.
Atlantic offers services for documents, parcels, freight, e-commerce shipments, and other requirements for international shipments.
2. Using Weak or Improper Packaging
Packaging is an area most people overlook.
Your parcel can go through many handling points and can travel through various vehicles, warehouses, and airports. Weak boxes and poor packaging can result in damaged goods.
Good packaging practices can include:
- Use a strong box or container.
- Cushion all packages, including fragile items.
- Fill empty spaces with packaging.
- Seal the package completely.
- Use protective packaging.
- Avoid oversized packaging.
For some international shipments, professional packaging assistance can be helpful. Atlantic offers professional packaging services that can help protect shipments and lessen issues during transport.
3. Providing Incorrect Customs Information
International shipping can not be done without customs documentation. Customs processing can be difficult if the description is too vague, and stating your shipment as "items" or a "gift" will not be helpful.
The description should explain what is in the package. Packages may require more specific information such as quantity, value, purpose, etc, based on the shipment.
Never intentionally enter a lower value in the hopes of paying less duties. This can create problems at the border when clearing your goods for import.
When in doubt, contact your chosen courier or logistics company for the required information specific to your destination.
4. Ignoring Destination Country Import Restrictions
What might be an easy courier service in India to use might not be acceptable to courier to some other countries.
Most countries have their own laws around food, medicine, cosmetics, plants, batteries, liquids, chemicals and other such items. Some countries completely prohibit some items, and may allow others after certain approvals and some documentation.
Before booking any International Courier, check the import laws for the destination country.
Make sure to review your courier company's prohibited goods list. This can help avoid having a courier picked up and later being rejected.
5. Neglecting to Fill Out Addresses Accurately
An address can mean the difference between successful and failed delivery.
An international address might have apartment numbers, local telephone numbers, building names and other information essential for the last-mile delivery.
Confirm the following information is included:
- Recipient’s full name
- House or building number
- Street or locality
- City
- State or province, where applicable
- Postal or ZIP code
- Country
- Valid contact information
Leaving out a postal code or including an incorrect apartment number can lead to unnecessary delivery issues.
6. Overlooking Customs Duties and Taxes
While the shipping charges might be the only anticipated cost for some, it’s important to consider that shipping goods internationally also means other cost implications for the exporter.
Based on the destination, shipment type, declared value, and other local customs regulations, importers may be required to pay customs duties, taxes, and other fees related to importing goods.
It is a common misconception that the cost of shipping with a courier automatically covers all charges associated with a given destination.
Before booking, confirm the shipping terms. Knowing who is responsible for payment of duties and taxes helps avoid unpleasant surprises upon the shipment’s arrival in the destination country.
7. Improperly Verifying Weight and Dimensions
Most people only verify the weight of a package; however, for shipments, dimensions can also be important. Based on the courier and service selected, a shipment might be evaluated based on weight, actual dimensions, or volumetric weight.
Before requesting a quote, check the dimensions of the package.
Before quoting, the following information must be provided: Length, Width, Height, Actual Weight, and Number of Packages.
Doing so helps a courier offer an appropriate service.
8. Sending Shipments Too Close to Deadlines
There are a number of reasons/causes for shipping delays, including checks on shipments by customs, inclement weather, flight schedules, public holidays, incomplete required documentation, cumbersome procedures, etc.
These include shipping for a birthday, festive occasion, event, school or work deadline, etc. It is dangerous to wait until the last moment to ship.
Allow yourself at least a little more time.
If you need your shipment fast, ask the courier about freight that is either air or express.
9. Not Using Live Tracking
Packages are an investment, and you want to know where your investment is after you have let it go.
If you use live tracking, tracking certain packages as they ship is easier. Tracking allows you to check on the status of your shipment and whether your package is in transit or being processed by customs.
Atlantic is able to track shipments through an AWB or tracking number. Their tracking system shows the customer the shipping status and updates on the shipment.
Make sure not to lose your tracking number; it comes in handy when you wish to check on the shipment or contact the courier for help.
10. Failing to Keep Shipment Documents and Records
Another common mistake is losing important shipping documents after booking.
Keep the following documents:
- Shipping receipt
- AWB or tracking number
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Declarations
- Shipment Description
- Payment Receipts
- Recipient Details
- Courier Communication
These records make it easy to resolve a request by a customs officer, a member of the courier service, or the shipment recipient.
What Should You Check Before Booking an International Courier?
A simple pre-shipping checklist can avoid common mistakes.
Shipment Preparation Checklist
Before pickup:
- Check destination.
- Confirm prohibited and restricted items.
- Pack securely.
- Weigh and measure.
- Customs Info.
- Support Docs.
- Con Note: {Delivery Date} and {Duties and Taxes Info}.
- Note AWB Number.
This list is very helpful for people shipping internationally for the first time.
How Can You Choose a Trusted Logistics Partner?
A trustworthy logistics partner will provide more than simply transport.
Keep an eye out for features like:
- Pick-up and drop-off services
- Shipment tracking
- Packaging assistance
- Assistance with completion of customs paperwork
- Effective communication
- Multiple shipping options
- Ability to ship both personal and business shipments
- Customised solutions for documents, parcels, and freight
Atlantic International Express affirms that it offers international courier services to over 180 countries and offers doorstep pickup, tracking, packaging, and customs paperwork assistance.
You can visit the company's information page to learn more about the company's background to assist you in determining if their services meet your shipping needs.
How can we simplify international shipping?
A good approach is to consider international shipping as a process as opposed to a delivery service.
Think about what it is you need to ship. Once identified, determine the shipping requirements of the intended destination, select the appropriate packaging, prepare documents that meet the shipping requirements, choose a shipping service, and track your shipment.
If you need help with any of the above, feel free to call the shipping team and review the shipping service options to get a better understanding of the process. Customer assistance is available on the company's webpage to assist you with your shipment.
For booked shipments, keep a copy of the AWB to track your shipment using the shipping tracking page.
Conclusion
Avoiding common mistakes significantly simplifies international shipping. Some of the mistakes include poor/not sufficient packaging, last-minute bookings, forgotten customs information, addressed to a restricted/restraining country, and ink that has yet to dry on your customs information.
The important part is what you do before you hand the package off. Know the requirements of the destination, be honest about your goods, properly package them, secure your documents, and choose a logistics partner who will support you.
For people in India sending an international courier, careful preparation and visibility of the shipment also help in ensuring that the journey becomes more predictable.
FAQ’s
1. What is the most common mistake when shipping internationally?
Incorrect or incomplete customs information is one of the most serious mistakes to avoid. A shipment should have an accurate description of its contents and the required documentation for the destination.
2. Why is packaging important for international shipments?
International parcels can pass through several handling points during transportation. Strong packaging and suitable cushioning can help protect the contents from movement and damage.
3. Can I track an international courier shipment?
Yes. Many international courier services provide tracking using an AWB or tracking number. Atlantic, for example, allows customers to check shipment updates online using the AWB number.
4. Do international shipments always have customs duties?
Not necessarily. Duties and taxes depend on factors such as the destination country's regulations, shipment type, value, and other customs requirements. It is best to check the applicable rules before shipping.
5. How should I choose an international courier service?
Consider the shipment type, destination, delivery requirements, packaging support, tracking availability, documentation assistance, and customer support. Choosing a provider that matches these needs is generally more useful than selecting a service based only on price.
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