Shipping is a significant part of the economy.  It’s common for people to ship products worldwide, and many companies offer international shipping.  If you’re considering using an international shipper but don’t know where to start, this article will give you some helpful tips.

What is a shipping company?

A shipping company is a business that transports goods and materials from one place to another by boat, truck, or airplane. There are many different shipping companies, and each has its own unique set of services and prices. Some types of shipping companies include :

Marine transportation companies. Marine transportation companies transport goods and materials by boat. They offer services such as freight shipping, cargo shipping, and maritime shipping.

Road transportation companies. Road transportation companies transport goods and materials by truck. They offer services such as freight trucking, cargo trucking, and LTL shipping.

Air transportation companies. Air transportation companies transport goods and materials by airplane. They offer services such as air cargo, air freight, and air shipping.

The fastest and most common way to ship goods is by air cargo. The majority of air cargo companies are located in airport hubs, which are large metropolitan areas with many different airlines and airports. Air cargo can be expensive, but it’s the quickest way to transport goods over long distances. However, marine transportation companies are often more affordable and can be a better option for shipping large or heavy items.

Why Choose an International Shipper?

International shippers have the experience and infrastructure to ship your goods worldwide.  They can also save you money by consolidating your shipment with others making the trip to your destination.

There are many reasons why you might choose to use an international shipper. These companies have experts who know how to transport goods safely and efficiently. Moreover, the most common is that international shipper makes the following easier to move:

• large or heavy items
• large quantity of items
• urgent shipments
• time-sensitive items
• perishable items

What to Look For in a Shipper

There are dozens of cargo companies that offer international shipping, so it can be crucial to determine which one is best for you. Some have amazing deals but some are just too good to be true. When looking for a shipper, you’ll want to consider the following:

Cost. How much will it cost to ship my items? Is insurance included in the cost of the shipping? The shipping cost will vary depending on the size and weight of your shipment, the destination, and the shipping company you choose. On the other hand, shipping insurance can protect your items if they are lost or damaged during transport. 

Experience. How much experience does the company have shipping items to my destination? What type of infrastructure do they have in place? Is their customer service reliable? The shipper’s experience establishes a good company reputation. You can find this out by reading online reviews or through word of mouth.

Shipping Methods. What shipping methods does the shipper offer? Some shippers only offer air shipments, while others offer ocean and land transportation. Some shipping methods are faster but more expensive, while others are slower but cheaper.

Size and Weight Limits. What are the size and weight limits of the shipper? Some companies have a lower maximum weight than others. Likewise, some companies have a smaller maximum package size than others.

Service. What kind of service does the shipper offer? Is it door-to-door or do I have to pick up my items at the airport? The services offered by a shipper will vary depending on the company.

Timing. When can my goods be shipped? How long will it take for them to arrive at their destination? The timing of your shipment will depend on the shipping method you choose, among other things.

Confirmation. How will I know when my goods have been shipped and when they will arrive at their destination? Most shippers will send you a tracking number so you can follow your shipment’s progress.

Delivery Locations. Does the shipper deliver to my country? Some shippers only deliver to certain countries, while others will deliver anywhere. Each country has its own set of regulations and restrictions that your shipper must adhere to. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, it is illegal to import pork products while Australia prohibits the import of firearms.

What should I do to find a good shipping company?

There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re choosing the right shipping company:

• Read online reviews. Do a Google search for “shipping company name + reviews” to see what people say about them. Many reputable companies offer quality service, but you can still spot one or two scammers out there.
• Talk to friends and family who have used international shippers in the past. Ask referrals. They may have a good recommendation.
• Check the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints filed against it.
• Once you’ve narrowed down your options, don’t be afraid to ask the necessary questions relative to your shipment details so you can make an informed decision.

Signs of a Good Shipping Company

So what should be included in your research when you’re trying to find a good shipping company? In general, reputable shipping companies will have the following characteristics:

1. they have a long history of providing quality service.
2. they have a good reputation among customers
3. they offer a variety of shipping methods and have the widest delivery locations
4. they have reliable customer service that responds quickly to inquiries
5. their prices are fair and affordable
6. they provide a tracking number for each shipment
7. they are insured in case of damage or loss during transport
8. they have a track record of on-time delivery.

If the shipper can check all of those boxes, then you can be assured that you’re making a good decision.

The next time you’re making use of a shipping company, it’s important to ask the appropriate questions and do your research so you can be sure to have a safe shipment. To help with this process, we’ve provided some helpful tips that will be sure to point you in the right direction when searching for a good shipper. We hope these suggestions have been helpful and wish you the best with your upcoming shipment!