The world economy is very much interdependent these days. There are various ways businesses all around the globe are dependent on each other. One of the biggest challenges for enterprises from different nations is shipping their products safely to the destination.
Shipping your products in the domestic market is not that big of an issue as you are familiar with the laws and other factors. The challenge is when you have to select a reliable international shipping partner to take care of all your shipping needs out of the country.
You have to be careful when selecting a shipping company for your business. There are a lot of factors that might impact the shipment and your business. It is worth asking some questions to the shipping company for assurance that your shipment is safe with them.
Here is a list of questions that you must ask your shipping company before sending your shipment.
Are They Licensed for Shipping?
The first question that you should ask your shipping company is whether they are licensed or not. If the shipping company is a licensed company, they have to follow all the terms required to get the license. That means they have to follow all the safety instructions. The pricing of licensed shipping companies also depends on the already set guidelines.
What Are The Services Included In The Price You Pay?
Many shipping companies lack transparency when it comes to their pricing. It is better to ask the company about the services included in the package that you buy. You can also ask for all this information in the quote. You can also ask them what services require additional charges. It will help you get a clear idea about the hidden charges, if any.
Can You Track Your Shipment?
The next question is widespread in the digital era. Many cargo companies these days offer you the option to track your cargo 24/7. It gives you all the required information right at your home and gives you the freedom to plan things accordingly. The international shipping companies are also shifting to digital platforms to offer you the same platform for your package.
You can ask your shipping company if they offer the tracking feature or not. It can help you plan your business needs accordingly. You can get an idea of your shipment right on your smartphone. It will save a lot of hassle for your business.
Do They Offer Packing Services?
If you’re new to the business and do not have much experience shipping your products via sea, you must ask for this service. You might not be familiar with packing cargo the right way so that it doesn’t get damaged. It might save you time and money.
If you are experienced in packing your cargo yourself, and you know how to do it right, then you can do it on your own.
Will They Take Care of The Customs Clearance?
Last but not least, check if your shipping company will take care of customs clearance. Customs clearance is the most challenging part of international shipping. You can ask your shipping company if they will do that for you. If they do not offer that, you might have to hire a separate broker for customs clearance purposes.