Sending cargo internationally can be a real headache. Depending on the business you operate and the goods you handle, international shipping might involve a lot of work on your part.Below are five simple tips for preparing you and your cargo for international shipping.
Pack Cargo Securely
First and foremost, if you want your cargo to survive international shipping, assume that it will be dropped, thrown, and otherwise mistreated. Even the most conscientious courier is only human, and they have to deal with a large volume of packages daily. Your package isn’t unique.
Even if you mark it as fragile with a ‘This Way Up’ indicator on it, you should still assume that it will face some kind of trauma. You should always insure items that you are shipping internationally just in case, but securely packaging them will reduce the chances of damage occurring.
Prepare Your Cargo for Transport
Depending on what you are shipping and where it’s going, you might need to prepare some accompanying documentation to go with it. It’s a good idea to check and double-check this early in the process. You don’t want to be hit by unexpected delays because you’ve forgotten to fill in the right form or attach the correct label.
Check the Weight of Your Goods
Before you can get an accurate quote on the cost of shipping your cargo, you need to know its weight and volume. This information is key to couriers and freight companies who need to know how heavy your cargo is and how much space it will take up. More secure packaging is generally heavier, which can add to your shipping costs. Of course, for many people, the added security is worth it.
You should choose your packaging according to the fragility of the cargo you are shipping. Don’t be deterred by a higher price tag if it ensures that your cargo will reach its destination undamaged.
Hire a Reputable Freight or Logistics Business
You don’t want to go to the trouble of securely packing and preparing your items for shipping, only for a careless courier to mishandle and damage them. When you ship internationally, your cargo will often send out of its country of origin under one courier, before being handed off to a different business once it reaches its destination.
But some transportation businesses have international operations and can see your cargo through its entire journey. With reputable and reliable international freight forwarding services from a company like HLOG, you can have total peace of mind that your shipment is going to reach its destination safely and securely.
Go for Functionality Over Aesthetics
Remember, you aren’t wrapping up a Christmas present here! Well, you might be. Even if you are, it is better to ship an ugly but robust package than one that is carefully wrapped but as brittle as bone. As long as your parcel is safe during transit, that’s the most important thing for you to worry about.
Sending cargo internationally can be a bit of a headache, especially if you haven’t done it before. But if you do your research beforehand, get all your ducks in a row, and pick the right courier,you can send your cargo across the world without having to worry about it reaching its destination in one piece.
