No matter the size of the company, importing goods from foreign countries can be a headache. Ideally, you want to save the most money on your imports without sacrificing the security of your goods or the speed of the process. But like many things, these factors are diametrically opposed. It is seemingly impossible to keep costs down while also keeping things on schedule. Furthermore, there are many complex issues when importing. Tariffs, customs (both in America and the country of origin), packaging, and in-land transportation can all complicate the importing process. That is where International Freight Forwarder come in. They have the experience, the connections, and the time to make sure you are getting overcharged for shipping or that your shipment is late.
The Legal Side of Importing
Before planning any international shipment, you have to consider all of the laws in place. Shipping laws are constantly changing, and you will have to interact with not just U.S. laws but also the laws of other countries and trade unions. In terms of the United States, customs clearance is based on what items are deemed acceptable by our country and of course proper labelling of goods. Countries have to also consider the cost of the goods entering or leaving their countries for larger shipments. This is also where international tariffs come in. Tariffs are constantly changing and being updated, so it is important to work with an experienced freight forwarder that not only can facilitate importing but also act as a resource for you and your team.
The Logistic Side of Importing
Aside from the forms and legal requirements for importing goods, there is also the logistical side of the process. You need to find the right carrier for each leg of the trip. There are a variety of carrier options including both ocean and air freight options for international shipping. Depending on the size of your import you may have less than a container of goods to ship, which means you may want to consider consolidation for your goods. Additionally, you will need to consider packaging and crating to protect your goods as they are shipped overseas. This is especially true if you are importing machinery or electronics via ocean freight. We are with our clients every step of the way to manage the import process and communicate with carriers.
Get a Shipping Quote
We help clients every year with imports, exports, and domestic shipping. For more information, please contact our team.
