Bon Voyage: What To Know When Shipping Internationally
If you find yourself needing to send a package overseas, you may feel a little confused as to what the process is like. As a general rule, international shipments take longer and require more paperwork than a domestic package would. Though this may seem like a lot to tackle, it's actually quite easy when you are fully prepared. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind when shipping a package to an international location.
Have Your Paperwork Ready
Shipping internationally is not as straightforward as simply putting items in a box and sending them on their way. Rather, international shipments have to go through the customs process and can often require extensive paperwork. Before taking your package to a shipment center, do some research into what exact paperwork will be needed on your end to cover all the bases. One example of the more essential types of paperwork that may be required with your package will be a packing slip that details each item's description, size, and weight. Not only will this type of document serve as a form of inventory for the package but will also help the customs process move as efficiently as possible.
Pack with Care
Packages that are shipped internationally are in for quite the bumpy ride. Between ground transportation and air travel, international shipments often go through a variety of methods to get them to their ultimate destination. Packing items with plenty of padding supplies such as bubble wrap or foam will help keep the contents from shifting too much while in transit. Additionally, adding extra padding on the top, bottom, and sides of the package will provide an extra layer of protection. For fragile items, especially, this type of packing will be a necessity. Keep in mind, however, that the package may need to be opened at some point by a customs officer who wishes to inspect the contents.
Purchasing Insurance
In the unfortunate event that your package may become displaced or damaged during the shipping process, insurance will be a much-needed commodity to offset the losses. Though this is an unlikely scenario, it is always a smart idea to play it safe. Rates can vary depending on the distance traveled, the contents of the packages, and even how much it weighs. For a thorough explanation of coverage as well as seeking the best option, speak with a representative at the shipping center to help guide you. Familiarize yourself with the insurance policy so that in the event of a loss, you are prepared with who to speak to and what course of action to take.
Contact a local shipping company that handles international shipments to learn more.
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