Are you shipping your cargo for the first time? This article intends to provide guidelines for first-time shippers who want to export or import products. It is no wonder when something gets done for the first time, some apprehension exists. However, there is no need to get anxious over the process of shipping, be it express transport service, full truckload (FTL) shipping, less than truckload (LTL) shipping.

Because if we proceed after understanding the requirements to be complied with and the standard practices that make way for smooth transit cargo across any place. As long as you meet all of these criteria, there would not be any possibility of uncertainty. Let’s see these factors a first-time shipper has to look into while transporting an international package and sending cargo domestically.   

1. Conduct Market Research  

It is ideal to have clarity regarding the market to which the goods are getting sent. Since each market influences differently, no matter the product is the same. For instance, if you are shipping a particular market, as a shipper, you may require a permit for import into a specific country. While in some cases, you don’t need this permit for transporting the very same product. Therefore, it is better to perform market research before you plan to send goods to a particular global marketplace.

In the end, it helps reduce the risks associated with the transport of shipment while also increasing the likelihood of making decent returns from any market where you wish to sell your products. Check if the market has cultural or linguistic barriers, the expected demand and, the period for which market demand lasts. These processes may seem complex; performing market research on new markets is not so hard, though.

Most of the trade governance set up in the countries extends help in researching new markets for enhancing their market promotional activities. Also, understanding the market also encompasses route selection and optimisation. Further, it implies identifying the perfect route to make your shipment reach quite fast without incurring too many expenses on express transport or any cargo movement. You may require to find distributors or, in some markets, direct selling becomes possible. 

2. Standard Practices and Regulations  

Irrespective of the express transport, FTL, or LTL mode of shipment, the products, and the market to which they get sent, you need to adhere to the standard norms and rules on the transit of goods. It may not pose a problem when you are an experienced shipper. However, for someone sending goods for the first time, it may be a burdensome task.

Under such instances, as a shipper, you have to check if the rules and norms about the license, shipment permit, the regulations regarding the port of loading, the proof of delivery are intact. Besides, the rules relating to the transit of goods vary between the type of products getting transported.

For example, if you are moving goods under the hazardous category, the regulations become different. While sending dangerous cargo, there are some special rules to be complied with; if you fail to disclose these aspects, it leads to severe repercussions that result from the violation of the predetermined regulations. 

3. Packing the Shipment  

Before deciding on the delivery packaging, make sure that you know the distinct peculiarities of the product/ cargo you are moving. Often packaging is fundamentally a process that ensures the safe transfer of goods without causing them any damage. Therefore, take time to know the type of damages the goods may encounter during their journey toward the destination marketplace. This way, identify the type of packaging that would be ideal for each product/shipment you intend to transport.

As a result, you can reduce the incidence of any damage caused due to the pressures during the transit. And also, the instances of deterioration or loss arising out of handling and theft. To make this point clearer, we shall take the example of delicate and fragile cargo. If you want to send glass or ceramic and porcelain goods, you should know the type of damages it may encounter regardless of the express transport through ground delivery by truck or van, via ocean or air shipping.

While packing, keep in mind the stowing of goods inside the carrier, weight restrictions, weight declarations, even distribution of weight, treatment of incompatible cargo, precautions while sending dangerous goods. If you are not sure about the packaging for a particular product you are dealing with, it is always wise to rely on a professional service. They are well-versed in the safe packaging requirements while ensuring that it reaches the delivery location in good condition without any damage or loss.  

4. Essential Shipping Documents  

Do not forget about the shipping documents while focusing too much on logistics, delivery time, transportation costs, and so forth. Mind you, incomplete and wrong supporting documents cause unnecessary delays in the shipping process. It does not matter if you are moving goods through express transport, FTL, or LTL; these documents have to be accompanied invariably with all types of cargo movement.

A few mandatory documents include a packing list, Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, letter of credit, certificate of origin. Ensure that you create a checklist of the documents needed for your shipment transport ahead of the shipping process. Also, for different types of cargo, you need specific documentation.

For the transportation of hazardous goods such as chemicals, perishable cargo, you require additional documentation. For most countries, there are agencies to keep tabs on the transport of these particular goods. Therefore, compliance with these rules requires supporting documents as well. As afore-mentioned, it applies invariably for air freight, maritime shipping, express transport, FTL and, LTL services.

5. Associated Shipping Services and Service Providers  

Shipping is, of course, implemented by transport and freight service companies that take over the responsibility of moving cargo toward the delivery destination. During shipping, you might be using several professional services for facilitating the movement of goods from origin to destination, no matter if you prefer express transport, FTL, or LTL services. Besides the services of a cargo movement company, you need several other services based on the type of cargo getting transported, such as cargo fumigation services, insurance agencies, tallying, container weighing services, and many more. 

Hence, relying on the most appropriate vendor as per the transit needs of the cargo keeps it under the ideal condition through its journey from pickup to destination. Also, you should specifically get a clear idea of the role of each of these service providers and must know whom to rely on if something deviates from the usual course.

It is also better to understand the ebbs and flows that may occur in these services. If it requires you to hire several vendors at a time for the smooth transit of your shipment, don’t hesitate. Since it would help you streamline the shipping process quite fast, it is better to use the service of multiple service providers. 

6. Understand the Terms of Payment  

Before arranging for cargo shipment, ensure that you have taken time to acquire information on the payment types and their indications. In shipping, there are various methods of payment and, each of them comes with pros and cons. Typically, the payment methods include a letter of credit, cash in advance, documentary collections, and open accounts. The payments terms permissive in nature may be mistaken for non-urgency and, hence it can lead to defaulted or delayed settlement, which further affects the liquidity and profitability. 

In every payment term, you have to arrive at a consensus with the service provider that the deal remains ideal for both of you while facilitating the smooth transit of cargo without any chance for bewilderment. If you are perplexed about selecting a suitable payment term, don’t be reluctant to consult a trustworthy financial trade consultant or your financial service provider for seeking expert advice in this regard.

There is one more factor you need to consider while selecting payment terms. You have to check the implications of the rate of exchange. Make sure that you keep tabs steadily on the exchange rates and arrange for shipping to make the most out of exchange rate fluctuations whenever possible, regardless of express transport, FTL or LTL, or air shipping services used. 

7. Insure Cargo Against Physical Losses  

Never be negligent about cargo insurance as many first-time shippers think that they follow necessary precautions and instructions. And hence, there is no need to insure the cargo during its transit process for express transport, FTL and, LTL shipping. Cargo insurance is a must, and as a shipper, you have to check with the freight service provider if it is offered based on the incoterms used.

Sometimes, the lack of clarity in incoterms can lead to confusion, resulting in not insuring goods by the shipper and the service provider, either. There may be contexts where misinterpretation can lead to catastrophic loss when the goods become damaged or lost during transit. Therefore, you have to keep the goods covered and protect yourself from bearing the risk of loss due to damages arising out of handling, theft, and misplacement, insure cargo ahead of its journey.

Usually, reputable freight forwarding companies provide cargo insurance for reimbursing shippers in the event of cargo loss. Such insurance offer coverage against these unexpected losses and damages. It is always better to get covered against such risks before preparing your cargo for shipment. 

8. Savings in Cost  

Last but not least, you should consider reducing unnecessary costs while arranging for transit. We cannot conclude that cheaper the rates, the perfect would be the service. Of course, special services such as express transport and FTL attract costs a bit higher than consolidated shipping and LTL freight service; however, relying on freight forwarders that offer transparent price quotes would make sense.

Even though shipping involves numerous complex functions, there are plenty of ways to get savings in cost. All you have to do is select a freight forwarding company that offers the most optimised price rates. A lot of factors come into play while deciding the shipping rates.

However, discussing with your freight forwarding partner can ward off detention time and save costs accordingly. You can also check with each of the services offered at cost-effective rates. Sometimes, FTL would be more profitable than LTL and, you can get some savings.   

Cargo Transit Through Ianis Cargo  

The leading cargo transportation and freight forwarding company headquartered in Ploiesti, Romania, undertakes all types of cargo transportation such as express transport, FTL, LTL, and air shipping services. Apart from these, Ianis Cargo offers a range of eCommerce delivery solutions, pallet distribution, and courier services through its fast courier company under the name- Ianis Courier. You can conveniently move bulk cargo through Ianis Cargo while Ianis Courier helps you send small packages, parcels, envelopes and implement pallet delivery anywhere, no matter the time constraints!  

Partnering with well-established players in the market, which consists of FAN, DHL, DPD, and Urgent Cargus, both Ianis Cargo and Ianis Courier have created a name of their own in the world of cargo and courier transportation in Europe within a short period. Send envelopes and valuable documents through Ianis Courier and discover the ease of dpd pallet delivery service for goods transit on pallets. We use a live shipping calculator that returns you with instant price quotes which reflect the most optimised rates for each specific route.

The shippers have to provide the origin, destination, and volumetric weight for receiving the price quotes instantly. Also, offering intelligent tracking service, electronic proof of delivery, Ianis Cargo maintains 100% transparency in its operations and keeps its customers informed about their transit cargo every minute, mile by mile! Get your loads and parcels moving to their destination through express transport, FTL, LTL or, air shipping, and enjoy the extra peace of mind while Ianis Cargo and Ianis Courier service implement the strenuous task for you!