Shipping a product from one country to another is a matter of the right process and the importance of the cargo. The right process depends on the type of product being sent, something that can have an effect on what steps are necessary to ship it. An example would be differentiating between whether or not there should be insurance or customs clearance required for sent cargo. Another example is determining what proper documentation is required for sending any cargo internationally and how long said documentation should take to receive.

There are also aspects that some shippers may have no control over which they may still have a role in making sure they do not become issues during transport. These include reviewing the invoices and packing charges that might be required to move a product internationally. These aspects should be considered regardless of whether or not there will be a delay in shipping.

The Importance of Documentation:

International shipping is not like U.S. domestic shipping - there are differences in the paperwork needed and the time it takes to receive them. International shipments will require one to have documentation for all the steps involved in receiving your cargo, from the moment it reaches the destination country, through customs and beyond - including any insurance policies you may have carried on board.

Insurance is something that most shippers are familiar with and expected to carry, but they often fail to review the actual insurance coverage they have on their international shipments. This oversight can lead them to get blindsided and have to deal with unexpected charges later on. Other aspects that should be reviewed closely before shipping internationally include the warranty terms, declaration forms, packing lists, and invoices.

Some documentation may also require some specific documentation for the product being shipped internationally - for example, if you have a liquid shipment that needs to be under a certain temperature range - it will require one or more forms of ice packs. Some shippers will overlook this type of documentation when shipping internationally, thus causing delays in receiving their products.

Another thing to remember when shipping internationally is that customs clearance and an inspection could take longer in some countries than in others. This means that the cargo may take much longer if it has to be held for inspection or customs clearance. There may also be a delay with the arrival of documentation or payment after a cargo has arrived in its destination country.