If you own a small business and are looking to expand your reach, you may want to consider exporting your goods. According to WITS, approximately 2 million companies export products every year, making it one of the most popular ways to grow and expand your company. However, there are some things you should know before you try to make this move.
Container shipping
There are several options you can choose from when storing your product for shipping. A typical choice is an International Shipping Container. However, this option is not without drawbacks. It’s difficult to decide which option is best for you.
When you want to pick a shipping container, it is important to get a variety of options. First, visit a container yard and look at the different shapes and sizes of containers. You might have already decided on a size or shape, but make sure to also check out the other types. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you’ve selected the right type of container for your project, or if you need a different size of the container.
So, you’re at the warehouse. Take this precious time to review your needs with the seller. You need to tell them how you’ll use the container, your budget, and your timeline for your project. If they show you the truck that will carry your goods, it could help you picture what size will work best for your good.
When choosing a container shipping, you should start with simple stuff. Thereafter, check the doors and the sides. Don’t forget to check the color of the container. Accept the container if it looks good to you, but reject it if it has major scrapes and dents. Sniff for any odors and inspect the floors for soft spots.
Cargo shipping
Despite low public awareness, cargo ships are a crucial part of international trade. They carry cargo from one port to another. Thousands of these ships ply the world’s seas and oceans each year, handling the majority of international trade. They are usually specially designed for this task and come in all shapes and sizes. But don’t let their small size fool you: cargo ships can range from 100 feet to about 550 feet long and carry up to 14,000 tons of goods.
Tips for international shipping
Save money
How do you save money on shipping costs? When you prep and load your containers in less than two hours, the driver’s first two hours are included in your fees. It’s worth it to staff up and prepare in advance to load your containers as quickly as possible to avoid overtime charges.
Prepare shipping container
The containers we stack and ship out to you are subject to some pretty crazy conditions. We’ve seen them go through the Panama Canal and even around Cape Horn. The containers can experience triple-digit heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures while sitting in storage or traveling.
Careful about organic cargo
When shipping to international clients, be sure to declare any organic cargo. Plants, vegetables, fruit, and other organic materials are treated differently depending on the origin and destination of the shipment. If customs agents find any undeclared organic cargo, they may quarantine your container or charge you daily holding fees.
Ensure your cargo
How do you plan for merchandise that gets lost? Attrition is an unfortunate reality of e-commerce. Shipping containers can get lost, and sometimes unscrupulous dock/deckhands may try to steal them. But we know the truth: they really aren’t stealing — they’re in transit and technically they belong to the shipping company.
As you prepare for your visit to the shipping container yard, it’s important to know that the supplier has enough inventories on hand. You can check with the supplier before visiting to ensure that they’re on the premises. Furthermore, you will be able to take pictures of any shipping containers that are on display with permission.
