basic-guide-to-exporting_Latest_eg_main_086196

Chapter 12Shipping YourProductIn this chapter . . .• How international freight forwarders can help• How to pack and label your product• Documentation and insurance• International shipping company servicesThe hurdles you have to clear don’t end with the sale and the website. You still have to getthe goods to the buyer, who is often located thousands of miles away, where different rulesmay apply. When shipping a product overseas, you must be aware of packing, labeling,documentation, and insurance requirements and regulations. Make sure that the merchandise is:• Packed correctly so it arrives ingood condition• Labeled correctly to ensure that the goodsare handled properly and arrive on time atthe right place• Documented correctly to meet U.S. andforeign government requirements andproper collection standards• Insured against damage, loss, pilferage,and delayBecause of the multitude of considerations involved in physically exporting goods, exportersoften receive assistance from their air carrier or freight forwarder to perform those services.Freight ForwardersAn international freight forwarder is an agent that ships cargo to an overseas destination.These agents are familiar with foreign countries’ import rules and regulations, the U.S.government’s export regulations, different shipping methods, and necessary documents forforeign trade. Freight forwarders are licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)to handle air freight and by the Federal Maritime Commission to handle ocean freight.Freight forwarders assist exporters in preparing price quotations by advising on freight costs,port charges, consular fees, costs of special documentation, insurance costs, and the freightforwarders’ own handling fees. They recommend the packing methods that will protect themerchandise during transit, or they can arrange to have the merchandise packed at the port orU.S. Commercial Service • A Basic Guide to Exporting135