basic-guide-to-exporting_Latest_eg_main_086196

put in containers. If the exporter prefers, freight forwarders can reserve the necessaryspace on a vessel, aircraft, train, or truck. The cost for their services is a factor thatshould be included in the price charged to the customer.Once the order is ready for shipment, freight forwarders should review all documentsto ensure that everything is in order. This review is of particular importance withletter-of-credit payment terms. Freight forwarders may also prepare the bill of ladingand any special required documentation, including electronic filing in the AutomatedExport System (AES). After shipment, they can route the documents to the seller,the buyer, or a paying bank. Freight forwarders can also make arrangements withcustoms brokers overseas to ensure that the goods comply with customs importdocumentation regulations. A customs broker is an individual or company that islicensed to transact customs business on behalf of others. Customs business is limitedto those activities involving transactions related to the entry and admissibility ofmerchandise; its classification and valuation; the payment of duties, taxes, or othercharges assessed or collected; and the refund, rebate, or drawback of those charges.You are not required to use forwarders, but they can be very helpful. Some ofthe larger logistics companies like UPS and FedEx are also freight forwarders andcustoms brokers. For more information, visitthe National Customs Brokers and FreightForwarders Association of America atncbfaa.org. They will recommend brokers/members in your area that can provideassistance with shipping specialized products.PackingAn international freightforwarder acts as an agent ofyour company and ships yourcargo to an overseas destination.Your company should be aware of the demands that international shipping putson packaged goods. You should also keep four potential problems in mind whendesigning an export shipping crate: breakage, moisture, pilferage, and excess weight.Buyers are often familiar with the port systems overseas, so they will sometimesspecify packaging requirements. If the buyer does not provide such specifications, besure the goods are prepared using these guidelines:• Pack in strong containers that areadequately sealed and filledwhen possible.• Make sure the weight is evenlydistributed to provide proper bracingin the container, regardless of size.• Put goods on pallets and, whenpossible, place them in containers.• Make packages and packing filler outof moisture-resistant material.• To avoid pilferage, avoid writingcontents or brand nameson packages.• Use straps, seals, and shrink-wrap tosafeguard goods.• Observe any product-specifichazardous materials packingrequirements.• Verify compliance with woodpackagingdocumentation andmarkings for fumigation andchemical treatment.136U.S. Commercial Service • A Basic Guide to Exporting