When you need to ship overseas, navigating the many variables that determine how you get your package delivered on time and on your budget can be a challenge. DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer time-sensitive international shipping services, and these companies are able to ship to over 220 world destinations within 48 hours. Certainly, sending parcels to distant locations will cost a fair amount of money. You or your company can meet shipping deadlines and save some money by avoiding these 5 shipping mistakes:

Mistakes You Should Avoid in International Shipping

  1. Your parcel can be delayed if it does not meet export standards. Be sure your package meets all regulations for shipping overseas, or it will be returned or confiscated.
  2. Double-check the address and always make sure you have the phone number of the recipient listed and the correct spelling of the country. Austria is not the same as Australia! That is 5 days of transit delay to correct the address.
  3. Ship within weight and size limits. DHL, UPS, and FedEx have 150lb.
  4. Determine your shipping method. It is true that UPS and FedEx can ship a product in as little as 48 hours to most places in the world, but the cost may be too high for most shippers to bear, especially on a regular basis. Keeping a map of shipping zones handy will help the shipper to determine how long standard international mail will take to arrive.
  5. Complete all necessary forms like SED and CI correctly. Every country has different regulations regarding import taxes and acceptable import products so it’s unreasonable to expect you to research them all. It is standard practice, with retailers large and small, that the customer is the one liable for any import fees and duties. Be sure to fill out any forms accurately and in detail. If customs has to seize a package because the description of the contents isn’t detailed enough or doesn’t seem to match the contents this will mean long delays in shipping times or even the destruction of the package. It is also illegal to mark an item as a gift when it is not. Customers may ask you to do that so they don’t have to pay import taxes, but you will be the one liable if it is discovered.
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International Shipping Documents

The required documents for international shipping are often:

  • Ocean bill of lading ( we provide this within 15 days of departure  )
  • Inventory list and value of the shipment
  • Passport or Valid ID ( for the consignee on the ocean bill of lading )
  • Customs documents that are required to be completed per destination country

If you are shipping a motor vehicle overseas then the original title will be required without any liens unless you can produce an original release letter from the lien holder. After US Customs clears the title the broker will overnight the title to you.

Testimonials

Fantastic service! I used to travel to the Boson location and always struggled with traffic and bad service. I did a quick Google search and came up with Neighborhood Parcel FedEx service point. I used them for 3 years now and I am happy to endorse them for service and always having the best FedEx rates. Why would anyone pay retail rates at FedEx.com when they can use this company and support local businesses?

Ahmed Balami, Boston MA

Le escribo esta carta para agradecerle por ayudarme a enviar mis documentos a Ecuador. El servicio siempre es genial, Sarah es muy servicial

Rebecca Santos, Dracut MA

I am glad this location is near my house. I can do all my business here and be in and out in minutes. On my last visit, I was able to have them print my documents, notarize them, fax them back to my office then FedEx the originals to my boss. Awesome!

Derek Swares, Wilmington

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