Nowadays small businesses, local or international, are now dealing with international shipments. This is because the world has become a lot smaller and businesses are now looking at ways to expand their business internationally. The problem with this is that it can be quite expensive to ship small packages internationally. On the other hand, the good news is that there are ways to ship small packages internationally and still save money. 

Shipping small packages internationally is a great way to boost your business. However, it can be a little daunting at first if you have never done it before. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to make sure that your packages arrive safely and on time. 

This guide will walk through the process of shipping small packages internationally from start to finish so you know exactly what to do and when.

Prepare an international shipping plan

Before you ship anything internationally, make sure that you’re ready. The most important thing to do is to create an international shipping plan. This should include:

  • How often do you plan on shipping small packages internationally (weekly, monthly, etc.)
  • Where your customers are located around the world and what countries they’ll be in when they need their items shipped.

If you’re shipping to a single customer, the process of international shipping is much easier. However, if you’re planning on shipping small packages regularly or to multiple locations, it’s important to create a plan that will save you time and money in the long run.

Choose your international shipping service

When it comes to international shipping, there are two different options: air freight and ocean freight. Air freight is a great option for sending items that need to be delivered quickly and have a relatively low value. Ocean freight is ideal for large shipments of goods that have a high value but don’t need to arrive immediately.

Air freight is the fastest way to transport items across international borders. It allows you to get your products where they need to be quickly and efficiently. However, air freight is also more expensive than ocean freight because it costs more for airlines to carry cargo. Ocean freight takes longer than air freight, but it’s less expensive because there are fewer costs associated with moving goods via boat rather than plane.

If your product is perishable and needs to arrive quickly, then air freight is a good option. If you have a high-value cargo that doesn’t need to arrive immediately, then ocean freight is your best bet.

Choose a carrier

Choose a carrier that has the right equipment for your cargo. If you’re shipping a small, delicate item that could be damaged by rough handling and extreme temperatures, then choose an airline that uses temperature-controlled containers. If you’re shipping large items that require special handling due to their shape or size, then find a carrier who specializes in transporting oversized goods.

If you’re shipping high-value cargo, then you should find a carrier that offers state-of-the-art security systems. Find out what type of insurance is available to cover your goods. If something happens during transit and your cargo is missing or damaged, then make sure the carrier has adequate insurance coverage in place.

If you have any special requirements for your shipment, then find out if the carrier can accommodate them. If you need the shipment to arrive by a certain date, then ask if the carrier can provide an estimated delivery date. Find out how much it will cost to ship your goods.

Select costs and delivery options.

Find out if the carrier has any special offers or discounts. If you have multiple shipments to make, then consider bundling them together and saving money. You can also save money by shipping at off-peak times or in off-peak months.

Make sure the cost of shipping is reasonable. If you find that your carrier’s rates are too high, then find another one. Alternatively, you can try to negotiate with your current carrier to lower their prices.

If you’re shipping a small order, then you may be able to save money by using an express mail service. This can be expensive and isn’t always available, but it will get your goods there sooner than regular postal services. Consider the types of goods that you want to ship and how they will affect the cost of shipping. You may have higher costs if you’re sending fragile items or those that require special handling.

You can save money by shipping heavier items in smaller packages. You may also be able to save money by using a flat-rate box instead of one that is priced by weight.

Shipping costs can vary from country to country, so it’s important to check the rates for both your shipping service and the destination.

When it comes to shipping costs, there are many variables. It’s important to consider all of these factors when you’re planning your shipment and looking for a company that will offer the best deal.

Provide customs forms and special documents.

When you’re shipping items internationally, it’s important to provide the appropriate customs forms and special documents. The type of information required will vary depending on your shipment, but you may need to include:

-Your company’s name and address

-The names and addresses of the sender and recipient

-The country you’re shipping from, as well as the destination

-A description of your products

-Any special handling requirements

-The value of your shipment

-Other applicable taxes and duties

-Any other information required by your customs authority or postal service

If you’re shipping across international borders, it’s important to understand the differences between customs forms and the special documents that may be required.

  • Customs Forms - Customs forms are required by most countries for all shipments entering their territory. These forms include information about your shipment, including its value and contents.
  • Special Documents - In addition to the customs forms required by most countries, some shipments may require special documents. These are used to verify that your shipment meets certain requirements, such as the origin of goods (where they were produced or manufactured). Whether the goods have been previously imported into another country and re-exported. Specific commodity classifications for certain items.

Use the right packaging.

Using the right packaging is one of the most important things to consider for small businesses when shipping internationally because it can save you time and money. Most countries have specific packaging requirements, so it’s important to know what they are before making a purchase. If your product is fragile or needs special protection, check with the carrier before ordering packaging materials.

Packaging must be able to withstand the journey without damage, which can be a challenge for fragile items. If your product is small and lightweight, it’s best to use packaging that doesn’t take up too much space or weigh more than necessary.

The most common forms of packaging are plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and foam. If you want to save money on your international shipping costs, consider reusing boxes whenever possible. It’s also important to choose the right size for your product because larger boxes can mean more expense.

You also need to think about whether your package needs extra security. Some items are more likely to be stolen or damaged during transit, so it’s important to take precautions. Packaging materials can help prevent theft and damage by making it harder for thieves to open a package without damaging it. This can include using locks, straps, tape, and other devices.

Packaging materials are also important if you’re shipping liquid items. You need to protect them from leaks and spills, which can be especially difficult if you don’t know what type of liquid it is. Most liquids should be shipped in sturdy containers with plenty of padding around them.

The right packing materials will help ensure that your shipment arrives safely.

Final Takeaways

With the growing popularity of online shopping and small business owners shipping their products to international customers, there are many ways an entity can now ship packages internationally. Each has its own set of concerns, speeds, and regulations that should be taken into consideration if a company wants to smoothly go about sending packages anywhere in the world.

Shipping internationally is not as hard as you think it is, even for small businesses. With a little bit of planning and information, shipping worldwide is not so daunting of an endeavor. If you aren't sure where to start and whether or not it's worth the headache of international shipping then just take a deep breath and learn about it all here.