A General Guide To International Shipping

Posted by Ella Smith
6
Mar 16, 2017
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When attempting to export from UK for the first time, it is important to have some foreknowledge about the most vital steps involved in international shipping.

In the realm of international transportation, there are a number of players who influence global trade and also help to sustain it effectively. The most important ones among them include customs brokers, booking agents, shipping lines and freight forwarding firms. If you are planning to ship goods from UK to another country inside or outside EU for the first time, there are a number of steps that you need to acquaint yourself with. Let's take a look at those critical steps in detail:

  • Export Haulage
This refers to the process of shipping cargo from the premises of the shipper to that of the forwarder. The means of transport used for export haulage is either rail or road or a combination of both. If transportation is the shipper's liability, then he/she must do so by hiring some reliable company. On the other hand, if the consignee is supposed to handle it, then the best bet is to appoint reliable international shipping agents.

  • Customs Clearance
The customs clearance for any international shipment must be handled by an experienced freight forwarding company holding a valid license. Alternatively, a customs house broker hired by the shipper can also take care of it. Completing the customs clearance is essential in order for the cargo to leave the place of origin.

  • Origin Handling
Origin handing describes the step involving physical handling as well as assessment of the shipment, right from its reception at the origin warehouse upto its loading within a shipping container. Either the shipper or the consignee can pay for origin handling, but it's the freight forwarder who ultimately takes care of the task.

  • Ocean Freight
This step is exclusively dealt by the freight forwarder, who chooses a shipping line via which the cargo can move from its origin to destination, so as to meet the deadline for reception. Ocean freight costs are charged from the consignee or the shipper.

  • Import Customs
The customs at the destination of the cargo are handled by the freight forwarder as well. However, the consignee can also appoint a customs house breaker to complete it. Import customs are supposed to be cleared before the cargo leaves the forwarder's warehouse at the destination.

Thus, as a newbie in the realm of international shipping, these are some of the most vital steps that you need to bear in mind whenever undertaking exports. Having the right knowledge can allow to avoid many obstacles.
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