How to Do Cargo Shipping

Companies that need to transport freight from their warehouses to their customers need to understand cargo shipping. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by using the services of a freight forwarder to handle your international cargo projects.

Instructions

Ship Domestic Cargo

1. Evaluate the cargo that you have to ship domestically. Pay close attention to its weight and dimensions.

2. Determine how fast you need to get your cargo from your warehouses to your customer. This will influence what freight shipper you use.

3. Identify domestic freight shipping companies that can handle your cargo and time constraints. For shipments of cargo less than 100 pounds a container you can use commercial shippers like the USPS, UPS and FedEx. If your freight is heavy and large then you will most likely need to find a domestic freight shipping company.

4. Create a shipping invoice. This invoice should include your company's information, your customer's information, a packing list and the description of your cargo including its weight and dimensions.

5. Contact the domestic shipper that you plan on using. You will need to set up an account and make arrangements for your cargo to be picked up and delivered. You will also need to pay for the shipping costs at this point.

6. Track your cargo using the tracking number provided by the shipper.

Transport Cargo and Freight Internationally

1. Create an invoice for the international cargo that you need to ship. This commercial invoice will need to provide all of the information that customs will need to process the cargo. Include your company information, the customer's information, the value of the cargo, a packing list and the dimensions and weight of the cargo.

2. Request a price quote from a variety of freight forwarders. You can find a listing of quality freight forwarders at the World Cargo Alliance web site.

3. Research the qualifications of 2 or 3 potential freight forwarders. Request verification that they are licensed, bonded, insured and also ask for references and credit information. This information will help you to identify the good companies to work with.

4. Select a freight forwarder to handle the process of shipping your cargo. Freight forwarders take care of everything for you. They complete the documentation, they arrange for the transportation of your cargo and they make sure that it gets to your customers.

5. Select a freight forwarder and make arrangements to have your cargo picked up and delivered.

6. Track your shipment and confirm its delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your cargo shipment is insured in case it is damaged during transit.

• You will need to research the importing laws of the country that you are shipping your cargo to before you talk with your freight forwarder. The types of products that each nation allows to be imported into their country are going to vary.

Resources

• The World Cargo Alliance offers a list of freight forwarders who meet their membership criteria.