International Shipping Instructions
Shipping items overseas may seem overly complicated if you've never done it before. With so many services available and such a range of prices, it can seem difficult to find the right choice. International shipping services include the U.S. Postal Service, international freight forwarders and private parcel delivery services. International shipping doesn't have to be a headache, though. The main challenge is to know your own needs and choose the service that is right for you.
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Instructions
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Determine your shipping needs, including what location you will be shipping to, the value of the items you plan to ship, whether you need insurance, whether the items are time sensitive, the sizes of the items, the number of items you will be shipping and whether you will be shipping just once or will need regular international shipping services. For small items and time-sensitive shipping, see Step 2. For heavier items, items that need insurance, and shipping that is not time sensitive, see Step 3. For multiple items and very large items, see Step 4.
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Send your package through a private service such as FedEx, UPS or DHL. If you prefer the U.S. Postal Service, use Global Express Guaranteed service. These services will be more expensive, but will also be the fastest and may be your best choice for perishable items. Follow the links provided to review the particular shipping information for your company of choice. After you have chosen your shipping service, skip to Step 5.
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Ship your package through the U.S. Postal Service. Priority Mail is economical and offers a flat rate and insurance. For larger and heavier items, use Express Mail International service, which has no weight or size restrictions. For the most economical way to send large and heavy items, use First Class Mail international. This service offers insurance, but is slower than Global Express, Priority and Express Mail. Follow the links provided to review the terms of these shipping options. After you have chosen your shipping service, skip to Step 5.
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Send your shipments with an international freight forwarder. This is the best method for shipping large amounts and very heavy items. With this type of service you may ship by air freight or ocean freight. The most economical method is ocean freight, purchasing an entire 20- or 40-ft. long container. Calculate the exact weight of your packages and measure the length, width and height of the entire shipment. Multiply these numbers together (obtaining the number of cubic feet in the shipment) and divide the total by 35.314 to obtain the number of cubic meters in your shipment. You will need all of this information when calculating your shipping costs. Follow the links provided or contact the freight forwarder of your choice to obtain a quote. After you have chosen your shipping service, skip to Step 5.
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Call your chosen international shipping agent, confirm the number of packages, price and options. Take your packages to the nearest private parcel shipping company of your choice, the local post office or your chosen freight forwarder.
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Tips & Warnings
Before shipping, consult with your shipping agent about customs restrictions at the destination. These vary with every country, but the international shipping agent will have that information on hand.
References
Resources
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