A Shipper’s Guide to International Mail Services

Oftentimes, businesses face unique challenges that require one-stop-shop international mailing services that make the process of preparing, printing, and mailing items easier, more accurate, and above all more affordable.  Using advanced technology, such as digital imaging, is key to providing the kind of international mail services every individual and business deserves. 

Everyone has heard horror stories when shipping internationally…goods not arriving on time…items lost during transport…products held up at customs due to inaccurate, incomplete, or insufficient documents. Using a full-service international mail service cuts down on the headache and hassle of trying to ship or mail your items yourself.

“If you need to send letters, cartons or packages outside of the United States, businesses as well as individuals, need dependable service from a reliable international mailing services provider to ensure items arrive at their destination safely and on time,” says Tashi Nibber, Managing Director of US Global Mail. 

There are certain steps that can be taken to make sure your international shipping needs are met without hassle.

1. Before you begin your shipping process, be sure to have accurate contact information for both the shipper as well as the receiver. 
2. You must have a good description of what you’re shipping, including what the content is and the country of origin. 
3. You will also need an estimated value of what you’re shipping so that duties and taxes can be calculated accurately.

Anytime you ship goods internationally, the government requires documentation to ensure that all regulations are met.  For example, in order for your shipment to pass through customs, a commercial invoice is often needed. Additionally, some countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico will require a NAFTA Certificate of Origin, which must be completed by the shipper.  Please visit https://www.export.gov/logistics for documents required to ensure you are in compliance when shipping internationally.  Although the site offers online printable documents, most international mailing services will provide the commercial invoice when you input all of your pertinent information and create your shipping label.

BUSINESSES

Some shipping companies will ship anything and everything from small items to oversized products.  If you’re a business that ships or receives products from overseas, the shipping company may use an international shipping container, depending on the number of goods that are being transported.  These containers can be used for, but not limited to, vehicles, furniture or machinery.  The shipping company will be able to tell you what size container you require, based on your needs, and they can also provide you with a freight quote so you can compare costs.

PERSONAL

If you, personally, need to ship larger items via cargo container, you will need to give the shipping company approximately 14 days’ notice prior to scheduling the pickup.  This gives the company time to schedule a container, find a driver, and ensure that all proper documentation has been received.

There are certain items that should not be shipped in the international shipping container.  These include firearms, flammable/hazardous items, perishable goods, and valuable documents such as Living Wills, Birth Certificates, and financial papers.

So, no matter if you’re a business shipping large goods, or an individual shipping smaller, personal items, remember that there are steps to follow and documents to complete to make your shipping experience smooth and carefree.