Phase 1: Preparation & Documentation
Before the goods even move, two critical things must be established:
Incoterms: These are standardized rules (like FOB, CIF, or EXW) that define whether the buyer or the seller is responsible for the costs and risks at each stage.
Paperwork: You will need a Commercial Invoice (the bill), a Packing List (details of what’s inside), and HS Codes (international codes used to classify products for taxes).
Phase 2: The 7 Steps of International Shipping
1. Export Haulage
This is the first physical leg. The goods are moved from the shipper’s (seller's) location to the freight forwarder’s warehouse or the port of origin. This is usually done via truck or rail.
2. Export Customs Clearance
Before the goods can leave the country of origin, they must be cleared by local customs. A licensed customs broker or the freight forwarder submits the required documents to ensure the goods are legal for export and that any export taxes are paid.
3. Origin Handling
Once the goods arrive at the origin warehouse, they are inspected, validated against the paperwork, and prepared for the long haul. This includes:
Consolidation: If you aren't filling a whole container (LCL), your goods are packed with others.
Stuffing: Loading the goods into a shipping container.
Transfer: Moving the container to the ship or plane.
4. International Transit (Ocean or Air Freight)
This is the "main leg" of the journey.
Ocean Freight: The most cost-effective for large volumes but takes weeks.
Air Freight: Much faster (days) but significantly more expensive.
The carrier issues a Bill of Lading (B/L), which acts as a passport for your cargo and a receipt of the goods.
5. Import Customs Clearance
When the cargo reaches the destination country, customs authorities check the documents and calculate Duties and Taxes. The shipment is held in a "bonded" area until the paperwork is approved and all fees are paid.
6. Destination Handling
After clearing customs, the cargo is transferred from the port or airport to the freight forwarder’s local warehouse. Here, if the shipment was consolidated, the container is "unstuffed" (de-consolidated) and the individual shipments are prepared for final delivery.
7. Import Haulage
The final leg of the journey. The goods are loaded onto a local truck and delivered from the destination warehouse to the consignee’s (buyer's) door.
Summary Table: Who Handles What?
| Step | Primary Actor | Key Document Needed |
| Export Haulage | Local Trucking Company | Pick-up Order |
| Customs Clearance | Customs Broker | Commercial Invoice, HS Code |
| International Transit | Shipping Line / Airline | Bill of Lading (B/L) |
| Import Haulage | Local Delivery Service | Delivery Order |
0 Comments