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Embarking on the journey of international and cross-border eCommerce shipping opens a world of opportunities for online businesses. As with any major business decision, it requires plenty of initial research and diligence to avoid unwanted challenges down the road.
The initial step is to familiarize oneself with the varied aspects of expanding into shipping to locations outside of Canada, such as service options, documentation, and the importance of choosing a reliable shipping platform.
A solid grasp of these basics is essential for ensuring that your products reach global customers efficiently and without unexpected delays.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at what you’ll need to consider as an eCommerce business owner shipping your goods to international customers. This knowledge can lead to cost savings, smoother customs clearance, and a strong entry into the international and cross-border market.
Navigating Customs, Duties, and International Shipping Regulations
When products cross borders, understanding and complying with customs requirements is a critical step in international and cross-border shipping. Each country has its own set of rules regarding what can and cannot be imported, and it's the shipper's responsibility to ensure that all items are properly declared.
This involves accurately completing customs declaration forms and providing necessary documentation such as commercial invoices, export packing lists, and certificates of origin. Failing to comply can result in delays, fines, or even seizure of goods.
Most notably, it is vital to ensure that you are using the correct type of BOL (Bill of Lading) for your shipments depending on the shipping service you are using, such as inland BOLs for road or rail shipments, ocean BOLs, air waybills, and multimodal BOLs for any combination of the prior three.
Furthermore, shippers must be aware of the duties and taxes imposed on their goods upon entering the destination country. These costs can significantly affect the final price a customer pays, so calculating them beforehand is vital for a transparent and trustworthy customer experience.
ClickShip's platform can assist in streamlining the paperwork involved, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Choosing the Right International or Cross-Border Shipping Methods
Selecting the appropriate shipping method is pivotal in balancing cost-effectiveness and delivery expectations. Options typically range from standard shipping, which is more economical but slower, to express services that offer faster delivery at a higher price.
The choice often depends on the nature of the product, its value, and customer delivery expectations. Most international and cross-border carriers offer multiple levels of service in terms of delivery speed and price point. Diversifying your offered shipping options across multiple carriers can help ensure that you are leveraging the individual strengths of each one.
In addition to these factors, the desired level of tracking and insurance should be considered. Providing customers with real-time tracking information can enhance their experience and trust in your brand.
ClickShip offers an array of international shipping solutions, allowing businesses to compare services, transit times, and rates from different carriers all in one place, helping to make an informed decision that best suits their shipping needs.
Integrating Cross-Border LTL and Courier Shipping Solutions
Cross-border shipping refers specifically to international shipments that travel across a single contiguous border. For many eCommerce businesses just beginning to branch out beyond domestic shipping, focusing on the cross-border market can be a safe first step before expanding overseas.
For businesses that ship larger volumes or heavier goods between Canada and the US, Less than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a cost-effective cross-border solution.
LTL involves sharing transportation space with other shippers, which can be a more flexible and environmentally friendly option. However, it is essential to understand that LTL shipments require additional planning due to their consolidation and deconsolidation processes, which can affect delivery times.
On the other hand, courier shipping offers a more direct and often faster service for smaller parcels, although it can be more expensive for larger and heavier goods.
Leveraging ClickShip for Efficient International and Cross-Border Shipping
ClickShip’s all-in-one platform integrates seamlessly with the leading eCommerce platforms and online marketplaces to give you access to discounted rates on parcel and pallet shipping from the most trusted domestic, cross-border, and international carriers in North America.
It also provides a robust suite of shipping and fulfillment tools to help streamline your order management, all for zero upfront or monthly fees!
Contact one of our shipping experts today and see what the most complete shipping and fulfillment platform on the market can do to help you save as your business grows internationally!
Written by Brandon Draga
Brandon Draga is a full-time content writer at Freightcom, the leading shipping solution for businesses in Canada. When Brandon is not writing content to help businesses with their shipping needs, he can be found at local skate parks or writing fantasy novels.
