Navigating international shipping can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to grow in the global markets. However, the international shipping process can be quite challenging. Each country has rules, taxes, carrier options, and other specific requirements. This makes logistics complex yet essential for expanding your reach and customer base.
Key decisions, like selecting the right international shipping carriers or managing duties and taxes, directly impact costs and delivery efficiency. From understanding customs forms to exploring reliable shipping carriers, a clear strategy helps you avoid delays, minimise unexpected fees, and offer a smoother shipping experience for international customers.
This blog will explore the top international shipping carriers, their types, and how you can choose the right one.
Understanding International Shipping
International shipping is transporting products from one country to another across borders. It’s a complex process due to applicable trade laws of different countries, time zones, language and cultural barriers, currency exchanges, etc. It involves several activities, including the following:
- Choose a shipping carrier, prepare the package, and include all the required documentation and shipping information. Proper packaging ensures the shipment is delivered undamaged and controls costs.
- Legal and customs compliance is crucial to meet licensing, customs forms, and prohibited items requirements. Some countries enforce stricter rules, especially for prohibited goods.
- Completing and collecting paperwork to ensure that the freight passes customs clearance. The customs department will check the goods to determine whether they can enter the destination country. This process usually takes less than 24 hours. However, it can sometimes take several days or even weeks.
- Cargo loading and unloading at entry and exit ports. The goods are loaded onto a ship or other modes of transport and shipped to the destination country.
- Shipments are tracked while in transit to monitor their status, location, and condition.
International shipping differs from domestic shipping in several ways, including cost, delivery time, regulations, documentation, etc. International shipping is quite expensive because the shipment has to travel a longer distance. It also requires customs forms. Each country has specific laws and regulations related to international shipping, and some countries may have stricter policies than others.
International shipping can be done by air, sea, or road. The type of shipping method will depend on the destination and speed required to deliver the shipment.
Top International Shipping Carriers
International shipping offers several benefits to businesses. These include access to new global markets, improved efficiency, diversified revenue streams, risk mitigation, a wider customer base, and competitive advantage.
However, you need to do international shipping right to enjoy these benefits. To do so, choose an international shipping carrier that best suits your shipping requirements.
Let’s explore the top international shipping carriers:
- DTDC
DTDC is a well-known international shipping carrier based in Mumbai. It offers shipping services to over 240 global regions and has a direct presence in 21 countries. In India, its extensive domestic network passes through 10,000 pin codes. It is best known for quick mail and package delivery services nationwide.
- Blue Dart
Blue Dart is based in Chennai. It offers shipping services to over 220 global regions and has a network spanning over 33,000 areas. Blue Dart is known for its domestic and international shipping services across seven South Asian countries.
- FedEx
FedEx is one of the most prominent international shipping carriers. It offers various services, including freight forwarding, overnight shipping, ground shipping, customised critical shipping services, and high-priority shipping. Its global shipping network spans over 220 territories, including Europe, Africa, the US, Canada, and more.
- Delhivery
Delhivery was established in India in 2011. Currently, it caters to more than 17,000 pin codes across the country. Its efficient regional and international delivery services make it a popular option among eCommerce businesses. Delhivery uses an advanced integrated system to provide international shipping services by air and sea at relatively lower rates.
Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Business
You should consider some important factors before choosing an international shipping carrier for your business. This will help ensure the shipping carrier aligns with your budget and delivery needs while providing adequate tracking and customer support for international shipments.
- Understand your shipping needs
Different international shipping carriers will cater to different types of shipping requirements, including the types of goods, destinations, volume, and frequency of shipments.
For example, if you ship large volumes of goods frequently, you can opt for a shipping carrier that offers discounts. Some carriers offer specific services more extensively in some destination countries than others.
- Shipping rates
Compare shipping rates of different international shipping carriers before selecting one. You can make comparisons online. This will help you identify the one that best suits your budget. However, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the right choice.
While comparing shipping rates, you should also ensure there are no hidden charges. Some shipping carriers offer volume discounts, but these can often be misleading.
- Delivery time and speed
Choose an international shipping carrier that ensures quick and reliable delivery, especially for time-sensitive shipments. Keep in mind that faster deliveries come with higher costs. Also, check how they handle unexpected delays.
- Range and reliability of services
Different shipping carriers offer different types of services, including standard delivery, expedited delivery, same-day delivery, and temperature-controlled delivery. You should determine which service best suits your business needs.
Choosing an international shipping carrier with extensive services can help you control costs and improve customer satisfaction. You must also check whether they offer your preferred services in your preferred locations.
- Tracking options
Tracking options are important for both your business and your customers. Look for an international shipping carrier that enables you to track shipments in real-time throughout the shipping process. This helps you predict any delays and take appropriate action.
International orders often take time to arrive, frustrating customers if left in the dark. Real-time order tracking provides delivery updates and peace of mind.
- Extensive customer support
When choosing an international shipping carrier, look for one with customer support available 24/7. You can ask them questions to see how they prioritise your queries and how effective their responses are. It can impact your business in the long run if they are unresponsive, unprofessional, and unhelpful while handling queries. Your customers could have a poor experience and a negative impression of your business.
- Insurance coverage
You should carefully understand the level of insurance coverage by the shipping carrier in case the goods are lost or damaged during transit. This involves comparing insurance premium costs, analysing any hidden clauses, etc.
- Customs expertise
Some shipping carriers will help you with the required paperwork and reduce delays. You should ensure the shipping carrier you choose has the knowledge and expertise to meet legal requirements in the destination countries. This will help you avoid penalties and shipment delays.
How ShiprocketX Enhances International Shipping
ShiprocketX is a next-gen solution that makes international shipping easier for eCommerce businesses. Our end-to-end cross-border solutions enable you to cater to international customers and grow your business globally.
You can ship from anywhere in India to Australia, UAE, Canada, the USA, Singapore, and the UK. We offer all the features that make international shipping both smooth and fast.
- Multiple shipping methods with end-to-end visibility
- Easy and transparent customs clearance, tax compliance, etc.
- Fast international deliveries with automated workflows
- Real-time updates to keep your customers informed
- Insightful analytics dashboard for data-driven decision making
- A courier network of more than 220+ countries & territories for worldwide reach
- Customisable tracking page
- Simplified returns management
- Experienced cross-border experts and account managers
You can expand your business’s global footprint at affordable shipping rates starting at Rs. 306 per 50 gm.
Conclusion
Expanding your reach through international shipping offers exciting growth opportunities for your business. However, it’s important to approach it strategically. The right international shipping carrier and a thorough understanding of customs, taxes, and delivery times can significantly enhance your shipping success rate and customer satisfaction.
With an organised approach, you can choose carriers that align with your business and shipping needs. This can also make international shipping feasible and profitable. As your business scales, using data to refine your shipping processes will ensure you keep costs manageable while maintaining reliability, helping you thrive in the global marketplace.
