International Logistics

When shipping a product overseas, the exporter must be aware of packing, labeling, documentation, and insurance requirements.

Most exporters rely on an international freight forwarder to perform these services because of the multitude of considerations involved in physically exporting goods.

Find a Freight Forwarder

An international freight forwarder is an agent for the exporter in moving cargo to an overseas destination. Whether an exporter is large or small, the weight of the cargo light or heavy, a freight forwarder can take care of cargo from “dock to door,” thus freeing the exporter from dealing with many logistics-related details.

Schedule B and HS Numbers

The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) assigns a number to each product that is traded internationally. Each country can assign on its own four additional numbers, making the entire number 10 digits. The United States does this with its Schedule B system.

Tariffs and Import Fees

Tariffs or duties are a tax levied by governments on the value of products imported from one country into another. Before you export to any country, you need to determine what the tariff rate is on your product(s) as well as any import fees for that country.

Common Export Documents

There are many common export documents that have to accompany export shipments including the Shipper’s Export Declaration, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and the list goes on.