International shipping can be quite stressful, especially when the assets being shipped are fragile, oversized, valuable, need extensive attention, or are under strict time constraints. When shipping to Europe, for both personal reasons or business-related, it’s important to work with a trusted international shipping company that has a global network.
This post provides information regarding:
- International shipping tips
- The cost of international shipping
- How long it takes for an international shipment to arrive
- How to determine the best global shipping company to use
- Shipping from Seattle to the United Kingdom
- And more
If an international shipment is on your horizon and you’re unsure how to proceed, we answer your questions below, so let’s get to it.
Help Make Your International Shipment Seamless
Whether you’re shipping one item or several, your international shipment needs a precise level of care and service. There are many things you can do to help make the process as simple and streamlined as possible.
8 Tips for a successful global shipment:
- Determine the best mode of transportation for your shipment
- Package and contain your items properly, using high-quality materials
- Account for heightened shipping and delivery times
- Be aware of customs fees and shipping tariffs
- Partner with an experienced international shipping company
- Plan ahead, especially with time-sensitive shipping projects
- Ensure your assets aren’t restricted for entry into the destination country
- Get cargo insurance
These tips can help avoid miscommunication and frustration, giving you peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
What to Know About European Customs
No matter the size of your shipment or where it’s going, if it’s traveling into another country, it will need to go through customs.
To clear customs, you will need to hire a customs broker to provide the correct documentation and pricing and clear you through customs. This paperwork typically has two forms, one pertaining to the origin country and the other to the destination country. You need to be sure to fill out both forms completely, as they are necessary for your shipment to get to its destination without issue.
At customs, your shipment will be reviewed carefully, and if you’ve inadvertently shipped a restricted item, your shipment may be delayed, retained, or destroyed. Most people can’t afford to lose their cargo altogether, so be sure you stick within all rules and regulations.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Internationally?
Shipping internationally runs the gamut when it comes to costs. Different carriers charge different rates, and the final cost will depend on numerous factors. Contacting your shipping carrier for a quote will be beneficial, especially if you have a budget to adhere to.
Factors that will help you budget for your international shipment include:
- The size and weight of the shipment
- Where the shipment is going
- How the shipment will get there
- Whether you need custom crating and packaging
- The mode of transportation
- If you want specialized services, such as onsite crating or pickup & delivery
It’s recommended that you speak to numerous professional Nashville international shipping companies prior to choosing how to go about your shipment, this will give you the insight to make an informed decision that works best for your shipping needs.
How Long Does it Take for an International Shipment to Arrive?
There are many variables that go into determining how long it will take for your shipment to arrive safely in Europe and around the world.
Things to consider include:
- The mode of transportation: shipping by air or ocean shipping
- The final destination location
- If the item needs extra attention, such as white-glove delivery service
- Whether you need rushed service
- Canada and Mexico require ground transportation
- Shipments to Hawaii go either ocean or air, and you don’t need a customs broker
- Shipments to Alaska can go by air or ferry, and like Hawaii, no customs broker is needed to Alaska either.
Speaking with a shipping specialist will help you figure out the length of time your shipment will take. It’s best to contact your carrier as soon as possible to ensure your assets can be shipped and delivered within the time frame needed.
How Do I Know What Shipping Company to Use?
You do have options regarding how to ship internationally. Craters & Freighters, UPS, and FedEx can all ship almost anywhere in the world. Again, speaking with each company will best tell you which will best meet your needs.
If you regularly ship internationally for business and need packaging, logistics support, on-time deliveries, budget-friendly resources, and specific services, Craters & Freighters has numerous solutions to help you manage these shipments, including:
- ISPM-15 certified wood crates
- Reusable wood crates for regular shipments
- Tailored packaging options
- A national and global network
- And so much more
If you’re wondering how to go about choosing the optimal shipping outfit to work with, here are 8 questions to ask as you interview carriers:
- Are you fully licensed and insured?
- What are my transportation options?
- Do you have cargo insurance?
- Can I work with your company the whole time, or do I have several points of contact?
- What is the time frame for my shipment to arrive?
- What extra services do you offer that will help with my unique project?
- What is the final cost of my shipment? Will my quote change? If so, how long until it does? What fees are involved?
- Do you handle all of the logistics?
Shipping From Nashville to the United Kingdom
When shipping from Nashville to the UK, there are a couple of questions and concerns people have.
Has Brexit Affected International Shipments?
Shipping items from Nashville to the United Kingdom (UK), which consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, hasn’t changed much since the UK exited the European Union (EU) through Brexit. Customs procedures are the same, and your assets should easily make their way to wherever the final UK destination is, provided the shipment is to code and meets all requirements.
Do I Need to Know About Royal Mail?
When shipping to the UK from Nashville, the Royal Mail collects your international packages if delivered to one of their facilities. However, many US carriers have their own global network and are able to deliver your assets without the need for Royal Mail.
Craters & Freighters Nashville for International Shipping
We’d love the opportunity to answer any other questions or concerns you have about your global shipment. Our team works with several individuals, businesses, and organizations on their shipments and is confident that we have the services, knowledge, and experience to make your shipment a success.
Contact our international shipping professionals, or start your free quote today!