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5 Things to Look for When Hiring an Air Freight Forwarder

Wed, 29 May 2019 19:20:21 GMT

Cargo can be transported in various ways, including being sent by ship or being transported by air. While an air freight forwarder does not actually fly your freight from one location to another, they can arrange the shipping details for you.

An air freight forwarder can help arrange for your items to be properly packed, prepare the paperwork to get your items through customs, and help you find a great rate for air shipping. Here are five of the factors you should look for when you are hiring an air freight forwarder.

1. How Much Experience They Have

As you look to hire an air freight forwarder, pay attention to how much experience they have handling and forwarding air freight.

Those who have experience know how to find the best air freight shipping needs, how to fill out custom forms, how to handle custom issues, and how to get your shipment back on track if a delay occurs. They can provide you with a realistic timeline and budget for your freight needs.

2. If They Have On-Site Customs Experts

One of the lesser-known factors to consider as you look to hire an air freight forwarder is whether they have an on-site custom expert. The process of clearing your freight through customs varies from country to country.

Some air freight forwarders work with or have on-site custom experts in the countries they transport to and from the most. This expert can give the freight forwarder tips on how to best clear your freight through customs in the shortest amount of time as possible and advise them of current customs wait times.

3. What Other Transportation Services They Offer

As you look to hire an air freight forwarder, pay close attention to what other transportation services they offer.

Air freight transportation may not be the only shipping method that your freight needs. Your shipment may need to travel by boat, train, or truck to get to the airport or to get to your location from the airport. A great air freight company handles all of your freights' transportation needs, not just the air transportation.

4. What Their References Have to Say

Prior to signing a contract with an air freight forwarder, ask them for a list of references and then contact those references.

Be sure to ask the references questions about the service that the air freight forwarder provided. You want to know if the freight arrived on time, if the freight was damaged, if the final price was higher or lower than the quote, if they had any issues with customs and whether the freight forwarder kept them in the loop about where their shipment was and when it would arrive.

The answers that the references provide will give you insight into how the company operates and treats their customers.

5. Their Estimated Delivery Time

Lastly, be sure to ask an air freight forwarder how quickly they can get your freight from point A to point B. You should get estimates from at least a few different air freight companies in regards to price and shipping time. If one company can ship your belongings significantly faster than the other companies, you should be wary. They may be unaware of current customs issues or transportation backlogs.

Find a company who can deliver your items within a reasonable amount of time, without underestimating how long the process will take.

Are you looking to hire an air freight forwarder in Florida? Dolphin Brokerage International can help you with all your freight needs, including offering custom brokerage, packing and crating, ocean freight forwarding services, and air freight forwarder services. Call us today to discuss your needs with us.

Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker - Which Is Right for You?

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Shipping goods internationally takes your business to a whole new level of potential profit and visibility. But it also comes with new challenges and obstacles. Transportation of raw materials or finished products is one of those tasks that takes on a new complexity when crossing national borders.

Many companies are aware they need some kind of professional help with transporting things but aren't sure what kind of help is called for. Make your best decisions by learning about two useful types of international shipping assistance: freight forwarding and customs brokers.

What Is a Freight Forwarder?

Freight forwarding is a service that takes charge of your international shipment to get it from Point A to Point B.

These aren't freight carriers themselves but rather agents who will oversee the actual work. They are logistics experts who have already navigated the strange waters of international shipping rules and laws. They will prepare the paperwork needed to export or import goods, arrange for its safe transit on land or in the air, and get it to its new home.

Forwarding services also save money for your business. In addition to avoiding unnecessary fees and taxes, forwarders have established relationships with carriers. They can use these to get the best rate and timetable for your shipment.

What Is a Customs Broker?

Where freight forwarding concerns itself with the logistics of moving the actual goods between countries, customs brokers get those goods cleared for exit from and entry to those countries. In the United States, customs brokers must be licensed to work with the CBP (Customs and Border Patrol), so not everyone can offer this specialized service.

A customs broker will prepare a shipment for clearance before it arrives in the port of entry. They have experience in all matters of clearing items through the complex entry requirements, including classifying goods, calculating fees and taxes, filling out security paperwork, and coordinating customs checks.

They also generally act as a liaison between you as the importer and the United States government agencies that oversee everything from firearms to food safety to counterfeiting.

Which Do You Need?

While the services performed by forwarders and customs brokers overlap a bit, they both have a different focus. Which do you need for your shipments? The answer will vary. If you are importing to a foreign country, for example, you may have to work with a customs broker in that country. In this case, hiring a U.S. freight forwarder will ensure smooth operation on the exporting side.

A forwarding service is particularly useful if you're shipping goods that are potentially dangerous, unusually hard to pack safely, have a short shelf life, or have to travel in tricky areas of the world. In these cases, you need professional assistance to get everything there safely.

More often than not, utilizing both services are the best choice. As a new shipper, having experienced assistance is key to making a smooth transition as an international company. These early days are the most fragile and set the tone for your - and your customer's - whole experience in the global arena.

For most companies, hiring the assistance of both a logistics specialist and a customs broker is the right move. Ideally, look for a single company that provides both services. If you do uses separate entities, make sure they will work together successfully.

Are you ready to start preparing your shipments for international travel? At Dolphin Brokerage International , we have more than 30 years of experience navigating the international shipping world. Call today to learn what we can offer your business at this exciting time.

4 Tips for Shipping Perishable Items Internationally

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If your business sells perishable food items, you can expand your customer base by selling your items internationally. One detail that you need to consider is how you will transport your items to your international shoppers.

Though some procedures are similar to those associated with shipping perishable items domestically, there are other factors to keep in mind to optimize your customer satisfaction levels and get your product to its international destination in a cost-effective manner. Here are a few tips to follow when mailing perishable items internationally.

1. Check That You Time Your Shipping Days Correctly

When shipping perishable food items, you may want to avoid shipping dates that occur close to the weekend or holidays that will affect mailing times. If your mailing provider does not deliver on these days, your packages will have additional days added to their shipping times. These extra days may not be a concern for some perishables, but for other items, they can mean the difference between spoiling during transit or arriving to your customers unscathed.

If you decide that you don't want to ship on days preceding the weekend or holidays, make sure that you convey this to your customers so that they will know when to expect their items.

2. Opt for the Right Climate-Controlled Packaging

Climate-controlled packaging is a must when mailing perishable food items. The type of packing that you use varies based on the temperature requirements of your food items. If your items need to be refrigerated, but not frozen, you can ship them with ice packs to keep the temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if you need to keep your items frozen during their journey, you need to swap the ice packs for dry ice. The amount of dry ice that you need to use will depend on how much product you are mailing and the length of time that you need to keep the items frozen.

3. Double Check Your Shipping Charges

When calculating how much to charge your customers for international shipping, make sure that you include all of the expenses associated with shipping perishables internationally. In addition to the shipping fees and cost of keeping the perishables cold, you also need to include the cost of your packaging supplies.

You generally need more supplies to ship perishables, and these supplies tend to be more expensive than other shipping products. Some products commonly used for mailing perishables include Styrofoam boxes, insulated packaging liners, and air-filled insulation liners. You may need to use a combo of products to keep your items protected during the transit process.

4. Outsource the Job to a Professional

There are a slew of rules and regulations that govern international shipping, but these laws increase even more-so when you are shipping perishable food items. Laws frequently change, and sometimes the proper interpretation of existing laws is unclear. Instead of trying to navigate the complexities of shipping your perishables internationally on your own, hire a customs broker who specializes in mailing items to other countries.

You can expect your customs broker to keep track of changing laws regarding the import of items to the countries where you are selling your products. They will also make recommendations regarding packing and shipping services so that you can ship perishables at the lowest possible cost while minimizing the likelihood that your product will spoil or decrease in quality during the shipping process.

Though you don't want to skimp on your mailing procedures, you don't want to spend more than is necessary to safely ship your products. Your customs broker can help you maximize your income by identifying the best mailing practices for your products, including what size box and what packing materials you should use.

Need expert advice for mailing your perishables internationally? Contact us at Dolphin Brokerage International today for assistance with all your shipping and customs needs.

Move Your Retail Business Into the Global Neighborhood

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 14:47:00 GMT

Today's retail businesses don't have to settle for a mediocre local market and limited customer base. In a rapidly developing, interconnected world, your business can serve customers and sell goods all across the globe.

But with all this potential reward come potential risks. The best way to avoid adding problems and stress is to formulate a plan for going worldwide. Follow these steps as you create and execute that plan.

Write an International Plan

Running ahead with any major change in your business can end up costing you time, money, and headaches. Start by writing down a basic plan for managing this transition. Identify what specific goals you have, what benchmarks you want to reach, and what time frame you expect. But don't leave the plan behind once you start doing research and legwork. As you learn more about the process, adjust the international business plan so that it stays relevant.

Focus Your Efforts

Don't scatter your time and energy all around the globe at first. The more you can narrow down your target audience, the better you can prepare for your business's expansion.

If you feel overwhelmed as you start to come up with a simple list of potential markets, start by ruling out countries or regions. Limiting the pool of candidates makes it easier to move on to the serious research phase. You could also define a few parameters, such as regions with a similar culture to or the same language as your home country.

You can research global markets in a few different ways. Look at trade data and statistics, which are often readily available online and through trade organizations. However, this information only gives you a broad picture. Meeting with experts in your new market and getting face-to-face information about the region's challenges and potential is an important second step.

Create a Team of Specialists

The good news is that you don't have to work in a vacuum as you become an international company. Just as you did when starting a business, assemble a team of consultants and professionals to help with specific aspects. Your team should already include your company's law firm and a CPA who's familiar with your business.

In addition, look for international transition specialists, including a globalization consultant and a customs brokerage firm. Customs and shipping is one of the more challenging aspects of international sales, so include brokers experienced in your type of goods and the regions you plan to expand into.

Learn About the New Market

Once you've chosen a market to enter, educate yourself as much as possible. There are two main differences between a home market and a foreign market: culture and law. Understanding the culture helps you learn how to have constructive meetings with local businesses or clients, how to market your product in an acceptable way, and how to demonstrate respect for the region. Learn about the region's history, its language, and its diversity.

Legal challenges can be harder to overcome, so this is where your team of consultants will be key. The brokerage company will help you ship goods within international and local laws; a local lawyer in your target country will help you navigate contracts, payment methods, and business relationships; and a local finance firm can help you avoid tax or governmental entanglements.

Certainly, taking your company international is a complex endeavor. Handled well, it could yield rich rewards for your bottom line and continued growth. Start your journey today by meeting with the international retail experts at Dolphin Brokerage International . With more than 30 years of experience shipping all over the world, we can help you manage your transition into the global neighborhood.

How Much Does International Shipping Cost?

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 05:15:00 GMT

For small businesses, every penny counts when shipping products to international clients. Freight is a constantly changing industry. Therefore, understanding the factors that affect sea freight rates can help you determine the final cost of your products so you can protect your profit margins. Here is a rundown of the various factors that affect the cost of exporting your products overseas.

Supply and Demand

The time of the year has a significant impact on shipping rates. The two main peak seasons for international shipping are from mid-August to mid-October and between January and February when demand for foreign goods is high in China.

During the peak seasons, demand for ocean freight is high, which lowers the availability of marine carriers and results in high ocean freight rates. If you need to send a shipment during peak season, make sure you plan carefully to make sure you get the transportation you need for a reasonable price.

Exchange Rates

To standardize transactions, global trade primarily utilizes the United States dollar. Fluctuations in the US dollar against other currencies and vice versa will affect the cost of exporting your products and may have direct implications for your profits.

For example, when the U.S. dollar is weaker than the currency of the country to which you are shipping, then any international fees you will need to pay may be lower. However, if the U.S. is stronger, then you may have to pay more.

Cargo Size

When shipping overseas, you may opt for less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL) shipping. Each of these shipping methods has its own cost implications.

LCL Shipping

With LCL shipping, exporters share a container. This option is ideal for shipments that are less than 15 cubic meters. When using the LCL method, the carrier calculates the cost of shipping based on the amount of space the product occupies measured in cubic meters. Prices increase with increases in the volume of the cargo.

FCL Shipping

FCL shipping is best for goods lager than 15 cubic meters - such cargo - that can fill up the entire container on its own. The cost of cargo hauled via FCL will vary depending on factors such as supply and demand, currency fluctuations, and the conditions of the chosen trade route among other factors.

Oil Prices

The cost of fueling a ship is among the biggest expenses for shipping companies. As such, any changes in regional and global oil prices will affect the overhead costs and consequently the shipping rates. All other factors being equal, the cost of shipping commodities is lower when oil prices are low and higher when bunker fuel prices increase.

Lower oil prices also mean that more ships are operating instead of remaining dormant. Greater availability of cargo ships minimizes bottlenecks that may otherwise cause shipping companies to increase prices.

Transit Routes

The distance from your homeport to the port where you are shipping the cargo can considerably add to your cost of shipping.

If not chosen properly, the route can result in an unnecessarily long transit, high inventory carrying expenses, and longer lead times - all of which could upset your customers and adversely affect your bottom line. The selection of appropriate transit routes can be a complex undertaking, but an experienced freight forwarder can help you make the right decision based on your business needs.

If you are serious about safeguarding your reputation and your profit margin, you cannot underestimate the importance of working with a reputable freight forwarder to navigate through the maze of sea freight.

At Dolphin Brokerage International , we can help you understand your international shipping options so you can deliver products on time to your international customers at an affordable price. Call us today for a free consultation.

4 Tips to Prevent Customer Dissatisfaction With International Shipping

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 02:28:00 GMT

If you sell products online or through a catalog, you might be hoping to reach out to international customers. This can be a great way to increase your business, but of course, businesses often have concerns with international shipping. For one thing, you probably want to make sure that your customers are happy with the shipping process.

Things can go wrong with shipping in any situation, but this can particularly be a problem with international shipping. If you follow these tips, however, you can help prevent problems and customer dissatisfaction.

1. Work With a Customs Broker

First of all, many companies find that working with a customs broker helps them improve the process of international shipping significantly. A customs broker can help both you and your customers.

One major complaint that many businesses get when it comes to international shipping is the length of time that it takes for them to receive their packages. With the sheer distance that the products have to travel, it makes sense that it would take longer for them to arrive to their destination when they're being shipped halfway around the world.

However, the holdup is often more related to customs than to the distance that the products are being shipped. Every country has different laws about items that can be sent into the country, and many packages are checked by customs as they enter the country.

The good news is that a customs broker will be experienced with international shipping. A customs broker can help you speed up the customs process and avoid any problems.

2. Package Products Properly

Few things can be more disappointing to a customer than opening a package that they have been anxiously waiting for only to find that their item has been damaged. However, when a package is sent to another country, the package might be handled by a lot of people in the process. Somewhere along the way, the package could be handled roughly, and items inside can break or otherwise be damaged.

Even though you might not be able to completely prevent damage, you can use proper packaging for the items you ship. Ensure that boxes and packages are the appropriate size, and avoid packing too many items in one box. Also, use heavy-duty boxes and packaging and utilize protective materials like newspaper or packing peanuts to help provide a cushion.

Also, label boxes that contain fragile items. This labeling can help encourage those who handle the packages to treat them a little more carefully.

3. Be Realistic

You want your customers to be excited about their order, and you might know that listing a long estimated shipping time can be a downer for shoppers. However, be realistic about shipping times when customers are placing orders. Then, customers will know from the beginning that they may have to wait a while before they receive their order.

4. Keep Customers Updated

If your customers have no idea where their packages are, customers might get concerned or upset. Email or otherwise contact customers to let them know when their product has shipped and when the estimated arrival date is to avoid upset customers. Additionally, consider providing tracking information so that customers can check on the status of their packages along the way.

You don't have to steer away from international customers because of shipping-related concerns. Instead, keep these tips in mind so that you can start selling your products to customers from all over the world while having minimal complaints and headaches. If you need help shipping your packages internationally, contact Dolphin Brokerage International of FL, Inc., for experienced help.

Ocean Freight Forwarding: Is It Right for Your Export?

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 01:15:00 GMT

If you have been selling a product in the United States for years and have decided to expand your sales overseas, then you may wonder if you should arrange to have your products shipped by sea or air. While no method of transporting goods internationally is better than another, one may be a better option for your unique business needs.

While you can always change your shipping method when your shipping needs change, read on to learn three signs that ocean shipping is currently a great option for your product.

Your Items Cannot Be Shipped by Air

The first step in deciding whether to export your products by air or sea is determining whether your items are allowed to be shipped by air on U.S. airlines.

Here are just a few of the items that are currently prohibited from being transported on airplanes traveling within and leaving the United States:

Flammable liquids. This includes perfume, air fresheners, insect sprays, etc.
Items containing gases. This includes all aerosol products, light bulbs that contain gases, fire extinguishers, etc.
Flammable powders and solids. This includes magnesium powder, titanium powder, activated carbon, etc.
Corrosive items and liquids. This includes batteries, corrosive chemicals, etc.

This is not an all-encompassing list of items that cannot be shipped by air out of the United States, but just a few examples. Items banned from being shipped by air in the United States are typically a hazard to the health or safety of airline crew or have the potential to damage the airplane itself.

In addition, you must check to see if the country you are shipping your items to allows incoming air shipments of your item. The airlines and governments of countries that allow imports from the United States often have their own air import restrictions.

You Don't Need the Fastest Shipping Option

If you are in a hurry to get your product to your overseas clients, then you should choose air shipping. This is typically the fastest way to export items overseas, since airplanes can travel about 30 times faster than ocean liners.

For example, when shipping freight by sea from a port in Florida to Taiwan, it can take an average of 19 to 61 days for your freight to reach your client in Taiwan, while your shipment may be able to reach your client in a matter of days when you choose air shipping.

However, if you are not in a rush to get your products to their final destination, then shipping by ocean freight may be a better option for you. While your goods may take a little longer to reach their destinations when shipped by sea, this shipment option is typically more affordable, and this affordability can make up for longer shipping times.

You Would Prefer the Most Eco-Friendly Shipping Option

Although over 90 percent of all items shipped internationally throughout the world are shipped by sea, the maritime shipping industry only contributes to 12 percent of all pollution created by activities involved in supporting the economy.

Many ocean shipping companies have reduced their fuel consumption when transporting goods by sea by using a travel method called extra slow steaming. This method of travel reduces the ship carbon dioxide emissions by 43 percent compared to traveling at a faster speed. However, shipping by sea at even traditional speeds typically produces less carbon dioxide pollution than shipping by air.

In addition, the carbon dioxide emitted into the air at high altitudes by airplanes is considered more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide emitted at ground level due to the chemical reaction it creates at this altitude.

If you have been selling products in the United States that you would like to finally introduce into the global economy by exporting them, then realize that ocean freight shipping has its unique benefits. Contact Dolphin Brokerage International for all of your freight forwarding needs.

Air Freight Forwarding for Small Businesses

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 13:22:00 GMT

International exporting and importing are complex processes. The logistics of planning, documentation, insurance claims in the event of a lost or damaged shipment, add up. If you're a small business owner handling your international imports and exports, air freight forwarding is a solution you want to consider.

Air Freight Forwarding

With freight forwarding, a brokerage firm will manage all the storage and shipment needs of your international exports and imports. Although these companies don't ship the loads on their own, they do almost everything else.

For a small business owner like yourself, this level of management will cover everything from transporting shipments from your facility to the departure area to negotiating freight costs for the delivery; freight forwarding is an all-inclusive service.

Small business owners should look at air freight forwarding as an extension of their business that works as an intermediary to satisfy their shipping needs in the most efficient way.

Benefits

Air freight forwarding doesn't just take tasks off your to-do list, but it will also offer additional benefits that manifest in both the short and long term.

Cost Efficiency

Material suppliers generally have two cost structures: retail and wholesale. As a business owner, you understand this because you're often able to take advantage of lower pricing given the size of your orders. International shipments work much the same way. Air freight forwarding companies handle the shipping needs of multiple organizations at one time.

Because all the deliveries are transported under the umbrella of the freight forwarding firm, the size of the shipment gives the company significant leverage when it comes to negotiating the terms of the shipment process.

Whereas you might only be able to negotiate a retail price for your single shipment, the freight forwarding company can leverage a wholesale deal that will save you a sizeable amount of money.

Manageability

As a small business owner, you probably have more tasks to manage than you care to count. When you rely on air freight forwarding, you can lighten your workload.

When you handle your international shipments on your own, not only do you have to plan and prepare for each facet of the journey, but you also have to remain in contact with the representatives that oversee these processes. With air freight forwarding, you only have one point of contact.

Because the freight forwarding firm acts on your behalf, they take on the task of communicating with these different representatives so you can focus your efforts on other areas of your business.

Shipping Efficiency

One of the nuisances of international shipments is the unknown. Sometimes errors delay a shipment, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances take shape, such as a weather event, that send a shipment on an unintended route. The average small business owner doesn't know what to do when faced with these types of challenges. Further, most people don’t have the time to resolve these problems when they come up while also managing other business duties.

Air freight forwarding firms understand that you and your customers have deadlines. Freight forwarders use their industry experience to quickly resolve any shipping errors and reroute shipments as necessary to ensure they arrive as close to your schedule as possible. Increased efficiency will keep your customers happier.

When it comes to air freight forwarding, no business is too small to reap its benefits. If you are a business that participates in the international marketplace, freight forwarding will bring a level of efficiency to your shipping processes.

At Dolphin Brokerage International, we are happy to sit down and discuss your needs , and more importantly, how we can help you satisfy them.

Customs Brokers Can Introduce Your Business to the International Market

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 13:22:00 GMT

In this day and era, your marketplace is as big as you're willing to make it. As a small business located in Florida, you can reach customers all over the world. A decision to enter the international marketplace will expand your brand and may even boost your revenue earnings by as much as 80 percent.

A customs broker can help you enter the world stage successfully. Learn just how a broker can help your small business.

Reach Customers Faster

The international shipping process is both vast and complex. In addition to regulations imposed by the shipping company, the country that you send the shipment to will have their own guidelines for the shipment receipts. If the shipment is traveling by ocean freight, the port will also have its own set of requirements.

An attempt to navigate this web of confusion on your own opens the door to several time-busting mistakes, as even one incorrectly filled-out form can stall a shipment for days and maybe even weeks. Customs brokers don't just understand these complexities, but they have experience with them. It doesn't matter if you are shipping to another business or directly to a consumer, a broker will help you get your shipments into the hands of your customers as quickly as possible. Not only will this partnership give you greater confidence in your shipments, but faster service will give your customers greater confidence in you.

This increase in confidence strengthens your business and its reputation.

Save on Shipping Costs

International shipments have the potential to be just as costly as they are complex, but a customs broker can help increase your profits by keeping your shipping costs lower. International shipments come along with various unavoidable expenses, such as customs duties and inland delivery charges. However, some fees are avoidable.

Take a demurrage fee, for example, which is somewhat of an extended storage cost. All receiving ports have a maximum number of days for which a shipment can remain on hold for free. To highlight just how costly this can be, consider a port with a five-day policy and a $100 daily fee.

If you had four containers at the port for eight days, you would be looking at a demurrage fee of $1,200. The ability to avoid this fee is all about knowing the demurrage policy for the destination port and logistical planning to get your shipment processed and moved from the port as quickly as possible.

Get Tailored Service

Just as the day-to-day needs of your business vary from those of your neighbors and competitors, your international shipment needs also require a level of customization. Customs brokers create relationships with small businesses like yours by learning about the types of products you ship, your brand goals, the needs of your customers and your cost constraints.

This information allows a broker to establish a true sense of what your business needs and is then used to create a shipment plan aimed at exceeding your expectations in each of these areas. This tailoring of service is especially helpful for small businesses with a low volume of shipments.

Generic, one-size-fits-all solutions typically miss the mark by offering and forcing small companies to pay for services they won't benefit from. Customs brokers use their knowledge and network to create shipment plans that only include what you need and not what you don't.

Dolphin Brokerage International is a full-service brokerage firm. From helping you find the best packing solutions for your business needs to facilitating shipments, we can help you reach a global market. We are happy to partner with you to help you meet your business goals.

Reasons to Use a Professional Broker for International Shipping

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 13:20:00 GMT

There are several reasons that you may be in need of international shipping. These could include a change in employment, a student study abroad or an international trip lasting several months or longer.

Regardless of your reason for needing these services, shipping items internationally can become a headache if you don't know customs issues related to the move. This is one reason you should use a professional shipping broker, but here are some other reasons to consider as well.

Entry Procedures

One of the reasons that many people choose to use a professional customs brokerage service is directly linked to the entry procedures for various countries. For the United States, there are several steps, items of paperwork and clearing procedures that must be met before anything can be imported or exported internationally.

This can change at any given time due to security levels for the country or for security directly connected to exporting to other nations. A professional customs brokerage will be aware of any of these entry procedures and requirements that someone in the general public may overlook during shipping.

Admissions and Classification of Items

If you are in the military or if you have shipped larger amounts of items in the past, then you may be familiar with a bill of lading. These forms have you itemize the items being shipped and classify them for proper admission into the area they are being shipped to. This helps the customs workers decide if an item can be admitted into the nation or exported from your current location.

A professional broker will have not only the proper forms for this, but they will also be able to look at your items and let you know immediately if an item will not meet the proper classification for exporting internationally. This knowledge can save you not only time but also expense, as it will prevent you from shipping an item that will only have to be shipped back.

Rates, Fees and Taxes

If you have shipped items in the past, you may be used to shipping smaller packages. These generally require postage and handling fees and are sent on their way through some form of postal service. When you are dealing with larger amounts of items, like a full house of furniture, then the rates as well as the fees and taxes can differ greatly.

In fact, you may be interested to know that each country has their own importation and exportation taxes, and these taxes may vary during the year and according to the type of items being shipped. In addition to these taxes, there are also rates for shipping that may vary according to the type of shipping method you are using.

Packing Services

Yes, it is true that you could crate and pack your own items. The issue with this is that your crating and packing methods may not meet the standards of those required for the country you are shipping the items to.

With that in mind, hiring a professional broker company that also provides packing services can be greatly beneficial. It will help ensure that everything you need is included and that, from packing to shipping, your items will be safe on their journey.

A professional customs brokerage will know the current rates, fees and applicable taxes. This means that when they handle your international shipping and the brokerage of your items, they can give you a more accurate quote to work with. This will allow you to adjust your shipment to fit your budget needs or to at least know what to expect with the shipment and the fees associated with that shipment.

You can now begin to see how using a professional shipping broker may be ideal for your needs. If you are ready to move forward and hire a professional brokerage company, contact a representative from Dolphin Brokerage International today.

5 Tips for Choosing Shipping Crates That Can Handle the Rigors of International Shipping

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 23:53:00 GMT

International air and overseas freight was once an area of shipping limited to mostly large companies, but now even individuals are getting into the shipping business to sell a particularly valuable piece of furniture, artwork, collectible vehicle, or other bulky item.

If you're preparing something special for an overseas trip, crating it individually offers more protection than using plastic wrap. Use these five tips to make sure you choose pre-made or custom crates that meet the demands of international shipping.

Choose Treated Materials

Wood is the most common material used for shipping crates because it balances weight and strength, offering a lighter weight than metal but more strength than cardboard. However, wood can host insects and other pests that spread between countries when the material isn't properly treated.

There are multiple international shipping codes and requirements, such as the ISPM 15, you must comply with to avoid delays, fees and other penalties. The wood used to build your crate must be heat treated according to these standards. The regulations tend to be very specific, such as mandating an assembled crate must be heated again even if it was built with all treated wood.

Working with an experienced shipper broker will ensure you meet these regulations regardless of the crating method you choose.

Consider Plastic Crates

Not sure that you want to deal with so many complex regulations just to use wood crates? Try crating and shipping panels built from a virgin or recycled plastic material instead.

These kinds of crates are durable, reliable, and reusable when you're shipping multiple items spread out over time. The plastic material can't host pests and allows for easier sanitation while in important ports. Plastic does tend to cost more, but it's worth the price for important shipments where damage or loss isn't an option.

Plan for Opening

Regardless of whether you're shipping multiple small packages, a single slab of marble, or an entire vehicle, inspectors will need to open your crate to check that its contents matches it bill of lading and verify there's no contraband or pests hiding inside. For sealed crates, this is often accomplished with drilling to create a peep hole.

Since inspectors often want to make their own openings for a fresh verification, it's easier just to choose a crate built to be opened and sealed again instead. This prevents dozens of small holes from weakening the package. Many inspectors will open a crate regardless of how it's sealed, so a design meant for opening allows for easier sealing when the inspection ends.

Look for Pallet-Style Bases

Many individuals who are new to the art of international shipping learn a little about crates and pallets and start to assume that you're choosing between the two. While that's technically true, the crate still needs a pallet base built into the bottom so it can be lifted safely by forklift.

This requirement is sometimes waived for very small crates that are light enough to lift by hand, but in most cases, the shipping company will prefer that these small packages are loaded onto a larger pallet case despite being crated. Almost all international freight is handled by forklift at some point regardless of size and weight.

Label Independently

Finally, mark any packages inside the crate with clear labeling. Don't rely on the labeling on the crate alone since there's always a chance it becomes damaged in transit and your shipment requires repackaging. Clear labeling prevents items from being lost or separated.

Still not sure what kind of crating you need for your shipment? Give us the details at Dolphin Brokerage International and we'll help you design a solution that is tough enough for the challenges of international freight.

Common International Freight Shipping Mistakes to Avoid

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 15:20:00 GMT

If you've never prepared a freight shipment in the past, or worked with an air or ocean freight forwarding service in the past, chances are the entire process can be very confusing and overwhelming. You've done your best to properly pack and prepare the shipment, and feel confident that it will arrive at its destination without any issue.

Unfortunately, there are several common mistakes that first-time international shippers make, and it can drastically impact the arrival time of your product. Here are a few of those mistakes you need to avoid.

Improperly Packing the Shipment

As a shipper, one of your biggest concerns is ensuring your merchandise arrives at its location with minimal or no damage. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes many international shippers make is also one of the costliest: improperly packaging their merchandise.

It is critical to take the time and spend the money to ensure your package arrives in one piece. Here are a few tips to help you properly package your shipment before it is placed on a cargo ship or plane:

Use sturdy cardboard boxes. Corrugated or heavy-duty boxes are the best option, if you're shipping heavy objects. If you're reusing old boxes, make sure there is no damage.
Correctly package perishable items. If you're shipping perishable items, it is important to package them inside leak-proof bags or boxes.
Don't forget inner packaging. One of the best ways to prevent shipping-related damage is to fill any empty space in the boxes with inner packaging materials, including bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
Only use permanent marker. When labeling the boxes, never use anything besides permanent marker.

It is vital that once you have all the boxes packed, you label them clearly and with the correct address. Many shippers make this common mistake, and it can have a dramatic impact on the timeliness of your shipment.

Finish the process by carefully stack them on pallets, and wrap the pallets and boxes with shrink-wrap. This will keep the boxes secure, and protect them from inclement weather.

Foregoing Insurance

In order to save on costs, you may be considering foregoing freight insurance. This is a horrible mistake because if the merchandise is lost or damage during the trip, you will be liable for the costs. Freight forwarding companies provide you with limited liability insurance. However, there are several outside insurance companies that will offer additional freight insurance, depending on your needs.

For example, if you are shipping your merchandise by sea, there are several inherent dangers that can seriously damage your freight. This includes water damage, sinking, theft, and even piracy. Shipping your cargo by air also places the merchandise to several different perils, such as unexpected weather.

Don't hesitate to look into a variety of different insurance providers until you can find a price that fits your budget.

Not Shopping Around for the Best Freight Forwarding Provider

Finally, because this is your first experience with freight forwarding, chances are you are looking for a variety of ways to save money, and find a service that is reliable. One of your first resources might be other individuals in your industry. However, before you utilize a freight forwarding service simply because it was recommended by a peer, it's important to do your homework to find a provider that will work for your unique needs.

Shipping a large order by sea or air with the help of a freight forwarding service for the first time can be tricky, and a little confusing. If you have any additional questions about the process of shipping freight overseas, including how to properly pack your boxes, the paperwork involved, or purchasing additional freight insurance, don't hesitate to contact the professionals at Dolphin Brokerage International.