International Freight Shipping | DHL | Global

Did you know that nearly 90% of the world’s goods travel by sea transportation? Between 1980 and 2022, the tonnage of container ships grew from about 11 million metric tons to roughly 293 million metric tons!

International freight delivery is the backbone of global trade. But if you're new to it, the process can seem overwhelming. However, shipping goods across borders doesn’t have to be a complex headache. In fact, with the right guidance, you can master it.

So, are you a business shipping products globally or just curious? Understanding international freight delivery will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. 

Let’s get started already!

What Is International Freight Delivery?

International freight delivery is how goods are transported from one country to another. It’s a multi-step process involving various modes of transport, customs clearance, and, often, coordination between different companies. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be.

Think of it as getting your favorite product from point A to point B but on a global scale. The journey involves more than just throwing your package onto a plane. There's a precise sequence of steps to ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how international freight delivery works:

1. Pick up the goods from their origin, usually a warehouse or factory.
2. Transportation to a departure point, like an airport or seaport.
3. After clearing export customs, the goods are shipped to their destination.
4. Upon arrival, the goods go through customs again and then reach the recipient.

Also Read: Top Logistics Companies in India - A 2024 Review

Pretty cool, right? And it gets even more interesting when you explore the different ways your goods can travel.

Modes of Transport in International Freight Delivery

You can choose from several transport options depending on your shipment’s size, urgency, and budget. Each mode has unique advantages tailored to different business needs:

1. Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods internationally. This makes it ideal for time-sensitive deliveries like medical supplies, high-value electronics, or luxury items. Although it’s the most expensive option, it ensures rapid delivery when urgency is critical. Air freight is commonly used for high-priority goods.

2. Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective choice when shipping large, bulky items such as cars, furniture, or industrial machinery. While it's significantly slower than air freight, it’s perfect for bulk shipments where speed is not essential. Ocean freight is widely used for international deliveries that require moving heavy or large quantities of goods across borders at a lower cost.

3. Road Freight

Road freight is common for short-to-medium distance shipments, especially for cross-border trade between neighboring countries like India and Nepal. It is reliable, widely available, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for regional shipping. Businesses use road freight to move goods efficiently overland without the need for international air or sea transport.

4. Rail Freight

Rail freight is a dependable and cost-efficient option for long-distance shipping, especially within continents and landlocked regions. It’s ideal for transporting heavy goods over vast distances, and it's also eco-friendly.

5. Intermodal Freight

Intermodal freight combines multiple transportation modes like road, rail, and sea for ultimate flexibility. This method allows businesses to optimize routes, balancing speed and cost, and is perfect for complex international shipments that require efficiency and flexibility. Intermodal freight offers the advantage of seamless coordination between various transport methods.

Also Read: International and Global Shipping Services

Steps in International Freight Delivery

Shipping internationally involves a series of critical steps to ensure your goods arrive safely and on time. Here is an easy way to understand this -

Let’s dive into the steps involved in international freight delivery:

1. Export Haulage

This is the first step, where goods are picked up from the warehouse or factory and transported to the departure point, typically a port or airport. Trucks are most commonly used to ensure the shipment reaches its first checkpoint safely.

2. Export Customs

Your goods must pass through export customs at the departure point. This involves submitting required documentation, paying necessary fees, and sometimes undergoing inspections. Accurate paperwork is crucial to avoid delays or penalties.

3. Transportation

Once cleared, your goods begin their international journey. Depending on your speed, cost, and distance needs, they travel via your chosen mode—air, sea, rail, or road. The actual movement of goods across borders is the heart of the process.

4. Import Customs

Upon arrival in the destination country, your shipment enters into import customs. Here, it must be cleared, which can involve paying tariffs, taxes, and undergoing inspections. Timely clearance is essential for a smooth handover to the recipient.

5. Import Haulage

After clearing customs, the final step is transporting the goods from the port or airport to the recipient’s location. Import haulage is typically done by trucks or local delivery services. Once delivered, your international freight journey is complete!

Also Read: Global Container Index And Freight Shipping Rates - Pazago

Key Participants in International Freight Delivery

There are several key players in the game, each with a vital role to ensure smooth delivery:

1. International Freight Forwarders

International freight forwarders are your go-to people, managing the entire process from start to finish. They make sure your shipment reaches its destination without a hitch.

2. Global Logistics Companies

These companies offer a full suite of freight services, from warehousing to transportation. They cover the entire supply chain.

3. Customs Brokers

These experts handle all the necessary customs paperwork and ensure your goods comply with the regulations in both the origin and destination countries.

4. Freight Marketplaces

A freight marketplace is like a matchmaking service for your shipment. They help you find the best shipping quotes from different providers to ensure you get the best deal.

Also Read: Logistics and Freight Payment Software Solutions

When to Use International Freight Delivery Services

You might be wondering, “Do I always need international freight delivery services?” Here are some scenarios where they’re a must:

• Expanding your business to global markets
• Importing essential products that aren’t available locally
• Shipping high-value or time-sensitive items (think electronics or pharmaceuticals)
• Large-scale exports like machinery, vehicles, or bulk raw materials

Also Read: Distinguishing International Trade And International Business

While it may seem expensive, international freight delivery is often the only way to keep your global supply chain running smoothly. But there is always a solution for everything, right?

How to Lower International Freight Delivery Costs

Let’s talk money! International freight delivery can be expensive, but with a few smart strategies, you can keep those costs in check:

1. Balance Speed and Cost

If your delivery isn’t time-sensitive, consider choosing ocean freight instead of air. Ocean freight takes longer but can save you significant shipping costs, especially for bulk shipments.

2. Optimize Volume and Weight

The smaller and lighter your shipment, the lower the cost. To make your shipment more cost-effective, streamline packaging and minimize wasted space.

3. Correct Documentation

Properly filled-out paperwork is crucial in international freight delivery. Document inaccuracies can cause delays and hefty fines, so double-check everything before shipping.

4. Durable Packaging

Investing in sturdy packaging reduces the risk of damage or loss during transit. It ensures your goods arrive safely, avoiding potential claims or replacement costs.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t rush into choosing a freight provider. Request quotes from different companies or use freight marketplaces to compare prices and services to get the best value for your shipment.

Also Read: Understanding The Meaning And Impact Of Freight 'To Pay Basis

Getting Started with International Freight Delivery

Feeling ready to dive in? Here’s how you can get started with international freight delivery:

1. Set Up Your Process

The first step is deciding how you’ll handle your shipping. You can either manage it internally or hire a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Managing in-house gives you full control, while 3PLs can handle the complexities and free up your time.

2. Choose Your Transport Method

Select the transport mode that suits your goods, budget, and deadlines. If time is a factor, air freight might be your best option. Sea, rail, or road freight could offer better value for bulk or less urgent deliveries.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Accurate paperwork is key to avoiding delays. To keep your shipment moving smoothly, ensure all customs forms, invoices, and shipping documents are complete and compliant with the destination country’s regulations.

4. Get the Right Partner

Partnering with the right freight forwarder or logistics company can make all the difference. Choose someone experienced in international shipping who can handle everything from documentation to customs clearance, ensuring a hassle-free process.

Also Read: Understanding Ex Works (EXW) Incoterm In International Trade

Now, what if you could take all that knowledge and hand it over to experts who handle everything for you? That’s where Pazago comes in.

Why Choose Pazago for Your International Freight Delivery?

Pazago is the solution for businesses looking for stress-free international freight delivery. Whether it’s handling customs, securing the best rates, or ensuring your goods arrive safely, Pazago has you covered.

How Pazago Can Help:

• Digital Trade Management: Streamline your entire trade process from procurement to fulfillment with clear communication channels.
• Efficient Order Handling: Eliminate paperwork and centralise information to manage purchase orders swiftly and effectively.
• Proactive Planning: Get notifications and auto-reminders to plan your inventory and processes, avoiding delays and bottlenecks.
• Centralised Communication: Bring all key parties into one conversation with Pazago's Inbox, making trade discussions clear and efficient.
• Document Management: Create, manage, and collaborate on critical trade documents like quotations and certificates of origin, all in one secure place.
• Real-Time Cargo Tracking: Monitor shipments globally with just a BL number, covering over 180 shipping companies in 110+ countries.
• Seamless Payment Processing: Enjoy quick international payments with priority clearance and low Forex rates, receiving funds in three hours.
• Reliable Logistics: Access cost-effective cross-border logistics with seamless customs clearance, including ocean shipping and in-land transportation.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Secure your shipments with digital insurance options, offering easy claims without unnecessary paperwork.

Pazago is your go-to platform for simplifying global trade operations. It’s the all-in-one solution for businesses looking to enhance their international trade efficiency.

So, if you are still looking for international freight delivery services, look no further—choose Pazago Today!

Also Read: Understanding the Advantages and Importance of Supply Chain Integration