Whether you’re running an eCommerce business or just want to send something to a friend, you need to make sure that you do everything right. The process can be daunting, but not if you know what you’re doing. This guide will be all you need to know about shipping products from overseas to the US. 

If you are shipping something from overseas to the US, things can go wrong. There’s not much that can be more frustrating. It can get lost or you could find out that you do not have some important documentation you need for customs clearance.

First of all, you will need to get familiar with the local laws. The last thing you want is to get into legal troubles. There are tools for country-specific regulation that can be a great way to know all the minute details necessary before sending off a package. 

Now, before packing your parcel and sending it for the US there are a few things that you should know. 

Choosing The Type of Freight 

There are typically two types of freight. You have the palletized freight and non-palletized freight.

Palletized Freight 

Those who are looking to ship things in a protected way can opt for palletized freight. Each pallet and its contents are considered as a single piece.  

If you choose to go with a shipping company, your company will pack all the things neatly into pallets. Palletized freight makes it easy for large items and will also help you save on labor costs too. Plus, ports used forklifts. So, it makes things easier for them as well.

Non-Palletized Freight 

For loose items, non-palletized for loose items is the best way to go. If you choose non-palletized freight, each loose item will be considered as one piece. 

The Paperwork

One of the most tedious things you need to do is perhaps deal with the paperwork. But these are important to ensure everything works perfectly. Some important documents you might need to sort out are: 

• Inward Cargo Manifest
• Bill of Lading 
• Commercial Invoice 
• Packing List
• Customs Invoice 

Each of the documents has its method of writing and serves different purposes. For example, a customs invoice will have a clear description of the package and more. On the other hand, a commercial invoice will state the actual value of your goods when it reaches the US border.

Duties

Taxes or duties are put on goods when importing or exporting to the US. This is done for several reasons. One reason is to monitor what gets brought into the country, as well as to protect the economy of the country as well. 

Depending on what you are sending, the tax or tariff can vary. So, make sure you know what rates apply to your particular package. Some items are also restricted or prohibited. 

Restricted – Items that need a special permit

• Meat 
• Meat products
• Firearms
• Plants
• Seeds
• Soil 
• Fruits and vegetables
• Hunting trophies
• Cultural artifacts

These are some of the items, not all. But it should give you an idea. 

Prohibited – Cannot be shipped under any circumstances

• Items made from dog or cat fur
• Gold from countries like Sudan, Cuba, Libya, Syria and more

You can click here if you want a full breakdown of the things you cannot ship in the US.

Type of Shipping Methods

When shipping to the US from overseas, you also need to think about which method you want to utilize. You have three choices. It could be either air freight, sea shipping or freight forwarding.  It all comes down to which makes the most business sense.

Air Freight

This is the fastest way of shipping. Typically this can be done in as little as 2 weeks, which can make a big difference if you’re up against a deadline.

This method is also very useful when there are delays at ports like there are at the time this article was written. If you have the resources, this option definitely has its perks.

Sea Shipping

Sea shipping is the most cost effective option. It allows you to save significantly compared to air freight but the disadvantage is that it is slow. You can expect to wait between 4-8 weeks for your inventory to arrive. 

There might be more paperwork involved as well. But all in all, it is a good choice for most businesses even with the additional paperwork.

Freight Forwarding

This is also another good way to ship to the US from overseas. Freight forwarders can negotiate on your behalf and offer a lower rate. They will also take care of all the paperwork for you. 

This can save you the time and hassle of doing it yourself. However, it is always recommended you still do your research.

The Paperwork Is Not All of It

International shipping and the rapid growth of technology and globalization have definitely made it easier to ship overseas. However, a business should not overlook the strategy behind it. Without a cohesive strategy, you will be wasting resources. 

Having an international shipping strategy is crucial. The what and where is important. How does shipping impact your business’s bottom line? Is the product you are thinking of shipping a fit for the market.