Before the pandemic, most consumers and many businesses were blissfully unaware of the steps involved in getting toilet paper into the supermarket. Today, everyone is talking about supply chain disruptions as they forecast and plan their upcoming purchases, closely following news of container backups as they plot out their buying strategies.
Even local businesses for whom talk of international shipping and port congestion did not seem to apply came to realize that their operations were affected by shortages of packing materials, display cases and machinery parts. It seems like everyone is feeling the effects of the supply chain disruptions. Here are some tips on best practices in international shipping, especially for those who until recently had never considered themselves importers or exporters.
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If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Look critically at promises of cheaper rates and faster delivery times. Bait-and-switch tactics are running rampant, so choose providers who you can trust to quote you realistic freight prices, transit times and service.
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Bigger is not always better. There are pros and cons to utilizing the services of international shipping companies over local freight forwarders. Working with partners who are actively rooting for your success means your shipments won’t fall off the grid.
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Remember the phone? Make sure your logistics partners do, too! Choose companies that you can reach personally if a shipment goes awry. All the technology in the world cannot help you if your shipment has been selected for a customs exam or has been bumped from its flight.