Worldwide Exporter Original Guide
International Shipping and Freight Guide for Exporters and B2B Buyers
Freight planning should start before production finishes. Packaging dimensions, cargo weight, Incoterm, pickup location and required delivery date can change the most practical shipping option and the total landed cost.
Choose transport mode based on the shipment
Air freight is generally faster but more expensive, while sea freight is often more economical for larger or heavier cargo. Road, rail and multimodal options may be appropriate depending on the route.
Calculate chargeable dimensions early
Freight can be priced using actual weight, volumetric weight, container space or other chargeable measures. Oversized packaging can increase freight cost even when the product itself is light.
Match packaging to the transport risk
Consider stacking, vibration, moisture, repeated handling and storage. Use suitable cartons, crates, pallets, drums, liners, cushioning and moisture protection for the product.
Clarify Incoterm responsibilities
Know who books the freight, pays origin charges, arranges insurance, handles customs and bears destination charges. The named place or port matters.
Prepare shipping instructions carefully
Provide correct shipper, consignee, notify party, product description, package count, weight, marks, ports and special handling instructions to the forwarder.
Understand landed cost
The buyer's landed cost can include product price, origin charges, freight, insurance, destination handling, customs duty, taxes, brokerage, storage and inland delivery.
Plan for delays
Build reasonable time for production, inspection, cargo booking, customs clearance, transshipment and destination delivery. Do not promise a final delivery date based only on carrier transit time.
Review documents before departure
Correcting a document after cargo departure can be difficult or expensive. Review drafts where possible before final issuance.
Frequently asked questions
When is air freight better than sea freight?
Air is often suitable for urgent, high-value or lighter shipments, while sea freight is commonly more economical for larger cargo.
What is landed cost?
It is the total cost of getting goods to the buyer's intended location, including charges beyond the supplier's unit price.
Should freight be planned after production?
No. Early freight planning helps optimize packaging, Incoterm, timing and cost.
Continue on Worldwide Exporter
Use this guide as a planning resource, then browse products, discover suppliers and companies, explore B2B categories or read the official Worldwide Exporter platform guide. For regulated, legal, customs or banking decisions, verify current requirements with the relevant official authority or qualified professional.