Worldwide Exporter Original Guide
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editorial Team
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 change both the practical mode and the total landed cost.
1. Choose transport mode for the shipment
- Sea freight — usually economical for heavier or higher-volume cargo
- Air freight — faster for urgent, high-value or lighter shipments
- Road / rail / multimodal — corridor dependent, useful for regional moves
Compare total door-to-door time, not only port-to-port transit days published by carriers.
2. Calculate chargeable weight early
Air and some LCL pricing use the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Oversized packaging can raise freight even when the product is light. Share outer carton sizes with your forwarder before locking customer delivery promises.
3. Match packaging to transport risk
Consider stacking strength, vibration, moisture, repeated handling and storage time. Use suitable cartons, crates, pallets, drums, liners, desiccants and edge protection. Mark center-of-gravity and handling symbols where needed.
4. Clarify Incoterm responsibilities
Know who books the main carriage, pays origin charges, arranges insurance, handles export/import customs and bears destination terminal charges. Always write the Incoterm with the named place or port. See the FOB vs CIF vs EXW guide.
5. Prepare clean shipping instructions
- Shipper, consignee and notify party exact names
- Product description consistent with invoice
- Package count, net/gross weight, dimensions
- Ports/airports, sailing preference, special handling
6. Build a landed-cost view
Landed cost can include product price, origin charges, freight, insurance, destination handling, duty, taxes, brokerage, storage and inland delivery. Use the landed cost checklist.
7. Plan buffers for delay
Allow time for production, inspection, cargo booking, customs, transshipment and destination delivery. Do not promise a final delivery date based only on carrier transit time.
8. Review documents before departure
Correcting a bill of lading or certificate after sailing is often slow and expensive. Review drafts when the commercial structure allows.
Frequently asked questions
When is air freight better than sea freight?
Air often suits urgent, high-value or lighter shipments; sea is commonly more economical for larger cargo.
What is landed cost?
The total cost of getting goods to the intended location, including charges beyond the supplier unit price.
Should freight be planned after production?
No. Early planning optimizes packaging, Incoterm, timing and cost.