Shipping is the final stage of a product's eCommerce journey. There are now plenty of options for shipping items, which is convenient for many online shoppers, as they can now buy products anywhere from all over the globe, thanks to the rapid growth of eCommerce.
If you are a new online merchant, you need to know specific shipping and mailing terms to make transactions easier. It will also help you find a good shipping company that provides reliable shipping and receiving services. Read on to learn the shipping and mailing service: the ABC of basic shipping terms!
Advice of Shipment
It is a notice to the local or foreign buyer or receiver if the shipment has already been forwarded. It indicates the information regarding the transportation and eCommerce shipping, including the details of the packing, routing, etc.
Bill of Lading
It consists of detailed information about the shipment, such as quantity, type, and destination, often serving as the receipt.
Coverage Protection
It refers to the insurance policy that protects a parcel or package from any unforeseen mishap or accident, including damage or loss while in transit. The carrier will provide reimbursement through processing of claims.
Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
Before the seller ships the items, they and the customer will agree that the seller assumes the responsibility to process goods transport until they reach an agreed-upon destination. This delivery agreement is called Delivery Duty Paid or DDP. In most cases, the buyer benefits most because the seller shoulders the liability and shipping costs.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
The shipping company provides an estimated time when the end receiver should receive the items. This time frame is called the Estimated Time of Arrival or ETA, and it helps the customers know when to expect their products.
Free Trading Agreement (FTA)
It is a special consignment between two or more nations to lessen the restrictions for imports and exports among them. The policy makes sure that goods and services can be bought and sold across overseas borders with little to no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions between their exchange.
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
Hazardous materials or Hazmats are substances that pose plausible health, property, or environmental risks. You can interchange this word with dangerous goods, including toxic fuels, nuclear waste products, and other chemical agents. These products are banned from entering one's country or are FDA-regulated unless you obtain a special permit.
In Transit
When you see that your package is already in transit, it means that your items are already processed and on their way to you or their final destination.
Live Support
Live support refers to customer service offered in real-time to help solve any shipping problems. Whether domestic or international trade, having live support will help a business increase customer satisfaction.
Methods
This refers to either payment or shipping methods. The seller can impose the former on the customer during payment. However, you can also use it in what mail service you want to get, like priority mail, priority mail express, or regular shipping.
Net Weight
It is the parcel's total weight, including the box or packaging. Net weight can also be one of the *variable costs to calculate for the shipping cost.
Online Tracking
Online tracking allows sellers and customers to keep track of their parcels through an online interface. It also includes the estimated delivery time of the parcel to arrive at its final destination.
Profit Margin
The amount by which the business's income exceeds its outgoing expenses. Profit margin is important to know the flow of your business's revenue flow.
Quota
This may refer to the number of goods allowed to be imported in a certain period. It can also mean the seller and the shipping company's agreement on how many parcels they need to send to get discounts and special promos.
Return Policy
This indicates what items the customer can return and the time duration of returns or exchanges.
Surcharge
A surcharge is a charge added on top of the base cost of moving goods. Shipping surcharges can be added during residential delivery, delivery outside of regular service areas, and weekend delivery. Furthermore, some shipping companies also charge the sellers fuel, handling surcharges, and declared value surcharges.
Tariff and Tax
Also known as customs duty, a tariff is imposed upon export goods as they cross national boundaries by the importing country. Meanwhile, tax is set on the buyers purchasing the goods.
USPS and UPS
United States Postal Service or USPS is meant to mail small packages faster and more cost-effectively. On the other hand, United Parcel Service (UPS) is a publicly-traded company and the largest package delivery company globally and is often confused with USPS.
Variable Cost
Shipping fees aren't the same for all buyers and items, and that is because of variable cost changes. These are factors that shipping companies consider in the shipping fee, including the distance and package's weight or dimensions.
Waybill
A waybill includes information on the goods that need to be delivered. It indicates the carrier, the destination, and the type of service.
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Stallion Express is the leading and cheapest courier for documents and other items within Canada, the United States, and internationally! We let Canadian online sellers compete with US sellers by providing the most efficient and cost-effective postage option.
We have numerous shipping partners to accommodate your every shipping needs!
Canadian Shipping
Canada Post, Stallion Economy Canada, and UPS
US Shipping
USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Stallion Economy USA
International Shipping
APC Logistics, PostNL, USPS International
Furthermore, we offer various services, such as:
- Amazon FBA
- User-friendly integrations
- Stallion Protection Policy
- Easy return policy
- High-quality shipping materials
Stallion Express can also help you understand shipping and mailing service: The ABC of basic shipping terms. You can also find other related articles on our website to understand Stallion Express more.