The Ultimate Guide to International Priority Shipping

International shipping for small online businesses was quite impossible back then, as most shipping providers had limited shipping options. Furthermore, it was a lot expensive too. Finding the right opportunities for your business is somehow dreading and frustrating. Some lose hope in coveting that much-awaited break, only to find that it will take them one step back from their dreams. Good thing, technology has helped many entrepreneurs to adapt to transitions and continuously develop their brand. Additionally, more online stores gained more chances to succeed internationally as shipping companies offered more delivery options.

Suppose you are an online entrepreneur seeking an opportunity to sell your items abroad. Why not look at this ultimate guide to international priority shipping and see if it matches your shipping goals.

The Meaning of International Priority Shipping

It is one of the more expensive yet faster shipping options offered by shipping companies. The only difference between this option and the services is it does not have stop-overs. But overall, it goes through the same process and needs the exact requirements.

Customs Regulation

Customs is the government department administering and collecting duties levied on imported goods. It can also occur at a port, airport, or border crossing where officials inspect incoming goods, passengers, or luggage. Each country has customs regulations that other nations follow, mainly when exporting commodities. Most shipping companies do not ship packages under a prohibited or restricted list, regardless if you have a special permit or not. So, it is better to check the list before shipping your products.

Prohibited Products

The items you can commonly see in a restricted or prohibited products list are listed below:

- Animals and Animal-Related Products

- Medication and Medical/Dental Equipment

- Plant or Agricultural Products

- Cosmetics

- Electronics

- Blades and Knives

Customs Delays

Submitting complete requirements is not enough to make your shipping a success. You have to input the correct details as returns and delays can happen. Note that customs delays happen for several reasons, but the most common one would be improper documentation. It usually occurs for the following reasons:

a. Incorrect Contact, Packing, and Payment Information

b. Incorrect Classification of Goods

c. Incorrect Value

d. Incorrect Product Description

e. Sending Prohibited and Dangerous Goods

Taxes and Duty

Rather than being imposed directly on individuals or corporations, such as income or property taxes, a duty is imposed on specific commodities, financial transactions, estates, etc. But regardless if you opt for priority shipping or not, you still have to settle a particular amount of taxes and duty.

Steps for International Shipping

While many people think that international shipment is confusing, it is quite the opposite. However, express mail for businesses requires more steps than shipping for the individual package. You only have to follow some steps to complete the process:

1. Export Haulage

It delivers the product from the shipping provider to the international forwarder's location. The transit process is dependent on the products shipped and the agreement between the shipper and the consignee. The freight forwarder enters the picture only if the consignee is in charge of the entire international shipment process. Otherwise, a local shipping company will handle the export haulages.

2. Clear Export Customs

Prior to actually leaving the country, a shipment must clear all customs requirements. A customs professional organizes and submits the shipping files to the customs office. The shipping company can use an international forwarder with licensed customs agents or a customs house broker assigned to their shipment. The shipment is ready for export handling once the declaration and customs clearance is completed.

3. Export Handling

Export handling prepares the shipment for overseas transportation by boat or plane. It entails combining multiple loads into a single shipping container (if necessary), transporting containers to ports, and loading containers onto a ship or aircraft. While the international forwarder will oversee the process, the shipper and consignee will decide which forwarding company to contact and who will pay for it.

4. Ocean or Air Freight

The method of transportation, whether it is transported by air or sea, depends on the particular shipping requirement. However, air freight costs more than ocean freight (the cheapest option). It is also faster than the latter.

5. Clear Import Customs

The country where you will send the shipment has its laws and regulations. The appointed qualified customs agents will file the needed documentation, but until then, the load will be in a custom-bound warehouse.

6. Import Handling

It transports cargo from the plane or ship to the final destination warehouse. It, too, includes unloading containers, transporting them from a port to a warehouse, and preparing the shipment for the consignee. The freight forwarder will first handle and settle the import handling costs, which the sender or consignee will refund.

7. Import Haulage

The final step in international shipping is import haulage, which occurs when the cargo leaves the warehouse for collection by the consignee. During this process stage, the freight forwarder or local transportation company will deliver the shipment.

It might seem a pretty long job for a small business like yours. Furthermore, there are additional costs on top of the international priority shipping option you want to choose. So, find a shipping partner, like Stallion Express, to make the shipment process easy and cost-efficient.

Transit Time

If you think of how long international priority shipping takes, priority mail international or priority mail express international has a shorter delivery time than international economy services. Typically, the national carrier takes a minimum of six days before the overseas customer receives their parcel. This shipping period is two days delayed compared to the delivery time offered by Stallion Express.

Stallion is a credible shipping company in Canada. It offers the lowest shipping cost and faster delivery time. In fact, they ship two days earlier than its competitors, allowing a customer abroad to receive their packages at shorter delivery times.

Shipment Protection

Insurance and shipment protection is essential as unexpected incidents can happen during transit, especially for international shipments. It can be your safety net for any damaged or lost items. While you may think it is an additional cost, you have more advantages in getting shipment protection. Stallion Protection by Stallion Express is an in-house shipment protection program you can avail yourself of for any accident. However, you can only purchase this perk if you ship your package through Stallion.

Shipping Option

When you opt for Stallion, you have the opportunity to choose among the top international shipping companies; APC Postal Logistics and PostNL. You can have varying delivery options depending on the recipient's location. However, PostNL is only available in the British Columbia Stallion Branch, while APC is available in both regions.

This is just a quick snap about these shipment providers, so you know what to choose.

APC Postal Logistics

APC's main strength is international shipping, so that you can expect the best shipping services. They can help you improve your eCommerce business, broaden your reach, and enhance your service. They ship to over 100 countries worldwide and offer different options, class package international and class mail international.

Post NL

PostNL provides innovative international services to its customers, especially entrepreneurs. They can offer you safe and secure eCommerce shipping solutions at affordable prices.

You can also check Amazon Global for other shipping options if you are selling as an Amazon FBA seller. You can find an international priority shipping Amazon option you opt for.

All About Stallion Express

One advantage Stallion can provide you is convenience. You don't have to process the international mail or go to the post office yourself, as Stallion can do it on your behalf. Furthermore, you are guaranteed an 85% discount for every parcel you ship.

Check our website for more information.