New to Shipping Logistics? A Quick Insight Into Shipping Effectively

Shipping logistics can be a confusing whirlwind of tasks, regulations, and fees — no matter what size operation you’re running. Sometimes it can feel as though you have control over every other aspect of your business, but when it comes to shipping, you’re lost at sea. And, unfortunately, we don’t just mean that figuratively. The good news is that shipping doesn’t have to be complicated. Even if you’re just starting out, there are ways to ensure that your deliveries get to their destinations quickly and efficiently.

Lock down a shipping strategy
Nothing is set in stone and you can always come back at a later date to tweak your shipping strategy, but it’s important that you have one in place. There are a few considerations to make when determining what your strategy will look like.

• Rates: How do you plan on paying for the shipping? Will it be handled completely by the customer? Will you pay for some or all of it? Typically, overnight or two-day shipping will cost 50% or more of the standard delivery rate. You need to consider what is best for your business and your budget. Remember, you can always go back and change it.
• Weights: Knowing how much your products weigh will help you determine shipping costs and will allow you to keep your customer in the loop.
• Shipping method: You have numerous shipping methods depending on the service you choose to handle your packages. Cargo companies might offer expedited shipping for the same price that USPS offers standard shipping.
• Packaging: Are you going to use generic packaging offered by shipping companies or will you use branded packaging?

The complicated stuff
Shipping isn’t always as easy as boxing it up and sending it off. Sometimes, you’re going to run into a few hiccups along the way. Taxes, international fees and customs, regulations, weight restrictions, and processing fees are just a few things that can surprise you and delay your package reaching the customer. That’s true whether you’re delivery a single pair of socks or massive bulldozers. Yet using cargo companies or freight forwarding companies can alleviate much of these headaches for you.

There are many other considerations you should make regarding shipping logistics, but you have multiple resources that can be of assistance. Freight forwarders can offer door to door delivery, international shipping, and can take care of everything for you. Don’t feel as though you’re in it alone; find a partner who can assist you with your shipping needs.

Looking to ship to the Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, Miami, Latin America, and Venezuela? Then contact JML corporation to talk to our experienced international shipping agents in the USA.