When shipping products overseas, it’s important to find a shipping company that can handle the job safely and efficiently. Many shipping companies are out there, but not all of them are created equal. So how do you find the right one for your needs? Here are some things to consider.
Where Is Your Package Going?
When researching, the first thing you need to think about is the location you’re sending your package. Many people conduct shipping to New Zealand from the UK hence you need to find the best one that will make this trip. This will also narrow down your options when it comes to sending out a package.
Think how far your package is going. If it’s traveling a long way, you want to make sure that the company you choose has a good reputation for shipping internationally. Do some research and read reviews from other customers who have shipped with different companies. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best company for your needs.
What Are You Shipping?
It’s also essential to think about what you’re sending out to sea and how the company can protect your items. If what you’re shipping is valuable, rare, or one-of-a-kind, you’ll want to find a company that specializes in handling those types of items. The container your item(s) will be shipped in will also play into which company you use as some are better equipped to handle certain types and sizes of containers than others.
The size and weight of what you’re sending will also be a big deciding factor on which international shipping company to use. If what you’re shipping is large or overweight, it may need to be shipped via freighter which limits your choices considerably. On the other hand, if what you’re shipping is relatively small, you’ll have many more options available to you.
If what you’re shipping is considered dangerous or hazardous, you’ll need to find a company that is licensed and insured to handle those types of items. The last thing you want is for your shipment to be turned away or confiscated because the company you chose couldn’t or didn’t handle hazardous materials.
Speed
Another huge concern you should have when looking for an international shipping company is speed. How quickly does the company ship? Do they have express options? If you need your product delivered fast, you don’t want to use a company that takes weeks to ship. Consider speed as a way to find the top international shipping company for you.
If it can’t be delivered on time, it doesn’t matter how cheap the shipping is. You need to be able to count on your international shipping company to get your product to you when you need it. That’s why speed is such an important factor.
When looking for an international shipping company, make sure to find one that offers fast shipping times and express options.Â
Get Multiple QuotesÂ
Make sure to ask for quotes from a lot of companies and then compare them. When comparing, pay attention to the following things:
- The price of shipping
- The estimated time of arrival
- The company’s reputation
- If the company offers insurance
- What kind of customer service the company offers
Do some research on the companies you’re considering. See if they have any negative reviews. If they do, see how the company responds to those reviews. This will give you a good idea of what kind of customer service they have.
Once you’ve done your research and you’ve compared the quotes, you should be able to find the top international shipping company for you.
Read ReviewsÂ
Reviews give valuable insight into a company’s reliability, quality of service, and price. When reading reviews, be sure to pay attention to the details and look for patterns. A few bad reviews here and there are not necessarily indicative of a poor company, but if you see multiple complaints about the same issue, it could be cause for concern.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some companies may pay for positive reviews, so always take them with a grain of salt. The best way to get an accurate picture is to read a mix of positive and negative reviews.
Check CredentialsÂ
Of course, you have to be sure the shipping company isn’t fraudulent or unreliable, so checking credentials is an important step. The best way to do this is to check with the government branches in your country dedicated to ensuring only legal operations are active and make sure the company has a good rating. You can also look for online reviews from other customers. If you’re working with a broker, they should be able to provide you with references from past clients.
Shipping items is something millions do every day and finding a reliable company who will do this for you is essential. Consider where you’re sending the package and what’s in it. Consider how many days it will take the company to carry it over to see if they’ll make it on time. Get multiple quotes to compare and read reviews. Finally, make sure to check the credentials of each company you’re considering!
