The numerous international shipping companies available on the internet can make choosing the perfect one, overwhelming at best. According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), approximately 90% of global shipping is a result of international shipping. International shipping companies’ importation and exportation of affordable goods and services allow consumers to access these goods quickly and easily.
In 2017, the sea shipping industry was valued at $12 trillion USD, with container trade making up 60% of all seaborne trade. International shipping companies continue to grow each year, as international shipping expands. Best of all, international shipping by sea is the most-environmentally friendly form of commercial transport. Shipping by freight and air is available as well.
Various international shipping companies are available throughout North America. Do not hesitate to call one today.
Types of International Shipping
Various types of international shipping exist.
- International Ocean Freight Shipping – International ocean freight shipping is one of the most common ways to ship goods. Goods are often shipped in 20 and 40-foot containers, which come in standard and high cube sizes. Two sub-shipping types are available. Full container load (FCL) means that the entire container is for one client. Less container load (LCL) is often cheaper, as the container will also be filled with other clients’ shipment bound for the same destination. LCL is perfect for smaller shipments.
- International Air Freight Shipping – International air freight is often quicker than shipping by sea, but it is also often much more costly. It is also considered the fastest type of international shipping. Many international shipping companies offer door-to-door or airport-to-airport service.
- Freight Shipping – Shipping by rail or truck are also options, especially in North America. Freight shipping by truck can be sub-divided into full truckload and less-than truckload, depending on whether one’s shipment fills and entire truck, or can be shipped with other client’s products.
- Intermodal Shipping– Intermodal shipping uses two types of freight, including truck and rail or truck and vessel. A truck usually transports the container to a rail or vessel. At times, the truck may continue the onward journey from the port as well. Intermodal shipping has many benefits, including lower fuel costs, lower costs in general, environmentally friendly service, and ease due to North America’s comprehensive rail network. Intermodal shipping can be further broken down into two sub-categories. For example, Door Direct Intermodal Service includes pickup and delivery of the shipment and direct shipment transfer from truck to the railway. Terminal Direct Intermodal Service offers direct transfer between trailer and railcar in terminals.
How to Choose the Perfect International Shipping Company
Choosing the perfect international shipping company is now easier than ever.
Apart from looking at Google reviews and various websites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), personal recommendations are best. International shipping is more common than ever, do not be surprised at the sheer amount of one’s friends, loved ones, and even co-workers, who can offer great recommendations.
Many shipping companies will ask for a shipping size estimate when contacted for a quote. This is handy to know beforehand. Calculating the size of shipment is quite straightforward. For example, for a piece of furniture, simply multiply the length times the width. Alternatively, simply add the size of packing boxes.
A standard ocean shipping container is approximately 20′ x 8′ x 8′ 6″ and 40′ x 8′ x 8′ 6″. This will help one decide if they need a full container load, or a less container load, which is also known as a shared container.
Do not hesitate to obtain a variety of quotes from different international shipping companies, and choose the one that fits one’s needs.
Costs of International Shipping
The costs of international shipping vary and depend on size of shipment; type of shipping used and speed of service, among many other factors.
Using New York City as an example, international shipping costs for household goods will cost $882 USD for a 20-foot container and $1,316 USD for a 40-foot container to Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico. The costs will be $1,075 USD for a 20-foot container and $1,605 USD for a 40-foot one to Manila, The Philippines. The cost will be $416 USD and $625 USD, respectively to Montreal, Canada, while Vancouver, Canada is approximately $1,259 USD and $1,879 USD.
Using Montreal as an example, a 20-foot container will cost $1,283 USD, while a 40-foot container will be $1,915 USD to Los Angeles, California. To Hong Kong, the cost of shipping will be approximately $1,065 USD and $1,589 USD, respectively. To Sydney, Australia, costs will be $3,034 USD and $4,529 USD. To Hamburg, Germany, costs will be approximately $1,411 USD and $2,106 USD.
International shipping is now easier than ever with various North America international shipping companies.
By John Kan