If you’re shipping cargo overseas, it’s important to find a shipping company that can take proper care of everything and ensure that it arrives at its destination safely. There are many problems that can befall a shipment, whether it’s cargo liquefaction, contamination or breakage, so you need to ensure your shipper is used to handling the type of material concerned.

Destinations and Methods

There are several good options for shipping freight overseas. In Europe, for example, it may be possible to use road or rail for shipments, but for more distant destinations, the preferred route is likely to be by sea. Smaller cargo may be transported by air, especially if there’s a need for the items to arrive quickly.

After choosing the shipping method, you can look for shipping companies that serve the destination. Many shipping companies operate globally, but some specialise in particular destinations. A firm that travels regularly to a specific country or region will be aware of the local rules and of any special paperwork or permissions that are required. This specialist knowledge will make the whole process run more smoothly and remove the worry from your shoulders.

You also need to consider price, but keep in mind that the cheapest option may not be the best one if it leads to problems along the way. Reliability is another factor, so look for companies that have a good reputation for customer service. Talk to other customers if you can and see how happy they are with the service.

You need to take into consideration any possible problems. Transport by sea can be subject to unexpected delays, and a record of reliable shipments is important. It’s a good idea to allow a little extra time for contingencies.

Specialist Cargo

When planning a shipment, you also need to consider the nature of the cargo itself. Many products today are containerised, which makes for ease of handling, but there are also bulk loads and liquid shipments to consider.

When shipping manufactured products, you need to ensure that they are properly packed or protected and correctly handled to guard against damage or breakage. You should also look at the options the shipping company offers to insure your goods against loss or damage should the worst happen.

Bulk shipments have their own issues, whether it’s cargo liquefaction, which can stem from incorrect handling or stowage, or contamination from coming into contact with other materials. They will require shipping, possibly using a specialist vessel, by a company that is sensitive to the way they should be handled.

Perishable shipments need their own arrangements, whether it’s refrigeration or the need for proper cleaning of hold areas before loading and after unloading. If the cargo is potentially hazardous, it needs to be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate legislation.

Livestock shipments are subject to particularly stringent regulations, and these vary between countries. Therefore, it is vital to choose a shipping company that is aware of what is required and can help you to acquire any documentation or special clearances required.