When shipping freight internationally, there are several common mistakes that businesses can make which can lead to delays, additional costs, and other problems. To ensure that your international shipments run smoothly, it’s important to be aware of these mistakes and take steps to avoid them. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes to avoid when shipping freight internationally, with a specific focus on export from India to Dubai and UAE, and how to choose a low-cost freight forwarding option.
6 Most Common Shipping Mistakes To Avoid
Businesses are looking for the best offers, and cost-effective solutions to supply and distribute produce internationally. But limited understanding of the process and limited visibility into payments can lead to making mistakes in shipping and freight forwarding. Here are some common mistakes you might need to address and rectify:
1. Lack of knowledge about destination country regulations
Each country has its own set of regulations and requirements for importing goods, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in delays, additional costs, and even seizure of the shipment. It’s important to research and understand the regulations of the destination country before shipping goods, and to work with a freight forwarder who is familiar with these regulations.
2. Packing and labeling the shipment improperly
Proper packaging and labeling are crucial for ensuring that the goods arrive at their destination in good condition. Failure to properly package and label the shipment can result in damage to the goods, and can also lead to delays and additional costs if the goods need to be repackaged.
3. Improper valuation of the shipment
Incorrectly valuing a shipment can lead to additional costs, fines, and even seizure of the goods. It’s important to accurately value the shipment and to declare the correct value on all shipping documentation.
4. Shipment not properly insured
Shipping goods internationally can be risky, and it’s important to properly insure the shipment to protect against potential losses. Failure to properly insure the shipment can result in significant financial losses if the goods are lost or damaged.
5. Not choosing the right freight forwarder
Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for ensuring that your shipments are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. It’s important to choose a freight forwarder with experience and expertise in handling shipments similar to yours, and one who has experience in shipping to the specific destinations where you plan to send your goods. Also, the freight forwarder should have a wide range of contacts and partnerships, which can provide more options for shipping routes and modes of transport, as well as access to better rates and services.
Also Read: The Importance of Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder for Your Business
6. Failing to consider freight forwarding costs
Cost is also an important consideration when choosing a freight forwarder. While it’s important to choose a freight forwarder that can provide competitive rates, it’s also important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Instead, look for a freight forwarder that can provide the best value for your money by offering a balance of cost and service.
When it comes to exporting from India to Dubai and UAE, some specific mistakes to avoid include not using the correct export code, not obtaining the necessary certifications, and not complying with the regulations of Dubai Customs. Additionally, businesses exporting from India to Dubai and UAE should be aware of the various trade agreements between these countries, such as the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, which can affect the cost and process of exporting goods.
Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder Makes All the Difference
Another common mistake when shipping freight internationally is not considering low-cost freight forwarding options. Many businesses assume that the cheapest option is to use the services of a full-service freight forwarder, but this may not always be the case. In some instances, it may be more cost-effective to use a less-than-container load (LCL) service, or even to ship goods as air cargo. It’s important to consider all of the options available and to work with a freight forwarder who can provide a range of services at competitive rates.
To Summarize
In conclusion, shipping freight internationally can be a complex and challenging task. Limited visibility into payments and unpredictable market conditions can force businesses to make export and import decisions that are less than ideal.
Ninja Global can help Indian exporters to avoid such common and not-so-common mistakes and ensure a safe and happy service that too at a low cost.
Get started with Ninja Global for secure international trading today.
