FedEx News
Seven Steps to Successful Shipping
International shipping can be tricky when each country requires unique and specific shipping documentation. FedEx provides resources online through FedEx Global Trade Manager to help you locate the required international documents for at least three-dozen countries - an efficient and simple advantage for the international shipping novice.
Seven steps to find the correct documents
In order to locate the correct international documents by using FedEx Global Trade Manager, you must provide specific pieces of information, and follow specific actions:
Origin and destination
From which country are you sending your shipment? Where is your shipment going? Country of origin and destination are key factors in determining the necessary paperwork for importing and exporting.
Product information
What is your product? You will be asked to classify your product(s) as a specific type of commodity.
Product values and units
What is the total worth of the shipment? How many units of your product are in the shipment? Your product's value and quantity will help determine the necessary documentation.
Product summary
Be prepared to review a summary of the information you provided to FedEx Global Trade Manager. Make sure the product information is correct; this is the basis for determining your international documents.
Shipping charges
Do you know the shipping charges? Have you purchased extra insurance? The cost of shipping will factor into determining your documents.
Recommended documents
After you have correctly submitted the information required by FedEx Global Trade Manager, it will generate a list of international documents associated with your particular shipment. The list is definitive and provides links to standard blank forms.
Print the required documents and complete them accordingly. They should accompany the imported or exported shipment.
If you are new to the world of importing and exporting, an online tool like FedEx Global Trade Manager is a great help in determining the necessary documents for international shipping.