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Science, Industry and Business Library
(SIBL) > International Trade
Shipping and LogisticsWhen exporting or importing, you will likely need the assistance of third parties to help you complete your business transaction. They have experience in shipping to and dealing with officials and agents in your intended import country. Freight ForwardersThe process of actually moving your goods overseas can be quite complicated. You must be concerned with packing, labeling, documentation, insurance, foreign and, sometimes domestic, regulations. Freight forwarders can help with all this and determine the most economical means of shipment, whether by land, air or sea. While you should understand the logistics of export or import, you will almost certainly need the services of a freight forwarder who will handle most of the details for you.Customs BrokersOnce your shipment has arrived in the port of entry, the services of a customs broker are necessary, but not mandatory, to get them through customs by handling the necessary paperwork, documentation, payment of duty, etc. They can even deliver your cargo directly to the end-customer. In the United States, customs brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection . Many large freight forwarding companies have their own customs brokerage departments.Your local chamber of commerce, trade associations, international departments of banks or an international trade specialist can help direct you to reputable freight forwarders or customs brokers. As a start, you can also consult several print directories available at SIBL or other business libraries: On the web, freight forwarders and customs brokers can be located using: Additional Library ResourcesDirectories:Guides: |