Are you in need of the best international shipping companies? One of the challenges of shipping goods across borders is finding the best shipping company. Read on to discover the key categories and solutions provided by a wide range of companies
Let's first break down the different categories of carriers. We start with package carriers and then discuss options for heavier cargo. To help guide your decision, we explore the renowned international shipping companies. We also review the factors our team considers for finding your best shipping option.
Businesses and individuals are searching for alternative shipping international options during the Canada Post strike.
International Postal Options
Local postal options are best for individuals shipping personal packages. They can also be useful for shipping e-commerce packages. All post offices are members of the Universal Postal Union or UPU. The import process for postal imports often have an advantage over commercial clearance.
Most postal operators are government subsidiaries. The key exceptions are the German post (which also owns DHL) and the UK Post/ Royal Mail.
The necessary transit time can affect the best option or carrier consideration. In general, couriers delivery delivery in days, the post office in weeks and ocean in months.
The name brand couriers include UPS, FedEx and DHL. These companies integrate all aspects to include pickup, transport, clearance and delivery. Their core expertise is parcels shipping via air and time definite delivery. Shippers can use these services directly or via one of their partners (such as Jet Worldwide!)
A courier is a company that specializes in delivering packages and efficiently. They streamline solutions for shipping your items overseas. FedEx, UPS and DHL have extensive global networks.
The post office is a government-run service that handles both mail and packages. They may not offer the same level of speed and efficiency as couriers. However, they can still be a reliable option for international shipping. The post office are generally much lower for individuals shipping small packages. Postal online tools make it easy to calculate the price to send your package abroad.
FedEx, UPS and DHL also offer air cargo services. In addition, there are cargo only carriers that specialize in air freight. A significant amount of air cargo travels on passenger air craft. In most cases, access to these carries is via a third party logistics company.
Global ocean carriers are companies that own and operate container vessels. The vast majority of shippers access these vessels via third party logistics or 3PL's. Shippers can choose from less than container load (LCL) for full container load (FCL). Less than container load typically involves a company that consolidates shipments from multiple consignees in a single container.Read more: Understanding ocean freight.
A 3PL or freight forwarder acts a go between between you and the actual transporter of your goods. They handle the logistics details on your behalf. It is now always clear how not dealing directly with the transporter can be the better options. Read more about Canadian Freight Forwarders.
A value of leading freight forwarder can include:
With so many options out there, it can be challenging to find the right shipping provider. That's why we've compiled a list of the top international shipping companies with international processes and extensive networks.
When it comes to shipping your packages internationally, there are key categories of you need to know about. All companies help get your items from one place to another, they have different roles in the process. And they all offer different levels of value.
The primary carries include postal authorities, global couriers, air freight companies and ocean carriers. In total, there are less than around a dozen such mega carriers. These mega-companies have sales in the billions of dollars and sell to companies with shipping costs in the millions.
Global forwarders are also mega large carriers with a mix of using cargo vessels, leased aircraft and their own trucks for inland transport. They typically deal with million dollar contracts and include customs brokerage expertise. They also offer such services as warehousing, pickup and pack, and transport via rail.
Global couriers offer access to companies who resell their services. For example, rather than having to deal directly with UPS, you may get better discounts via a reseller. For domestic transport this can work great. Especially for occasional shippers. Their expertise is usually being able to appear in google search and providing price simulation tools. But, in most cases, resellers lack true logistics expertise.
Tech companies with venture capital that have built online cost comparison tools. They match up the buyer with available capacity in a way similar to forwarders. Their technology can be impressive but they often lack in person customer support.
Jet Worldwide acts as both a forwarder, reseller and logistics partner. We are the leading online resource for international shipping to and from Canada. We support global projects for shipping to Europe, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Middle East and globally.
Our best in class logistics team works with you to build the best solution. Using the best international shipping companies with transparency, trust and global expertise.
There are countless companies who offer various versions of services. Most use some variations of the major options. Keep in mind that the choice of a carrier is actually just one of many considerations.
Here are other factors to consider:
When shipping packages via the post or courier, customs brokerage is usually included. However heavier shipments and those of a higher value require customs brokerage. Most forwards can recommend a customs broker. Read more about Canadian customs brokers.
Part of the clearance process includes ensuring you are declaring the correct value. Verifying the correct value for international shipping.
It is important for all companies to become familiar with tariff classification,or HS Code.Useful information regarding HS Classification.
Your shipments may benefit from duty free import. Verify the benefit of Canadian free trade agreements.