As a business owner, the goal is to continually serve more markets, increase revenue, and sustain growth for the years to come. At some point, you can gain the capability to scale up and even expand your market abroad.
Easier said than done; expanding internationally entails additional investment in terms of warehousing, logistics and marketing. You may also need to source products abroad to cost-efficiently increase your inventory.
And if you think local delivery is complicated, wait until you have to engage in international shipment. But despite all the additional hard work, when done right, you can truly take your business to the next level.
Different reasons for international shipment
There are different reasons businesses do international shipment. The top ones include:
Expanding market reach
Businesses start international shipments when they’re planning to reach new markets and a wider customer base. Strategically targeting prime locations can help you focus your efforts without scaling your business expenditures to more than 1000%.
Sourcing goods
Companies rely on international shipments to access quality goods at competitive prices from suppliers around the world. Whether you’re potentially eyeing importation and exportation, having a reliable cross border logistics partner truly makes the whole process simpler and more controllable.
shipping processes if you do it yourself.
Global ecommerce fulfillment
The internet opened a lot of doors for small businesses to expand globally. It’s up to you to decide whether to narrow down or magnify your focus locations.
It’s important to note though that targeting a new market has big cost implications (especially if you want to do it instantly).
Also read: 5 Challenges in International Shipping and How to Overcome Them
4 types of international shipment
Taking your business to the global market is challenging but rewarding if you become successful. And the good news is, you don’t need to do it all by yourself.
Partnering with a logistics provider with cross border capability and an international network will help make things easier for you. Here are the different international shipments you should know.
1. International courier service
International courier services are specialized delivery companies that handle shipments between countries. They usually take care of complex customs procedures for you — handling documentation and regulations — for smooth shipment across international borders.
customs procedures for you.
Some popular companies are DHL, FedEx, UPS and of course, Ninja Van.
The perks:
- Speed – These courier companies offer expedited delivery, besides the standard delivery option, which ensures that the packages will arrive at the recipient’s doorstep on time.
- Door-to-door delivery – More than speed, they also value convenience. You can schedule pickups from your location (whether at home or office) and the company will deliver them straight to the recipient’s doorstep. Zero to less hassle on both ends.
- End-to-end tracking – They also have tracking features that allow you to virtually check the status of the packages from pickup to drop-off. This reduces back and forth with your customers regarding order status.
2. Sea Freight
If you’re not in a rush, sea freight is an economical option for bulky and long-distance shipments. This is perfect for shipping products and raw materials that you ordered months in advance from a supplier.
but it’s also the slowest.
However, expect longer transit time, as se freight is the slowest way to ship your goods.
The perks:
- Cost efficiency – Since this is perfect for large orders and bulky shipments, it’s cost-efficient for long-distance routes and batch ordering. You just need to properly forecast your needs to make this efficient for you.
- Perfect for bulk procurement – Ideal for raw material procurements directly from sources. Factories that need to produce millions of products in a year would definitely save a lot by opting for this shipment option.
#NinjaTip: Choose Ninja Direct for safe, reliable, and hassle-free end-to-end sourcing and procurement services — from finding suppliers to flexible payment, and cross-border fulfillment. Learn about Ninja Direct today!
3. Air Freight
Perfect for orders you need ASAP, air freight no doubt will win over all shipping options. Great for time-sensitive items such as last-minute orders, perishable goods, and high-value items.
but the best option for perishables and time sensitive shipments.
But with fast shipment comes high shipping costs. So think carefully before choosing this option, make sure you’ll still end up profitable.
The perks:
- Faster transit time – This option allows you to meet sensitive due dates because of the shorter transit time required. Even for last-minute importation or shipments, this will ensure arrival to the destination without much hiccup.
- Ideal for high-value and perishable goods – Since air freight is secure and a controlled environment, it’s more ideal to ship luxury items. From jewelry, gadgets and perishable items, this shipment option will ease your worries.
4. Land Freight
Land freight is a practical choice when the destination is relatively close and accessible by road. It’s often more cost-effective and time-efficient for neighboring countries or regions.
It can be more cost-effective compared to air or sea freight even for large or heavy shipments. While not as fast as air freight, land freight can be quicker than sea freight. It’s a good compromise if your shipment requires faster delivery but is not extremely time-sensitive.
The perks:
- Flexibility – Land freight provides flexibility in reaching destinations that may not have direct access to ports or airports. They also allow you to have multiple pickups and drop-offs.
- Security – Some businesses prefer land freight for the added security it offers compared to sea freight. The ability to monitor and secure shipments more closely during transit can be crucial for certain types of goods.
Just because international shipments can be complicated, you’ll close many doors that could help you grow your business further. It may be challenging but working with the right logistics team will help you navigate this freely without being overwhelmed.
Get customized cross border solutions from Ninja Van
Leverage Ninja Van’s extensive network in SEA and China for fast and reliable international deliveries and cross border logistics.
We understand every business’ unique requirements and needs. That’s why we’ll give you tailor-made cross border solutions when shipping to the Philippines and the rest of SEA. Our dedicated team will work with you for seamless international shipping — from end-to-end clearance to door-to-door delivery
We’re proud to claim a 95% SLA adherence across all lanes and offer the most competitive pricing in any country. When you ship with Ninja Van, you’re working with an expert and experienced team.
Ship with our team of cross-border experts!
More tips for your growing business:
Shipping from China to the Philippines: An Easy Guide
How to Choose an International Courier Service
Best Selling Products on Taobao that You can Sell Locally
