Providing optimal solutions for International Ocean and Air
InXpress has been a leader in the shipping industry for over 20 years, and few companies are better positioned to help you navigate the increasing complexities of importing and exporting goods worldwide. Our world is living in a digital age with information and resources readily available, however the hassles of dealing with paperwork, permits, rules and regulations have increased at the same pace.
And this is where the expertise of InXpress can assist your business. We not only take on the task of helping you reduce paperwork, but will also help you cut costs and prevent any foreseeable delays when your goods are in transit. You can sleep easy at night knowing we have our watchful eye on your shipments.
Ocean Import and Export
Importers and exporters looking for the most economical mode for transporting their shipments rely heavily upon the seas as their first choice. Ocean transport provides the lowest cost per Kg shipped over any other method. When sending your goods on a cargo ship there are three “C’s” to consider:
Capacity – Shippers need to consider both container utilization and vessel availability. Container utilization should average 95% in order to provide the lowest cost per Kg. You should also work with a 3PL who has deep connections in the event a backup plan is needed for securing cargo on a vessel.
Clearance – Having an established relationship with a broker expedites the import clearance process. A good broker will establish a listing of your goods with the import authority and will establish paperless entry records when available.
Compliance – This is one area that receives the least attention but has the biggest impact on importing and exporting. Having an expert in your corner can provide for timely and relative information that can expedite the movement of your goods.
Air Import and Export
The two most common methods of shipping freight by air is either Air Courier or Air Cargo. Air Courier are carriers such as UPS and DHL who provide door-to-door service and are ideal for smaller cargo shipments that require speed of delivery. Air Cargo provides a range of heavy freight options including Express, Standard, Deferred, and Chartered. Here are a few things to consider when choosing air as your mode of transport:
- Advantages – speed (1-10 days), reliability (consistent schedules), more secured (strict control at ports), network coverage across the globe
- Disadvantages – cost are typically 12 times higher than ocean conveyance, hazardous commodities may not be eligible.
- Air cargo requires specially designed pallets and containers referred to as unit load devices (ULDs).
- Shipping documentation is similar to ocean, but may be required to be submitted electronically.
Intermodal Services
Intermodal refers to products that are transported in a container by a variety of methods such as container ships, semi-trailer trucks and trains. Containers designed for intermodal service allows the freight to remain in the container when transferred between modes of transportation rather than being moved into a container of a different size.
Businesses use intermodal freight shipping both domestically and internationally because it reduces both costs and the the amount of handling required. Intermodal freight transportation is a safe and secure method because it eliminates the handling of the freight itself during transportation, which reduces product damage and loss, drivers can handle more loads in a shorter period, and additional security is provided at terminals, rail tracks and ramps, which prevents theft.
InXpress has an expansive network of carriers and brokers to assist in your Intermodal freight shipments. Our goal is to provide options for our customers that are both cost effective and will meet your business demands. Contact Us now to find out how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not finding your question here?
Freight Forwarders are specialist focused on moving goods from point A to point B . Third Party Logistics providers (3PL) specialize in managing your supply chain, coordinating multiple stop pick-ups and deliveries, and is more involved in the day-to-day activities of the business. 3PL’s are normally more customer-focused and manage all aspects of a shipment’s pickup to delivery.
The choice between air and ocean normally depends on your shipment’s size, weight, and contents – and how fast you need your goods. Under normal conditions, shipping air for a small volume of packages often makes the most sense. Parcel carriers such as UPS and DHL offer heavy freight services, and can often provide competitive pricing. It should be noted that items considered hazardous may need to travel by ocean.
HS codes are standard 6-digit codes established for classifying globally traded products, and are used by customs authorities around the world to identify the duty and tax rates for specific types of products. HS codes are administered by the World Customs Organization and are recognized in 98% of world trade.
HTS code is a standard 10-digit import classification system that is specific to the United States, and are administered by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Import commodity duties are assessed based on these codes and are required on all import paperwork. HTS Code Lookup
There are many factors that affect import/export rates including:
- Seasonality or the time of year you are shipping – Q3 and Q4 tend to be the busiest shipping quarters of the year as retailers stock up for holiday sales.
- Variations in fuel charges – Most carriers utilize an index and adjust fuel surcharges on a quarterly basis.
- Changes in demand – Many micro and macro economic variables play a role in overall demand.
InXpress uses different shipping lines and agents and may propose alternative solutions based on the need of our customer.
Cargo delays are the primary source of concern for shippers, and there are many different reasons why cargo would be delayed including:
- Differences in importer and exporter timetables Often, suppliers will provide an ambitious cargo ready date in order to secure an order with a buyer. If this date moves, shipping timelines will change accordingly.
- Rolling of cargo Caused by an overbooking of a vessel. Containers will ‘roll-over’ to the next available vessel when space is not available.
- Congestion Certain global ports are continually burdened with heavy congestion.
- Tight timeframes Vessel loading and unloading turnaround times are very narrow, so any delay will jeopardize the entire shipping schedule.
- Customs hold on arrival Customs can opt to hold cargo for an inspection or merely to review paperwork.
- Delays at airport/port on collection
Our services quickly and easily adapt to the changing needs of your business. Adding new locations? Growing your staff? No Problem, we have the solutions.
We understand that Small and Medium Sized businesses often lack the in-house expertise and knowledge to optimize their shipping solutions. Our specialists strive to alleviate those burdens so you can focus on what you do best.
At InXpress, customer service is a thing of the past...Excellence in Service is what we strive for. Come see how we can WOW you each and every day.