customs broker

International Shipping: What You Need to Know in 2023

In recent years, eCommerce has become an increasingly powerful force in the world market. Oberlo set the growth rate for global eCommerce at 9.7% this year.

eCommerce has changed the game for many would-be entrepreneurs around the world. However, it cannot sustain itself without international shipping. The global shipping market itself relies on several factors to keep itself afloat.

If you’d like to start an eCommerce business, you’ll need to know about shipping internationally. Likewise, you’ll need to understand the role of a customs broker and other officials.

Fortunately, you can find that information in this guide! Read on to discover essential 2023 international shipping and some of the challenges you might face in the new year.

International Shipping Costs

The first thing many people like to know is how much shipping costs. The answer to this question depends on several factors.

First, consider the origin and destination of your package. As a general rule, the farther you ship a product, the higher the price you’ll need to pay.

Another question is whether you’ll ship with postal carriers or express carriers. Generally, express carriers like Amazon cost more to use. These delivery services charge higher rates for faster deliveries.

Finally, the type of product can affect your shipping rates. Different countries may charge varying taxes and duties on various products.

Fortunately, you can use rate calculators for the carriers you choose. This tool can help you determine how much your shipping will cost.

Consider Shipping Routes

Another factor to consider is what shipping routes your products will follow. One reason that express shipping can deliver products so much faster is that they follow faster shipping rates. That’s why they can deliver packages within 2-3 days, while standard shipping takes weeks.

Several factors affect which shipping routes are the best options. First, consider what customs checks your product may enter. Different areas may have varying rules and regulations with customs, taxes, and duties.

Some shipping routes may require differing amounts of paperwork to avoid customs holdups. In many cases, local postal services offer more assistance than express carriers with these routes.

What Does a Customs Broker Do?

Navigating customs can be challenging for businesses shipping internationally. Customs paperwork and procedures can be difficult to handle, especially if you are new to these processes. 

That’s where a customs broker comes in. Many companies hire these professionals to help them clear their goods through customs.

This job entails several duties, including:

  • tracking shipments
  • filing customs entries
  • paying duties and fees

Brokers may have additional duties depending on the size of the company and the type of business it does. Hiring these professionals is often an excellent way to speed up your shipping. 

Work With Our Atlanta Customs Brokers

It’s crucial to hire a customs broker if you run a business that ships internationally. But what if you don’t know where to find these professionals?

If you’re in the Atlanta, GA, area, consider working with us! We provide experienced customs brokers who can help your business navigate the customs world.

We have more than 31 years of experience working with the Atlanta airport and Savannah port. We love working with international partners as well.Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Atlanta Customs Brokers is one of the oldest and most trusted customs brokerage and shipping firms in Atlanta. Established in 1985, our company has been a fixture in and around the Atlanta airport and Savannah port for more than 31 years. If you are a first-time importer or exporter or a large corporation, we can handle your needs. We enjoy working with our international partners and enjoy what we do.