Air and Ocean Freight Delivery Both Viable Options For International Shipping

Businesses dealing in the global market must wrestle with the question of what is the most efficient and cost effective mode of international shipping... air freight or ocean freight? The answer is that there is no definitive answer. It depends on the client and their individual shipping needs. As such it is important for a shipping and logistics entity provide to be a proven commodity in both entities. At Zircon Logistics, reliable cargo transportation by air or by water is an air tight certainty.

The ocean route of cargo shipping has grown in popularity of late as it has gained in both efficiency and cost effectiveness. With reliable on-time transportation to both national and international ports, Zircon Logistics' ocean shipping division is an example of why more and more businesses are choosing reliable water transportation of freight. For the uninitiated, ocean freight is transported in a quality shipping container. Mediterranean shipping of ocean freight and overseas shipping of ocean cargo are guaranteed, a reflection of the effectiveness of our logistics solutions. China shipping is available as well as shipping of harbor freight to other Asian ports of call, Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and in the United States in ports ranging from New York to Seattle.

While ocean shipping has become an increasingly viable form of shipping, there is something of a threshold in terms of the amount of air freight that can be transported on the water. In terms of efficiency and lower costs, items that fit into the categories of smaller shipments, express shipments, high-value shipments, and time sensitive shipments are still best served by being shipped via air. Air Freight and safe cargo handling is something of a specialty at Zircon Logistics. Using air shipping containers, our excellent logistics management solutions allow us to provide air freight services that are consistently on time and safe. International cargo plans offer top of the line service to national and international ports across the United States, Canada, China and other Asian ports of call.

The choice between air and ocean shipping is a personal one that comes down to each company's individual needs. One thing is for certain though... international shipping is best put in the hands of a company with the logistics solutions to make safe and reliable transport a foregone conclusion.

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Basics Of Import Export

Import can be simply defined as bringing a good or commodity from one country to another by adhering to the legal norms and procedures for trade purposes. Imported goods are produced by foreign producers and meant for domestic consumers. Import in commercial quantities requires the consent of the custom authorities in both the countries-the on which exports and the on which imports.

Transporting a good or a commodity from one country to another for use in trade is defined as export. This process requires restricting to legal norms and procedures. Export forms an important and basic component of international trade. Export goods are manufactured by domestic producers for foreign consumers.

Import and export form the very basics of international trade. International trade is a neat umbrella term that is used for all transactions and exchange of goods and services across national barriers. Industrialization, advanced transportation, globalization, multinational corporations, and outsourcing are some of the factors that have led to a boost in international trade.

If you are looking forward to start your own business venture in the field of import-export business then here are some tips for starters. Countries set up their own embassies in foreign countries to promote the exporting of their own goods. These embassies can provide you with industry directories and other useful information. If you are on the importing side the other country’s embassy in your own country can help you find a way out.

Adhering to the legal norms and procedures of your home country is very important or otherwise you can land yourself in your trouble. Contact your country's taxation department to ask about registration numbers or other procedures that you must follow. You must also find out about any licensing requirements if any.

Certain countries set up trade barriers against other countries which are called as embargoes. Before venturing into export- import you must make sure that there are no embargoes against the country that you are considering to deal with. To doubly check consult that country’s embassy to see if there are restrictions against goods from your country.

The web can also provide you with extensive information regarding international trade. There are many websites that can give you a great deal of information but go for the on that is credible

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A Guide To Import And Export Laws

Import and export laws are a combination of various international as well as that are used to control cross border trade of products and services. Different countries impose different national laws import and export laws and regulations that are designed to protect their economic situation and their environment as well as human health.

Considering international trade involves regulations imposed by so many different countries, it is far more challenging than any domestic or national business operation. Some of the complexities encountered in international trade include issues of legality, documentation, licensing, finance, property rights, governmental regulations and communication. As the emphasis on awareness of terrorism keeps increasing, it is equally important to keep up-to-date with ever-changing new laws as and when they are enacted.

A formal declaration is required for any trade that exceeds the stipulated limit, which is different in different countries. Wrongful declarations of true value and weight of the goods so as to attract a lower duty value is considered illegal and the trader’s international trading privileges could be revoked or suspended.

Contravention of import and export laws, whether knowingly or unknowingly is a serious offense and is likely to attract a penalty, which could include imprisonment in most countries. Serious transgressions include trading in drugs, endangered wild life species, toxic substances and hazardous materials.

Import and Export of Wildlife Species

Import and export of wildlife species are subject to stringent foreign wildlife laws and regulations all over the world. Almost all countries ban the trade of threatened and endangered species, marine mammals, migratory birds and any injurious or harmful species. All wildlife traders require a special permit, which should be valid. In the United States, wildlife export/import regulations are included in the federal laws that are designed to protect wildlife including the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Wild Bird Conservation Act and others.

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Tips on Import-Export Dealings For Agents!

If you are aspiring to be an import export agent, drive home one fact, that it's a lucrative profession. Across the world, there have been great success stories about import export business. At the same time, some have faced defeat as well. However, the failure stories get concealed quite often.

Many people actively participate in trading or work as agents to major exporters and importers. It is all based on the products that are dealing with, your financial ability and the country you are trading with etc.

How different are the marketing strategies from export business?

It is often said that, the strategies of marketing involved in local marketing is not very different from the export market. Every country perceives products differently and hence makes use of different marketing strategies. It is usually the distributors who take care of the type of marketing strategy that is employed.

If you are trading with other countries, learn about its license requirements if any. Some countries have no license requirements for particular products. Certain high risk products like chemicals, liquor, medicines, arms, articles etc may demand a license. However, products like consumer goods are of low risk and can be traded well without any risk. Trade products with no barriers and is simple.

Ensure for the smooth running of the distribution and production channels. Look at your stock positioning, brand positioning too. Stock positioning is nothing but moving the stocks from a country which has it in excess to a country where there is a scarcity. Where there is a demand for the product moving it there makes more sense. Save out on money too! Create a domain of your own, to promote the products.

You as an import export agent is not known by all. Before you take a plunge on your import export business set your marketing strategies rightly. Ensure that your products are of good quality. Follow up with good quality control measures. Promote your products well, as you are not well known in the market yet. Build up enough credibility for your product. Choose the right medium for advertising your products. Get a search engine friendly website, build up your web pages with sufficient search engine optimisation done to your site, off page optimisation is also important to gain traffic from other sites too, thus boosts up the ranking of your site and you gain visibility. For more tips on import export, search online.

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Export import agent, business

Import Documentation and Procedure

Whether goods are imported on consignment or against orders,
import procedure is much the same. Before the ship arrives the
importer, who may be either a merchant dealing on his own
account or an agent acting for him, will usually have received
the shipping documents. They include the following :

1). Advice of shipment specifying the goods and stating
the name of the carrying ship, its date of sailing and
probable date of arrival. The importer will then learn when
the ship is expected and the dock/port at which it will berth.

2). Bill of Lading (B/L)

3). Invoice (pro-forma invoice it the goods are imported on
consignment)

When the hsip arrives the importer must obtains "release"
for the Bill of Lading and proceed as follows:

1). Endorse the Bill of Lading and present it to the shipping
company or their representative at the port.

2). Pay the freight (FOB-freight to collect) and any other
charges due to the shipping company.

3). Prepare and submit the necessary import entries on
official forms provided by HS customs code. As a very
broad generalization, imported foodstuffs and raw materials
intended for manufacture are duty free and manufactured
and semi-manufactured goods are liable to customs duty.
But whether free or dutiable the goods must be
declared before they can be released.

Export Documentation and Procedure

When the goods ordered have been collected ready for
deliver, the exporter proceeds as follows:

1). Arranges for them to be suitably packed (sometimes by a packing
and forwarding agent) notifies the shipping company of
their size and weight and obtains the rate for freight,
i.e. the charges for transport.

2). Arranges with the shipping company or forwarding agent
for the goods to be sent by a named ship sailing from
a convenient port at a convenient time.

3). Arranges with a road haulage firm for transport to the
docks/ports.

4). The dock/port authorities to take charge of the goods and
put them on board ship.

5). Obtains from the shipping company a Bill of Lading (B/L)
which is signed and delivered to him when freight has been paid.

6). Arranges insurance for the consignment, if it is being sent
on a C.I.F basis.

7). Prepare the invoice, attaches to it the Bill of Lading and
Insurance Policy or Certificate and any other necessary documents
and sents them direct to the importer or more usually through the bank.

8). Notifies the importer of the date of sailing and probable date
of arrival. Upon arrival of the goods the importer pays the
dock/port charges and if he wishes to take delivery of the goods
immediately and other charges i.e customs, forwarding.

Foreign Correspondence

Correspondence concerned with buying and selling abroad calls
for special care because of the time it takes to receive replies and
to correct mistakes.

(1) The exporter's correspondence
This will be concerned with following:
a). Providing quotation and samples
b). Acknowledging indent (ie. orders for goods or more strictly,
orders sent to an agent to buy goods)
c). Sending inquiries to manufacturers in his own country and
placing orders with them (where the exporter is acting as an agent)
d). Arranging with shipping companies or forwarding agents
for goods to be shipped.
e). Arranging insurance (C.I.F)
f). Sending shipping documents to the importer, either direct or
through the bank.

(2) The importer's corresspondence.
This will be concerned with the following:
a). Request for quotations and samples.
b). Placing orders with foreign suppliers, either direct or through agents
c). Acknowledging shipping documents received.
d). Arranging insurance (unless this has been done by the exporter - C.I.F)
e). Arranging for transport from the docks - Port in his own country
to his premises or to a warehouse.
f). Sending report and payments to the exporter.

Exporter's Importer's correspondence

Foreign Trade - Export Import

Although exporters sometimes deal direct with foreign buyers,
the more usual practice is for transactions to take place through
agents of various kinds. For example.
1) The foreign buyer may employ a commission agent in the
exporter's country.
2) The exporter may employ an agent living in the foreign buyer's country
3) He may send the goods to a factors in the importing
country for sale "on consignment"
4) He may use the services of a shipping and forwarding agent

The exporter is known as the consignor and the importer as the consignee .

Foreign , Exporter , Importer