What Do You Need For Shipping Your Goods?

International trade is the basis for transporting goods from one location to another. Shipments are carried by ocean freights to various parts of the globe, ready to deliver and supply the local populace's needs. You will find many cheap shipping companies in Houston, USA. However, to ship goods internationally, for example, shipping from Houston to Nigeria, you must possess documents that make you eligible for such a venture.

 Some of the documents that are required for international shipping trade are;

·         Proforma Invoice

In any international transaction, the quote is provided as a proforma invoice. The prospecting client may also need this invoice to arrange financing, open a letter of credit, apply for all import licenses, et cetera. It specifies the buyer and seller involved in the transaction, a detailed description of the goods, the system of classification of the goods, the price, the currency used in the quote, the delivery details and cost of delivery, and the payment term sale. It should contain an expiry date to help manage risks.

·         Commercial invoice

Once the proforma invoice has been sent to your prospective client, you will need to prepare the goods for shipping, including doing the paperwork to accompany the goods. One of the documents you need is the commercial invoice. It has a similar detailing as the proforma invoice, only with some additional sections. Some of these sections are the order number, the purchase order number, a customer reference number, additional banking, and payment option. It should also include the marine insurance information and any information that will ensure prompt and safe delivery to the client.

·         Packing lists

The details on this list, especially on an export packing list, will enable;

1.       Your freight forwarder to create the bills of lading for the shipment

2.       Your bank to provide you with a letter of credit, so you can get paid

3.       Customs officials to identify an item and the exact box or location in which it is placed.

The list identifies the goods in the shipment, including the net and gross weight and the dimensions of the shipment. You will also find special instructions that will enhance the safe delivery of the shipment to the prospective client.

·         Shipper's letters of instruction

The freight forwarder helps to smooth the arduous process of importing and exporting. However, to function properly, they need to be provided with a Shipper's Letter of Instruction containing all of the information necessary to move your goods successfully. It gives the forwarder some level of authority to act on your behalf as regards the shipment.

Other documents include bills of lading, dangerous goods form, certificate of origins, and a bank draft. It is no easy task: importing and exporting, as it requires extreme planning, required documentation, perseverance, and many other virtues.