In today’s fast-paced business environment, international shipping plays a vital role in the growth of companies. By utilizing international shipping services, businesses can deliver goods across the European Union and to more distant destinations around the world. Let’s explore how to reduce international shipping costs while ensuring safe freight delivery, maintaining service quality, and leveraging modern technologies throughout the logistics process.
International shipping refers to the movement of goods between different countries, regardless of continent. This can include road freight, ocean freight, air freight, or intermodal transportation—which combines several modes of transport within a single supply chain. International shipping is more than just moving a package from origin to final destination; it involves comprehensive logistics management, including planning, coordination, and execution.
It is an essential part of today’s global economy, enabling companies to access customers and markets worldwide. Within the EU, the single market simplifies the shipping process, though various regulatory, technical, and language barriers still exist.
Unlike domestic shipping, international shipments must comply with customs regulations, international shipping documentation (such as commercial invoices, customs forms, and export licenses), and conventions like CMR and Incoterms. Specialized requirements apply to the shipping of dangerous goods or oversized freight.
A freight forwarder is a key figure in international logistics. They ensure that shipping freight overseas is carried out safely, in compliance with regulations, and according to customer expectations. Their responsibilities include organizing transportation, communicating with multiple carriers, preparing customs documentation, supervising loading/unloading, and managing unexpected issues during transit.
In international shipment processes, knowledge of local laws, business cultures, and languages is crucial. A professional forwarder understands the nuances of both domestic shipments and international logistics, streamlining the entire shipping process from planning to delivery.
Experience matters. A freight forwarder with extensive industry knowledge helps reduce risks, avoid delays, and minimize costs. Skilled forwarders utilize advanced technologies like Transport Management Systems (TMS), real-time tracking platforms with tracking numbers, and digital documentation to improve transparency and efficiency.
Freight forwarding is not just a service—it’s a partnership focused on optimizing the entire logistics strategy.
Managing international shipping costs involves navigating numerous variables—customs tariffs, fuel prices, foreign exchange rates, and more. Companies operating across Europe and globally must consider all these elements to maintain profitability.
One of the most difficult challenges is unpredictability. Changes in oil prices, government policies, or even climate disruptions can impact the global shipping network and freight rates.
Moreover, evolving shipping regulations in different countries can lead to penalties, delays, or additional costs if not properly followed. Securing the shipment from damage or theft is also critical, as any breach can result in substantial losses.
Rising operational costs—driver wages, vehicle maintenance, and road tolls—are pushing logistics companies to seek innovations such as automation, route optimization, and alternative modes of transport to reduce expenses and increase value.
Selecting the optimal shipping method has a major impact on cost, speed, and reliability. Available modes include road freight, ocean freight, air freight, and intermodal transport.
Road freight is widely used across Europe due to its flexibility and speed, though it is vulnerable to traffic congestion and roadside inspections. Ocean freight is ideal for large-volume shipments and containerized goods. It’s slower but significantly cheaper for international shipping on a large scale.
Air freight suits urgent or high-value packages. While fast, it’s costly and best reserved for time-sensitive deliveries. Intermodal transport—e.g., combining truck and rail—enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
The choice of transportation should align with the type of merchandise. For instance, machines require specialized handling, just like temperature-sensitive freight or goods with strict handling conditions. Customer expectations regarding shipping time and price must also be considered.
Load consolidation is one of the most effective ways to cut shipping costs. It involves combining multiple smaller shipments into one larger international shipment, thus improving container utilization and lowering the cost per unit.
This strategy reduces the number of trips, fuel usage, and emissions—resulting in optimized fleet management. Clients benefit from better shipping rates, faster deliveries, and more predictable service. It’s especially beneficial within the EU, where regulations allow for more flexible consolidation strategies.
In practice, a logistics company collects shipments from various customers in a region and transports them together—e.g., from southern Poland to Germany. Upon reaching the destination, the goods are sorted and delivered locally. This is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t need a full truckload or shipping container.
Customs clearance is a critical step in the international shipping process. Without proper customs documentation and compliance, the entire shipping service may be delayed or disrupted. Freight crossing borders must meet export and import legal requirements, both in the country of origin and the destination country.
Accurate paperwork—including commercial invoices, waybills, customs declarations, certificates of origin, and documents for restricted goods—is essential. Errors can lead to shipping delays, fines, or even confiscation. Partnering with experienced customs brokers ensures that your documentation meets country-specific regulations.
Automation further streamlines the process. Many businesses now use electronic customs clearance systems for faster document processing and compliance checks. These technologies minimize errors, speed up operations, and reduce international shipping costs.
Well-executed customs clearance improves a company’s competitiveness in the international shipping services market. Fast customs procedures mean shorter delivery times—crucial for perishable goods or products requiring specific conditions.
Building long-term partnerships with logistics providers is one of the most strategic approaches to reducing international shipping costs. Why? Because stable cooperation fosters mutual trust, allows for efficient procedures, and opens the door to better shipping rates.
A dedicated partner understands your business, can quickly adapt to changes, and offers tailored solutions to support your growth—often including value-added services like freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.
Established logistics providers bring end-to-end support that is not only convenient but also financially beneficial. Long-term collaboration ensures reliable access to global shipping networks, reduced risks, and better control over transportation costs.
International shipping refers to the process of transporting goods between countries. It's an essential part of global logistics and allows businesses to expand their reach, access international customers, and ship freight internationally. With reliable international shipping services, companies can grow their markets beyond domestic shipping.
The international shipping process involves several key steps: preparing the goods and packaging, generating customs documentation (including customs forms and commercial invoices), coordinating with carriers, and completing customs clearance at both the origin and destination. The process ensures your package reaches its final destination safely and efficiently.
International shipping costs vary depending on the origin and destination, type of freight, package size and weight, delivery speed, and required documentation. Additional charges may include customs clearance fees, taxes, and duties. Businesses can reduce costs by optimizing their shipping strategy and consolidating shipments.
Domestic shipments occur within one country, whereas international shipping involves transporting freight across borders. International shipping services require additional steps such as export licenses, customs documentation, and compliance with international regulations.
Essential documents for shipping internationally include a commercial invoice, packing list, export licenses, and relevant customs forms. These documents help customs brokers and authorities determine the value, origin, and classification of the merchandise being shipped.
Customs brokers assist businesses with customs clearance by ensuring all required customs documentation is accurate and submitted on time. They understand international regulations and taxes, making the shipping process smoother and preventing delays.
Companies can lower international shipping costs by consolidating shipments, choosing cost-effective carriers, optimizing packaging, and working with experienced customs brokers. Leveraging international shipping services that offer transparent pricing and tracking can also help manage shipping costs.
A commercial invoice is a vital document that details the contents, value, and destination of an international shipment. It supports customs clearance by providing the information needed for assessing taxes and verifying the legitimacy of the package.
Customs forms are used to declare the contents, value, and purpose of a shipment. Inaccurate or incomplete customs forms can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation of merchandise. They're an essential part of the international shipping process.
Use sturdy boxes, proper cushioning, waterproof packaging, and clear labeling. These packing tips help protect the package during global shipping and ensure it arrives safely at its final destination.
International shipping rates are influenced by destination countries, freight class, service type, and urgency. Rates from companies like FedEx can vary, so comparing providers is key. Access to international shipping services with bulk discounts can add great value.
Common challenges include customs delays, incorrect documentation, lost tracking numbers, and high shipping costs. Having a solid shipping strategy, including working with reputable services and customs brokers, helps mitigate these risks.
Yes, but there are strict regulations regarding the transport of dangerous goods. These shipments require specific documentation, packaging, and often pre-approval. Understanding the rules is the most important part of shipping such items internationally.
About AsstrA
AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG is a multinational transportation and logistics service provider headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. For 30 years, AsstrA has been providing its customers with a full range of global 3PL services via road, rail, air, and sea transportation. The service portfolio includes warehouse logistics, customs clearance, cargo insurance, support for import-export operations, and project logistics.
AsstrA’s team employs more than 1,000 people in countries across Europe, the CIS, Asia, and the USA. The quality of services is confirmed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 28000, GDP, and SQAS certifications.
AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG is a member of leading trade associations including FIATA, WCA, and TAPA.
