|
Tips & Best Practices
- When shipping internationally to a new destination, make sure to follow our "International Shipping Check List", it can save you the trouble of locating a great deal of information on your own. Our "Useful Links" section is designed to coincide with the checklist so each link is listed as you scroll down the page.
- It is useful to test ship a frozen HDPE bottle of water with a probe to simulate an international dry ice shipment before you send the real product. You may discover that your packing or dry ice is not adequate, pick up on problems with the shipping or help to validate that your method and practice is OK.
- Always make sure to check the customs hour and days of operation before you ship. Make sure your shipment arrives during business hours and be mindful of holidays as they differ from country to country.
- Always pack dry ice shipments for one extra day's transit time. The small amount of additional dry ice might just save you if you have a delay in transit.
- Cold packs or jells used to keep shipments cold should be acclimated to the proper temperature for no less than 48 hours before you ship. There are varying types of jells and freezer bricks for varying temperatures. Make sure to select the most appropriate jell for your temperature range.
- Always probe shipments of critical materials. You will need to prove to the customer and some regulatory agencies that you have shipped at the appropriate temperatures from time to time, so it is best to have data.
- If you ship in an Envirotainer, check to see that all the international cords are in place before you accept the container and always put fresh batteries in the system.
- Ship as early in the week as possible and not over weekends or long holidays.
- Cold and freezing conditions can be as dangerous as heat. Check the weather in the country you are shipping to and your local weather.
- Communicate all information with everyone in the logistical chain of custody, this can help to expedite the clearance process and avoid mishaps.
- Never declare a value for customs lower than the selling price unless you are shipping a no charge sample. Deliberately providing misleading information to help others reduce their cost of duties, legal importation taxes and fees is unlawful.
- Make sure you understand the IncoTerms you are using and make sure it is the correct application. Remember for international shipments the term FOB can only be used for shipments where the cargo is going to be placed on a vessel over the ships rail. If you are shipping airfreight, you cannot use FOB for international shipments.
If you are shipping products and have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Send your e-mail to coldstorage@cavlog.com and we will get back to you right away. For faster service call 800-445-1020 and ask for the International Department. We will be standing by to assist you in any manner.
|
|
