International freight shipping is more complex than interstate or intra-state domestic freight transportation. Different destination countries each have their own unique rules and requirements, depending on the specific commodity and value of freight being shipped. There are also a variety of export compliance issues that need to be addressed when it comes to international freight shipping. It does seem complex, but with the help of an experienced, reputable international freight forwarder, the process is made simple for shippers.

What Is An International Freight Forwarder?

Again, international freight shipping is normally a complex process. Both export and import regulations need to be considered, along with customs documentation and the logistics of efficiently transporting freight from point A to point B. An international freight forwarder, such as Amerijet Internationals sister company I.T.N. Consolidator is a licensed agent able to coordinate all aspects of the international freight shipping process - making it as simple as possible for customers.

What Documentation Is Required For International Freight Shipping?

While every country has its own specific rules and requirements for import and export documentation, there are a few standard paperwork items that will be necessary in almost every international freight shipping scenario. They include:

• Commercial Invoice - A detailed line-by-line description of every item in the shipment, along with the corresponding line item values, and total value. Some countries, including the Caribbean member countries of CARICOM, require the use of their own specialized invoices.
• Certificate of Origin - This form declares which country the items within the international freight shipment actually originated in. This is important for the customs clearance process, as every international location will have different rules and regulations based on where the goods originated. The Certificate of Origin documentation will usually need to be certified by authorized verification.
• Shippers Export Declaration (SED) - With international freight shipping, SED documentation is required for shipments containing any single commodity valued in excess of US $2,500.00 being exported from the United States. Required by the United States Census Bureau, SED information is now transitioning to mandated electronic filing - dont worry, Amerijet is ready to help our customers with this process.

Of course, these are just the most common, universal basics of international shipping documentation. Depending on the actual export/import locations, additional paperwork and licenses are likely to be required. As a customer-focused international freight forwarder, Amerijet and its sister company I.T.N. Consolidator are pleased to assist our customers with each step of the international freight shipping process, including international documentation. Please call our customer service representatives for expert assistance.