--- title: OptimalShip's Helpful Shipping Tips | K. Sterrett description: When you need shipping help for your small business, OptimalShip has got you covered. --- Document [![Logo](https://blog.optimalship.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OptimalShip%20Logos/logo.png?width=158&height=30&name=logo.png)](https://us.optimalship.com/) [Sign In ![Cardboard box](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/box.ico)](https://prep.optimalship.com/) - [Get Quote](https://prep.optimalship.com/get-quote) - [Prepare Shipment](https://prep.optimalship.com/prepare-shipment) - [Pay Bill](https://portal.optimalship.com/dashboard) - [Schedule Pickup](https://prep.optimalship.com/schedule-pickup) [Our Blog](https://blog.optimalship.com/) [Navigation](https://us.optimalship.com/) - [About Us](https://us.optimalship.com/about) - [Services](https://us.optimalship.com/services) - [Pricing](https://us.optimalship.com/pricing) - [Support](https://us.optimalship.com/support) - [About Us](https://us.optimalship.com/about) - [Services](https://us.optimalship.com/services) - [Pricing](https://us.optimalship.com/pricing) - [Support](https://us.optimalship.com/support) [Take me to old website ![Old Website](https://blog.optimalship.com/hs-fs/hubfs/icons/airship.png?width=56&height=56&name=airship.png) We have recently redesigned our website, but would you rather use the old one? **No problem, you can still use it here!**](https://www.optimalship.com/?classic) Search ![Toggler](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/hamburger.png) Search - [About Us](https://us.optimalship.com/about) - [Services](https://us.optimalship.com/services) - [Pricing](https://us.optimalship.com/pricing) - [Support](https://us.optimalship.com/support) - [Sign In](https://prep.optimalship.com/) - [Get Quote](https://prep.optimalship.com/get-quote) - [Prepare Shipment](https://prep.optimalship.com/prepare-shipment) - [Pay Bill](https://portal.optimalship.com/dashboard) - [Schedule Pickup](https://prep.optimalship.com/schedule-pickup) [Our Blog](https://blog.optimalship.com/) # OptimalShip's Helpful Shipping Tips ## K. Sterrett ### Recent Posts ## [How to Speed up Delivery of my International Package](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Mar 29, 2022 10:20:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Speed up Delivery of my International Package](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Ship%20to%20Brazil%20from%20the%20US%20(1).png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package) We all hate it when our packages take forever to get to us! Not just because it's annoying, but because in our economy, time is money. Here are some common reasons why your delivery is taking longer than expected, and how to speed things up. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package#comments-listing) ## [Commercial Vs. Proforma Invoice: Which One Do I Need?](https://blog.optimalship.com/commercial-vs.-proforma-invoice-which-one-do-i-need-and-what-is-its-role-in-customs) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Mar 22, 2022 9:45:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Commercial Vs. Proforma Invoice: Which One Do I Need?](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Ship%20to%20Brazil%20from%20the%20US-1.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/commercial-vs.-proforma-invoice-which-one-do-i-need-and-what-is-its-role-in-customs) When a shipment crosses an international border, it goes through the customs clearance process where the country’s import laws are enforced, and duties and taxes are assessed. There are two types of invoices that can be created for an international shipment and this article will guide you through which one you need to make. Some shipments are obviously commercial since they are being formally purchased from another country and will be subject to duty and tax. Others have nominal value or are not for resale, regardless of their value; these shipments might not be subject to duty and tax. The biggest role that an invoice plays in customs is to aid customs agents in enforcing duty and tax laws. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/commercial-vs.-proforma-invoice-which-one-do-i-need-and-what-is-its-role-in-customs) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/commercial-vs.-proforma-invoice-which-one-do-i-need-and-what-is-its-role-in-customs#comments-listing) ## [How to Ship to Canada from the US](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-canada-from-the-us) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Mar 8, 2022 9:53:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Ship to Canada from the US](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Canada.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-canada-from-the-us) Shipping packages to Canada from the United States is simple and straightforward. OptimalShip provides all of the tools and assistance you need to ship your parcels. Our customer service team will help you choose the best shipment options for your needs. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-canada-from-the-us) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-canada-from-the-us#comments-listing) ## [What DHL Forms For International Shipping do I Need?](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-dhl-forms-for-international-shipping-do-i-need) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Mar 1, 2022 9:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![What DHL Forms For International Shipping do I Need?](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/DHL%20Forms.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-dhl-forms-for-international-shipping-do-i-need) There is more paperwork involved in international shipments than with domestic because it is crossing international borders. Without this paperwork, your shipment will not make it through the customs clearance process. The paperwork sent will include more than just a simple statement of origin and destination. These extra details will ensure that it gets through customs and where it needs to go in a timely manner. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-dhl-forms-for-international-shipping-do-i-need) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-dhl-forms-for-international-shipping-do-i-need#comments-listing) ## [Shipping to China: Important Steps to Ensuring Delivery](https://blog.optimalship.com/shipping-to-china-important-steps-to-ensuring-delivery) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Feb 22, 2022 12:33:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Shipping to China: Important Steps to Ensuring Delivery](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Shipping%20to%20China-1.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/shipping-to-china-important-steps-to-ensuring-delivery) You can ship to China just like you can ship to many other countries. But a shipment to China could take days or weeks to arrive. Being the second largest importer in the world comes with some hiccups. All international shipping options include going through customs regulations. But high volumes of shipments can affect the delivery time for packages. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/shipping-to-china-important-steps-to-ensuring-delivery) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/shipping-to-china-important-steps-to-ensuring-delivery#comments-listing) ## [How to Ship to Remote Areas](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-remote-areas) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Feb 15, 2022 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Ship to Remote Areas](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/What%20is%20a%20Remote%20Area%20vs.%20Non-Remote%20Area.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-remote-areas)   [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-remote-areas) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-remote-areas#comments-listing) ## [How International Freight Shipping Works](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-international-freight-shipping-works) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Feb 8, 2022 10:50:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How International Freight Shipping Works](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/How%20International%20Freight%20Shipping%20Works.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-international-freight-shipping-works) Do you need international freight shipping services? [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-international-freight-shipping-works) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-international-freight-shipping-works#comments-listing) ## [How to Ship to Brazil from the US](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-brazil-from-the-us) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Feb 1, 2022 12:27:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Ship to Brazil from the US](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Ship%20to%20Brazil%20from%20the%20US.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-brazil-from-the-us) Shipping to Brazil follows the same process as shipping to any other country. You'll need to fill out customs documents. You'll also need to pay for shipping costs and pay attention to transit times. However, shipping to Brazil also comes with a few quirks. Having Brazil as your destination country makes shipping more expensive. In today's blog, we're giving you some pointers to making shipping to Brazil easier. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-brazil-from-the-us) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-ship-to-brazil-from-the-us#comments-listing) ## [Incoterms 2020: What code do I need for customs?](https://blog.optimalship.com/incoterms-2020-what-code-do-i-need-for-customs) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Jan 25, 2022 10:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Incoterms 2020: What code do I need for customs?](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20What%20shipping%20documentation%20do%20I%20need%20to%20ship%20internationally%20(1).png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/incoterms-2020-what-code-do-i-need-for-customs) Incoterms 2020 is an abbreviation for **international commercial terms**. Incoterms are part of international trade. Incoterms rules define the "basic roles and responsibilities of seller and buyer" when handling manufactured goods. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/incoterms-2020-what-code-do-i-need-for-customs) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/incoterms-2020-what-code-do-i-need-for-customs#comments-listing) ## [What Are Duties and Taxes?](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-are-duties-and-taxes) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Jan 11, 2022 9:40:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![What Are Duties and Taxes?](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20What%20shipping%20documentation%20do%20I%20need%20to%20ship%20internationally.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-are-duties-and-taxes) ## **Your Complete Guide to Understanding How Duties and Taxes Work** Customs duty, duty rates, import taxes, value-added tax ... you see these words all the time, but what do they mean? It can be easy to get confused. After all, duties and taxes are part of all international shipments, and all countries have them. In this article, we're answering all your questions.  [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-are-duties-and-taxes) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-are-duties-and-taxes#comments-listing) [Next](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett/page/2) ## Real Advice ### From Real Shippers If we can't help you with it, we'll figure out who can! Stick around for lots of advice from the experts.   ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [International Shipping (22)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping) - [Exports (18)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/exports) - [Imports (11)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/imports) - [DHL (9)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/dhl) - [Export Basics (7)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics) - [About OptimalShip (6)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/about-optimalship) - [Import Basics (6)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/import-basics) - [restrictions (6)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/restrictions) - [Domestic Shipping (5)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/domestic-shipping) - [China (4)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/china) - [Customs Brokerage (4)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/customs-brokerage) - [Insider (3)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/insider) - [Fun Shipping History (2)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/fun-shipping-history) - [Insurance (2)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/insurance) - [Shipping to India (2)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/shipping-to-india) - [billing (2)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/billing) - [svp (2)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/svp) - [Australia (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/australia) - [Customs (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/customs) - [Europe (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/europe) - [Freight Forwarder (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/freight-forwarder) - [Hong Kong (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/hong-kong) - [KYC Documents (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/kyc-documents) - [Russia (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/russia) - [Venezuela (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/venezuela) - [account (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/account) - [brazil (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/brazil) - [carnet (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/carnet) - [cost (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/cost) - [covid-19 (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/covid-19) - [damaged shipment (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/damaged-shipment) - [holidays (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/holidays) - [lost shipment (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/lost-shipment) - [shipment value protection (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/shipment-value-protection) - [trade shows (1)](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/trade-shows) See all OptimalShip ![Optimal Logistics LLC](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/box.png) Optimal Logistics LLC ![PO BOX 1779](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/map-pin.png) PO BOX 1779 ![Allen, TX 75013-0030](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/map.png) Allen, TX 75013-0030 ![(972) 383-9901](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/phone.png) (972) 383-9901 ![customerservice@optimalship.com](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/mail.png) customerservice@optimalship.com OptimalShip on Social Media: [![Facebook](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/OptimalShip.DHLWholesale) [![Instagram](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/optimalshipteam/) [![LinkedIn](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-logistics---dallas) [![Twitter](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/icons/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/OptimalShip) Sitemap - [About Us](https://us.optimalship.com/about) - [Careers](https://us.optimalship.com/careers) - [Services](https://us.optimalship.com/services) - [Pricing](https://us.optimalship.com/pricing) - [Integrations](https://us.optimalship.com/integrations) - [Contact Us](https://us.optimalship.com/contact) - [FAQs](https://us.optimalship.com/support) - [Create an Account](https://prep.optimalship.com/sign-up) - [Read Our Blog](https://blog.optimalship.com/) Helpful Tools - [Free Shipment Prep Tool](https://prep.optimalship.com/prepare-shipment) - [Free Quote Tool](https://prep.optimalship.com/get-quote) - [Online Bill Pay](https://portal.optimalship.com/dashboard) - [Pickup Scheduler](https://prep.optimalship.com/schedule-pickup) ![Authorized DHL Service Provider](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/2022%20Footer%20Other/trust-badge.png) Legal - [Terms of Service](https://us.optimalship.com/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://us.optimalship.com/privacy-policy) ❦ Woman-Owned Business ![Authorized DHL Service Provider](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/2022%20Footer%20Other/trust-badge.png)