--- title: How International Freight Shipping Works description: Learn the basics of how international freight shipping works! Get all the tips and tricks you need from OptimalShip. image: https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/How%20International%20Freight%20Shipping%20Works.png --- 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 # 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/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20International%20Freight%20Shipping%20Works.png?width=573&name=How%20International%20Freight%20Shipping%20Works.png) Do you need international freight shipping services? International freight shipping is a complicated business that may feel intimidating the first time you need to do it. We've got you covered! This post will cover everything you need to know about international freight shipping, what to look for in an international shipping company, and the various types of freight shipping services that are available. ## **Behind the Scenes of Shipping Freight Internationally** International freight shipping keeps us supplied with our favorite foods and products on a daily basis. It almost feels like magic that products from Asia can easily be found on our supermarket shelves here in the United States. Yet, it takes a lot of logistics and coordination to make international shipping possible. Get ready because we're about to pull back the curtain on international shipping services so that you can understand how it works. First, let's take a look at how a typical international shipment takes place. ### **Sample International Shipping Process** If you drop off your international shipments and then don't hear about it until they reach their final destination, here's what's happening in that in-between time: #### **Step 1: Export Haulage** In this first step of international shipping, your shipper moves your container load to the origin warehouse. Typically, this leg of overseas shipping is completed by trucks. In some cases, it may be completed by rail, especially if the shipping containers must travel a long way to a port. #### **Step 2: Origin Handling** Upon arriving at the warehouse, the container load is checked in and prepared for the next leg of the international freight journey. #### **Step 3: Export Customs Clearance** Because the final destination is overseas, customs documents must be filled out and arrangements must be made for crossing international borders. That way, the air or ocean freight will leave the exporting country and enter the destination country with no problems. #### **Step 4: Ocean or Air Freight** Typically, international shipments are shipped either through air freight or ocean freight services. Many factors come into play when choosing between air freight and ocean freight. Ultimately, it comes down to the budget, timeline, and availability of these two shipping services. #### **Step 5: Import Customs Clearance** Upon arrival in the destination country, customs must be cleared. Sometimes, a container load may be inspected as part of routine checks. #### **Step 6: Destination Handling** In this step, the freight shipping services transfer the cargo to the destination warehouse. The recipient company will inspect that the international shipment has arrived safely and that all containers or packages are accounted for. #### **Step 7: Import Haulage** This is the last leg of the international shipping services. In this step, the final delivery is made to the address listed on the shipment. If you've requested door to door service or if the international destination is remote, this step may also include several stops at warehouses. Typically, import haulage is completed overland by trucks or rail. As you can see, international freight shipping is a complex process that includes many important steps. For this reason, it's important to select your ## **Types of International Shipping** Now that you know how freight shipping services work, it's time to learn about the types of services available. When you need to ship internationally, it's important to consider things like your timeline, budget, and the logistics of the origin and destination countries. Here are the basic types of international freight shipping services: ### **Air Freight Services** Air freight is ideal if your overseas shipments are urgent and the size of your shipment is small. Typical maximum pallet sizes are 96 inches by 125 inches. If you're shipping less than container load, this service may work well for you. However, it's unlikely that you can ship a full container load via air freight. ### **Ocean Freight Services** For shipping a full container load or more, or port to port services, ocean freight is the best option. Ocean freight typically takes longer than air freight. Not only does ocean freight travel slowly, but there may be waiting periods as the ship is filled and emptied at the ports. ### **Rail Freight** International freight within continents that feature many countries can easily be done via rail. Or, a section of your international transport may be completed via rail. Imagine that you ship from the United States to Spain, but your final destination is Germany. Your shipment may travel from Spain to Germany via rail. ### **Road Freight** When you ship overseas, it's natural that part of the journey is completed by trucks. For example, when your shipment is transferred from the port to the final destination, it's likely done via road. ![Types of International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Types%20of%20International%20Shipping.png?width=800&name=Types%20of%20International%20Shipping.png) ## **What to Look for in an International Shipment Company** Naturally, you want to find a quality international freight company that you can work with to achieve a hassle-free experience. Here are a few things to look for when considering your shipping options: ### **A Good Reputation** Today, when you look to book any service, it's easy to look up customer reviews that evaluate everything from customer service to how reliable the business is and the range of services offered by the carrier. After vetting the carrier based on reputation, it's time to consider other factors. ### **Works with Major Cities Worldwide** Shipping companies work with freight forwarders to make deliveries across the globe. Make sure you work with a business that has a strong worldwide network. That way, no matter where you open your next store or find your next partner, you'll be set for shipping. ### **Policies on Hazardous Materials** Some items are considered hazardous for international shipping. Double-check that the service provider you're interested in working with will be able to transport all of the necessary items. ### **Full Range of Services** Not all carriers are created equal. Make sure that your chosen provider can help with things like document preparation for customs, storage, delivery to remote locations, shipments tracking, insurance, and more. ### **Management of Oversized and Heavy Items** If you need to transport freight that is larger than average, will this carrier be able to handle it? ### **Responsiveness** Test out the business's customer service by contacting them. A quality freight service supplier will offer timely, polite communication and various methods of communication. As you can see, international freight shipping is an involved process with many steps, players, transportation methods, and paperwork to complete. Working with a quality international freight shipping carrier can go a long way to keep your business running smoothly. Do you need a quote for your international freight shipping needs? Contact us today! We'd love to hear from you. [![Download your FREE International Shipping Checklist!](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4232767/69a47585-2ba7-497f-a7b1-822e3afe9916.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4232767/69a47585-2ba7-497f-a7b1-822e3afe9916)   ## 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)