--- title: OptimalShip's Helpful Shipping Tips | Export Basics description: Export Basics | 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 ## [6 Things About Carnets You Need to Know](https://blog.optimalship.com/6-things-about-carnets-you-need-to-know) Posted by [Ian McRae](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/ian-mcrae) on Feb 1, 2023 11:27:38 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![6 Things About Carnets You Need to Know](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VpvNM1UO3XqyVKIC0c4nEpHBmA73FPYzbjbWb6J40vvqbgCVglk2ZvNQaEWben_aOOJAmU8xCntc71NUdr3s0j1yT_hIHvcKKJe_x2V5mgJZVrdisnVGstGzjmlJhM2PVv6jRnXvPdb5sm9kylhq4bg)](https://blog.optimalship.com/6-things-about-carnets-you-need-to-know) [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/6-things-about-carnets-you-need-to-know) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/6-things-about-carnets-you-need-to-know#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [carnet](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/carnet), [trade shows](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/trade-shows) ## [5 Factors That Affect International Your Shipping Costs](https://blog.optimalship.com/5-factors-international-shipping-cost) Posted by [Ian McRae](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/ian-mcrae) on Nov 7, 2022 1:29:32 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![5 Factors That Affect International Your Shipping Costs](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/R_zMtTt_-G_H5_urs_qQ9ktyWzJ7sIilg6uey2ZQTZ_0Du6C264qwvD9Bcv6jskRWYfbHNif3L-LKPub9730kTL0rTC57KCEtBE_dsysz16ym-Ci9DWUYrT0jmT6_GC57LiHC6RI54EnKhTnlkmT2lK5cqqbNkk93ltaYx-ZsJE-j3ZsXOMrbT_ihSTO3A)](https://blog.optimalship.com/5-factors-international-shipping-cost) [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/5-factors-international-shipping-cost) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/5-factors-international-shipping-cost#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [Import Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/import-basics), [cost](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/cost) ## [How to Correctly Write an International Address](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package-0-0) Posted by [Cade Nordgren](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/cade-nordgren) on May 2, 2022 2:54:31 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Correctly Write an International Address](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(1).png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package-0-0) All too often a simple error or a missing piece of information in an address can mean that your shipment will be delayed, or, in more extreme cases, never arrive at its destination at all. In this article, we will cover the proper way to format an international address to ensure that this does not happen to you. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package-0-0) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-speed-up-delivery-of-my-international-package-0-0#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping), [Imports](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/imports) ## [What to Look for (and Avoid) in a Freight Forwarder](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-you-should-look-for-and-avoid-in-a-freight-forwarder-infographic) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on May 30, 2019 10:42:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![What to Look for (and Avoid) in a Freight Forwarder](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/What%20Should%20You%20Look%20For%20and%20Avoid%20in%20a%20Freight%20Forwarder_.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-you-should-look-for-and-avoid-in-a-freight-forwarder-infographic) A freight forwarder's marketing strategy -- or lack of one -- can say a lot about how they will be to work with. As you select your freight forwarder, keep these do's and don'ts in mind. If a freight forwarder falls in the "Don't" category, be careful. You'd likely be much better off with a different freight forwarder. If a freight forwarder falls in the "Do" category, they are likely a good choice. Here are our Marketing Do's and Don'ts for how to choose a freight forwarder, followed by an infographic reference with this information. # Do's: What You Should Look for in a Freight Forwarder  ## Experience It's easy to get into the freight forwarding business, but harder to do it right.  ## Country Agents Does the freight forwarder have connections in the country you're exporting/importing from? ## Correct Services Not all freight forwarders offer the same services. Does this one have everything you're looking for? ## Good References How are the reviews across the web? Do you know anyone who uses this freight forwarder? More references are better. ## Responsive Your freight forwarder should answer the phone, emails, and any correspondence in a really reasonable amount of time.   # Don'ts: What You Should Avoid in a Freight Forwarder ## No Website No website is a no-go. Make sure your freight forwarder has a presence online. ## No Phone Number Some freight forwarders try to save money by not providing "live" customer service, or upcharging for it. The best do not. ## Lack of Reviews Are there just no reviews across the web? They could either be silenced by the company or too new to have any yet. ## Dormancy Does the freight forwarder have a consistent online presence, or do they come and go? Watch their website for up-to-date information, as well as their blog and social media accounts -- if they have them. ## Unwilling to Help Customer service isn't helpful when they don't know what they are doing or can't help you. They should go above and beyond to help you. Don't settle for less. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-you-should-look-for-and-avoid-in-a-freight-forwarder-infographic) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/what-you-should-look-for-and-avoid-in-a-freight-forwarder-infographic#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping), [Freight Forwarder](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/freight-forwarder) ## [The Difference Between HS, HTS, and Schedule B Codes](https://blog.optimalship.com/the-difference-between-hs-hts-and-schedule-b-codes-infographic) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on Jun 6, 2018 12:33:03 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Difference Between HS, HTS, and Schedule B Codes](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/HTShscodes.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/the-difference-between-hs-hts-and-schedule-b-codes-infographic) All of these abbreviations can be downright confusing in the shipping world, especially when it comes to codes that define your products at the customs borders. Here, we talk a little about the most commonly confused codes and when they're used. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/the-difference-between-hs-hts-and-schedule-b-codes-infographic) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/the-difference-between-hs-hts-and-schedule-b-codes-infographic#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping), [Import Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/import-basics) ## [How to Comply with Export Laws (infographic)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-comply-with-export-laws-infographic) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on May 15, 2018 2:38:25 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Comply with Export Laws (infographic)](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/6%20Steps%20to%20Export%20Compliance.png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-comply-with-export-laws-infographic)     Exporting laws can be tricky, but must be followed in order to get your goods where you want them to go. We've made an infographic to help. Here are 5 steps to follow in order to comply with export laws. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-comply-with-export-laws-infographic) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-to-comply-with-export-laws-infographic#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping) ## [How Do I Ship Internationally?](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-do-i-ship-internationally) Posted by [K. Sterrett](https://blog.optimalship.com/author/k-sterrett) on May 4, 2018 12:47:07 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How Do I Ship Internationally?](https://blog.optimalship.com/hubfs/Your%20country's%20de%20minimis%20value%20determines%20if%20local%20customs%20will%20assess%20a%20duty%20or%20tax%20on%20your%20shipment..png)](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-do-i-ship-internationally) International shipping is a little bit confusing, especially since you have to consider your country AND the country you're shipping to. Everyone has different rules and considerations, but there are a couple of guidelines that just about everyone should follow. We've outlined these here for you. [Read More](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-do-i-ship-internationally) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.optimalship.com/how-do-i-ship-internationally#comments-listing) Topics: [Export Basics](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/export-basics), [International Shipping](https://blog.optimalship.com/tag/international-shipping) ## 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)