OptimalShip's Helpful Shipping Tips

4 Steps to Change an Incorrect Shipment Address

Posted by Ian McRae on Jun 17, 2022 10:28:45 AM

Tragedy Strikes

We’ve all been there. Business was running smoothly. You’re making some strong sales and getting all your orders ready to go out to your customers. You’re excited! You’re on top of the world! You’re making your business dream come true, one package at a time. In the heat of all that fervor; tragedy strikes! Not too long after you have your product picked up to be shipped, you’re looking through the invoice information for your customer, and you realize that the package is going to the wrong address.

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Topics: International Shipping, DHL

What To Do if your International Shipment is Damaged, Lost, or Stolen

Posted by Alyssa Duarte on May 24, 2022 11:25:39 AM

 

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Topics: International Shipping, svp, Insurance, lost shipment, damaged shipment

Shipment Value Protection through DHL

Posted by Skylar Godinez on May 20, 2022 10:16:23 AM
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Topics: International Shipping, Import Basics, Exports, DHL, shipment value protection, svp, Insurance

DHL and Customs Clearance: A Guide for New Shippers

Posted by Nathan Hunt on May 12, 2022 3:02:41 PM

 

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Topics: International Shipping, Import Basics, Exports, Customs, Customs Brokerage

Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight

Posted by Courtney Evans on May 12, 2022 2:56:43 PM

Have you ever shipped a large box that seems to weigh nothing, yet the invoice you get is higher than you expected? This likely has to do with the difference between dimensional weight and actual weight. We all know how to find the actual weight of our international packages; we just look at the scale the box is sitting on and read the number. But why does my 10 lb shipment in a 12x12x12 inch box cost less than those same 10 lbs in a 24x24x24 inch box?

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Topics: International Shipping, Domestic Shipping, Exports, Imports, billing

How to Correctly Write an International Address

Posted by Cade Nordgren on May 2, 2022 2:54:31 PM

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.

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Topics: Export Basics, International Shipping, Imports

Choosing the Right Overseas Shipper

Posted by K. Sterrett on Aug 26, 2021 8:46:32 AM

If you're looking for the best international shipping companies, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before making a decision.

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Topics: International Shipping, Exports, Imports

Online Bill Pay Now Available!

Posted by C. Keers on Jun 14, 2021 10:07:31 PM

We have some exciting news to remind you about: Optimal Ship supports Online Bill Pay! Our Online Bill Pay is a secure and simple to use bill pay system that affords you peace of mind. Here are some of benefits of using Optimal Ship’s Online Bill Pay:

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Topics: International Shipping, Domestic Shipping, account, billing

Emergency Situation Surcharge (ESS)

Posted by C. Keers on May 15, 2020 9:30:58 AM

DHL introduced an Emergency Situation Surcharge (ESS) back in April of 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Today they have announced new changes that will be effective as of May 24th, 2020.

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Topics: International Shipping, Exports, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Imports, Europe

What to Look for (and Avoid) in a Freight Forwarder

Posted by K. Sterrett on May 30, 2019 10:42:00 AM

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.

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Topics: Export Basics, International Shipping, Freight Forwarder