INTRODUCTION
TO LOGISTICS AND INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
What is logistics and
international shipping? Actually it is the negotiating, planning, and
implementation of supporting logistic arrangements between nations, their
forces, and agencies. It includes planning and actions related to the
intermeshing of a significant element, activity, or component of the military
logistic systems or procedures of the United States with those of one or more
foreign governments, international organizations, or military forces on a
temporary or permanent basis.
Besides, it also includes
planning and actions related to the utilization logistic policies, systems, and
procedures to meet requirements of one or more foreign governments,
international organizations, or forces. When shipping a product overseas, the
exporter must be aware of packing, labeling, documentation, and insurance
requirements.
Most exporters rely on an international freight forwarder to perform these services because of the multitude of considerations involved in physically exporting goods. An international freight forwarder is an agent for the exporter in moving cargo to an overseas destination. Whether an exporter is large or small, the weight of the cargo light or heavy, a freight forwarder can take care of cargo from “dock to door,” thus freeing the exporter from dealing with many logistics-related details.
Most exporters rely on an international freight forwarder to perform these services because of the multitude of considerations involved in physically exporting goods. An international freight forwarder is an agent for the exporter in moving cargo to an overseas destination. Whether an exporter is large or small, the weight of the cargo light or heavy, a freight forwarder can take care of cargo from “dock to door,” thus freeing the exporter from dealing with many logistics-related details.
In addition, inspection certification is required by some purchasers and
countries in order to attest to the specifications of the goods shipped. This
is usually performed by a third party and often obtained from independent
testing organizations. A dock receipt and a warehouse receipt are used to
transfer accountability when the export item is moved by the domestic carrier
to the port of embarkation and left with the ship line for export.
An export license is a government document that authorizes the export of
specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination. This
document may be required for most or all exports to some countries or for other
countries only under special circumstances. Documentation must be precise
because slight discrepancies or omissions may prevent merchandise from being
exported, result in nonpayment, or even result in the seizure of the exporter's
goods by U.S. or foreign government customs.
