Introduction

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.

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.