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In domestic delivery, individuals can directly approach courier companies for shipping. But what about international express delivery? Common international courier services include UPS, FedEx, DHL, and TNT. Personal shipping is indeed possible with international express services, but there are several key points to consider:
1. Understand the regulations and restrictions of the destination country or region. Different countries have varying regulations regarding imported items, and certain items may be prohibited or require special procedures.
2. Commercial invoice is required. For all cross-border shipments, excluding documents without commercial value, the commercial invoice is the primary document for controlling imports, assessing value, and determining duties. If you have an international express account, you can send the commercial invoice digitally. If not, you must print three copies of the commercial invoice and include them with the package. When creating the shipping label, the international express shipping tool will assist in filling out the commercial invoice. It's essential to provide accurate and specific information to avoid customs delays.
3. Duties, taxes, and fees. The sender or recipient is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and fees. If the sender pays, it is termed destination delivery; if the recipient pays, it is referred to as delivery duty unpaid (DDU). If you use a credit card for payment without a UPS account, the default payment method is DDU, meaning the recipient must pay the related fees before receiving the shipment.
4. Accurate recipient information. Fill out the recipient’s address and contact details precisely, including the specific address, postal code, phone number, etc., to ensure the package is delivered correctly.
5. Provide a detailed description of the items being shipped. This includes the name, quantity, material, purpose, etc. This helps determine the appropriate duty codes and avoid customs delays.
Additionally, international express services offer various shipping options, which may differ in terms of delivery speed and pricing, allowing you to choose according to your needs.
However, most people opt to ship through freight forwarders. Freight forwarders can consolidate shipments, providing significant discounts and generally lower unit prices. They can also assist shippers in resolving various issues encountered during international transport. Furthermore, express delivery has strict requirements regarding the types of goods being shipped; many sensitive items may not be accepted for personal shipping. Using a freight forwarder can be more advantageous as they have multiple shipping channels, making it more convenient, quicker, and safer. Even in the event of problems, appropriate compensation will be provided.
