TNT Express to sell TNT Fashion Group to Belspeed and Netlog Group

After several months of searching for a buyer, international courier TNT Express and logistics firm has announced its plans to sell its specialised fashion supply chain business TNT Fashion Group B.V.

Subject to consultation and regulatory approval, the fashion branch of the Dutch courier company will be bought by a consortium formed by Belgian fashion logistics firm Belspeed and Turkish supply chain specialists Netlog Group. Completion of the sale is expected by the end of June this year.  The UK arm of the fashion group will be downsized and merged with the core TNT UK business.

In spite of its necessity, this is likely to be a difficult move for TNT, whose fashion branch has developed a strong reputation since its foundation in the UK and subsequent expansion across Europe and Asia. The sale forms part of TNT's continued restructure following the unexpected EU veto of the company's planned merger with UPS in January 2013.

In a statement yesterday, the TNT said that no changes were expected to be made to TNT Fashion's 660 strong workforce as a result of the transaction and that the terms and conditions of agreements with current customers and suppliers would not be affected.

The two companies due to take over the operation combine niche fashion expertise and more large-scale logistics experience. Belspeed has been providing fashion logistics for over 30 years and generates an annual revenue of EUR 35M while Netlog Group is one of Turkey's largest logistics firms, with annual revenues over $500 and 4,5000 employees.

Sending a Parcel to New Zealand | Exporting Advice for SMEs

There are many reasons why UK residents may want to send a parcel to New Zealand. Since it is estimated that 70% of the Kiwi population has family links in the UK, it is not surprising that many British people send parcels to the Pacific nation for personal reasons. But as well as sending gifts to friends and loved ones, UK SMEs could also benefit from shipping to New Zealand for commercial purposes.

Due to historical links, cultural similarities, a shared language and comparable finance and legal systems, it can be relatively easy for British firms to grow through exporting to New Zealand. In addition to this though, New Zealand is an attractive market in its own right. If you haven't considered New Zealand as part of your export strategy, maybe the following information will make you think twice:

1. Demand for British Goods

Trade between the UK and New Zealand is strong: Britain counts itself among New Zealand's top five trade partners, and demand for British goods is high. Clothing, gift-ware and food and drink from the UK is especially popular in New Zealand.

2. New Zealand's Economy

New Zealand is a relatively small market, making it an ideal target for SMEs that are new to exporting. It's also closer to, and has important trade agreements with, many other important markets in the South Pacific and East Asia, including Australia, China and Japan.  If your export strategy is successful, New Zealand is a great location from which to develop it further.

3. What about the distance?

With over 11,000 miles as the crow flies between London and Wellington, it's understandably a daunting prospect for many SMEs to consider shipping to New Zealand. Fortunately, parcel delivery resellers such as Transglobal Express provide a valuable service to UK business, allowing them to book shipping services from major international carriers at a fraction of the price. Exporting to New Zealand can therefore be much cheaper than you expect. You can get a quick quote and compare prices via our website.

4. For More Information

The website of UK Trade & Investment provides lots of  invaluable information about exporting to, and doing business in, New Zealand. You can access a variety of reports and even arrange to speak to an export expert for your chosen market.

5. And finally...

New Zealand is a nice place!  It was recently deemed the least corrupt country in which to do business and (OK, so it's not directly related to export but...) the Maori name for New Zealand is often translated as "land of abiding day" - who wouldn't want to export there?

"Exporting is GREAT" campaign kicks of UK Export Week

Are you thinking of growing your business by exporting abroad? This week is Export Week in the UK, and there are lots of opportunities for SMEs to learn more about exporting and access support. Marking the beginning of the seven day campaign, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) launched "Exporting is GREAT" on Monday, an initiative forming part of the larger "Business is GREAT" campaign that will promote the benefits and possibilities of international export to over 700,000 firms across the country. Its main aim is to promote the support currently available to SMEs.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said of the campaign: “British small and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Many are doing incredible things and selling their services and products abroad. But too many do not realise their global potential." The campaign is intended to help SMEs tap into this potential with a variety of tools. On the campaign website, SMEs can arrange to speak to an export advisor, read inspirational testimonials from successful export ventures and sign up for regular export-related newsletters. The campaign is expected to generate 3,000 appointments between UKTI and aspiring exporters and to drive £1.2 billion in additional export revenue.

Speaking at the launch of "Exporting is GREAT", Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green said “The UK’s future prosperity will not come from relying on domestic markets alone. Businesses excel with UKTI’s support and we want to make sure that UK firms are not just trading abroad but thriving there and competing with the best the rest of the world has to offer.” 

Exporting to Japan | Tips and Advice

Poetically termed the "Land of the Rising Sun", Japan is one of the economic powerhouses of East Asia and boasts the third largest economy in the world. UK Trade and Investment reports that 450 British companies have operations in Japan and that exports from the UK to Japan amount to £9.6 billion annually.

If you're thinking of exporting to Japan, it may be much more cost effective than you think. As the crow flies, it's approximately 6000 miles between London and Tokyo, and for a 1kg package, it could cost you as little as £29.90 to send your parcel via a TNT Express service if you book through a reseller such as Transglobal Express. And as is often the case, the more you send, the lower the rate per kilogram. 

Sending goods to Japan may seem daunting if you have little experience of exporting or just sending goods internationally for non-commercial reasons, so we've compiled some tips, advice and general information to help you. 

Customs Regulations + Documentation

Since it is non-EU country, all exports to Japan from the UK will be subject to customs clearance and any related duties and taxes. Most international shipments are delivered DDU (delivered duty unpaid) which means that customs charges are billed to the recipient. Be sure to make your recipient and/ or customers aware of this in advance. To anticipate these charges as best you can, we recommend boning up on Japanese customs regulations and restrictions. A good place to start is the Japan customs website, which also publishes lots of useful trade statistics.

As well as an Air Waybill (this is the label that you attach to your shipments), you will need a Customs Invoice when sending parcels to Japan. This is a document detailing the contents and value of your consignment and any other relevant details. Transglobal Express produces a simple customs invoice for you as part of our online booking service, but you are welcome to use your own proforma if you have one - the more detail the better!

Business Culture

Japanese business activity has changed dramatically since the Meiji era. Until 1853, the international relations policy of "Sakoko" (chained country) was practised, which dictated that any foreigner attempting to enter Japan and any Japanese person attempting to leave the country was subject to the death penalty. This policy was part of a wider isolationism which meant that Japan traded only with China, Korea, the Ryukyu Islands and the Netherlands - so international trade was limited to say the least! It's therefore remarkable that in a relatively short space of time, Japan has grown to become both the fourth largest export economy and fourth largest import economy in the world. 

Nevertheless, some Japanese business practices remain peculiar to the country and so it's advisable to familiarise yourself with these if you are planning on doing business in Japan:  

The concept of Wa or 'harmony' is vital in Japanese culture. In business practice, it means that the avoidance of self assertion and the maintenance of good relationships in spite of differences of opinion. Wa may mean that negative feedback is expressed indirectly, so pay attention to body language, and attempt to be diplomatic yourself. 

Face or Kao is also an important concept in Japanese culture. It's important to ensure potential business partners do not lose face - this includes avoiding direct criticism and confrontation.

Omoiyari refers to a sense of loyalty and empathy that is encouraged in Japanese society and therefore also important to business culture. Building strong relationships based on trust is imperative to doing business in Japan. 

European Air Cargo manages a 1% rise in May, in a sluggish month for the industry

IATA have recently released figures reporting on the global air cargo market growth for May: broadly speaking, the market has continued to flatline, following the trend of the last 18 months. Global freight tonne kilometres increased slightly by 0.8% year-on-year, and while capacity increased by 2.1%, load factors fell to 44.9%, the lowest level since post-crisis recovery.

The sluggishness in the market has been attributed to a variety of factors including the decelerated growth in developing economies such as China China and the global decline of business confidence. Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of IATA, said, “It is getting harder to find optimistic signs for air cargo growth. The Middle East remains a bright spot, and the rate of decline in the Eurozone is easing. But this is offset by the weakening of expansion in Asia-Pacific. It is now clear that the positive global upswing in air cargo at the end of 2012 was an illusion. Air cargo, along with many parts of the world economy, appears to be in suspended animation at the moment”. 

The Middle East region saw the most growth, with a year-on-year increase of 9.7%, Europe was second in line with the much lower figures of 1% growth, followed by Africa at just 0.2%. All other regions, comprising Latin America, North America and Asia Pacific, registered slight declines. 

Mexico and the US to share a customs facility

Are multinational customs facilities the way of the future? It seems counter-intuitive, but we may be forgiven for thinking so, if the new initiative pioneered by airport executives at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is anything to go by. From October this year, the Texan town and its Mexican neighbour Metamoros are set to share use of a dual customs hangar.

The Tijuana-Mexico border 

The $2.4 million development is currently under construction and is intended to decrease transit times within the US: once both Mexican and US customs have processed shipments in a single hangar, the shipment becomes domestic and can be delivered anywhere within the States. Given that air freight services are often employed for the most time-sensitive of shipments, this will surely be welcome news for Mexican exporters and US importers. 

Michael Jones, Business Development Manager at Brownsville, hopes it will make his airport stand out to shippers: "at any other US airport, you would have to go to one of the six designated airports in Mexico and wait there to clear customs, and that could be a process of two or three days, even a week," he commented.

Jones went on the state that this type of service was likely to grow as word of its availability spreads. While currently only a co-location exercise, the implications for the future of customs authorities are worth some thought: could the growth of such a trend encourage more bi-lateral trade agreements; would dual customs anyways privilege one domestic market over another; is this a service likely to remain particular to air freight services across the Atlantic? Let us know your thoughts!

Contending with customs: advice for people new to exporting

Exporting your goods overseas can seem a daunting experience. It can be difficult to determine which regulations apply to you and which forms are applicable to your business - never mind how to fill them in!  Generally speaking, trade within the EU tends to be a simpler process, but if you're thinking of making the leap and expanding your sales beyond the European Community we have some customs tips and advice for you.

1. Inform your customer of the potential costs of Customs Clearance in advance

Typically, the receiver will be liable to pay any charges associated with Customs Clearance before your goods are released for delivery. This is called DDU (delivered duty unpaid) shipping. Most seasoned shippers are well aware of this but it's a good idea to make sure your customer knows of potential customs charges in advance- the last thing you want to do is give your customer a shock before they have even received your goods! Alternatively, if you'd prefer to pay the charges yourself, you can always opt for a DDP (delivered duty paid) service when booking UPS, DHL and TNT services through Transglobal Express. Such a service bills all charges back to you, the exporter, and usually entails a small fee. 

2. Research country-specific regulations

As well as familiarising yourself with general restrictions imposed by all major carriers, you also need to check the restrictions for your particular export country.  Restrictions can vary a lot depending on the policies and priorities of different governments, and there are also some historic and sometimes very strange trade restrictions, so you should always double-check with the relevant customs authority before implementing your export strategy. Want to send plastic flowers to Nigeria or toothbrushes to Algeria? Believe it or not, customs law prohibits the import of such items! Want to send tents to Jordan? You need a license first! The best advice? Always check! 

The best place to start when carrying our your research is the customs website of the relevant country: countries publish detailed lists of restrictions on their webpages. Customs Forum is another useful website where you can ask questions and advice of other exporters.

3. Choose the right delivery service

UPS, DHL, FedEx and TNT Express - the largest global carriers - tend to take care of customs clearance on behalf of the shipper. If you book with a reseller such as Transglobal  Express, you can enjoy the expertise and excellent international networks of these brands at highly reduced rates. But equally importantly, you can benefit from our own expertise developed from over 20 years experience in the industry. Given the fact that Transglobal ship to over 220 destinations worldwide, using a variety of the biggest and best carriers, we are unable to give definitive advice on specific customs policies, but we do know where to direct you if you need any further advice, and we are always willing to help wherever we can - personal service can make all the difference when trying to navigate what is often a daunting collection of rules and regulations!

Do you have any general customs advice to share with other exporters? Let us know and we'll publish it here- happy shipping!

Now is a critical time for air freight, says FedEx chief.

Michael Ducker, the COO of US courier service FedEx Express, stressed the importance of air cargo at the Cargo Network Service (CNS) conference in Phoenix last month.  During his keynote address, Ducker stated that "right now is definitely a critical time for cargo".

FedEx Express COO Michael Ducker

2012 saw air freight contribute $98 billion to the global economy and fly $US 10 trillion goods internationally, but Ducker called it a disappointing year, given that cargo volumes and yield dropped 2% year  on year. 

In line with many industry commentators who have borne witness to small dips in growth in the industry since 2008, Ducker affirmed that the days of cheap fuel and high investment are over for the foreseeable future: "a new normal" has permeated the industry, he said. Financial stagnation and high oil prices are the primary factors defining the current market. 

At the same time, US markets are seeing increased competition from the emerging markets of China, Brazil and Poland as well as competition from sea carriers. Ducker stated, "I think the future of air cargo is directly tied to ocean freight, but sea freight isn't for everyone." Shippers of time-sensitive, high value goods will always depend on air freight, he stressed.

In order to face the challenges of the future, Ducker urged greater supply chain innovation and efficiency and the quicker adoption of e-freight, calling paper-based processes relics and anachronisms.

Exporting to China: advice for SMEs

As well as being the most populous country, China has by far the biggest export economy in the world, with estimated exports of almost $2 billion in 2011.* In addition to these astronomical export figures however, recent reports suggest that China's import economy is also booming, meaning increased opportunity for British companies looking to export to China.

In March, imports to China surged 14%, much more than the 5% predicted by analysts. While much of this can be accounted for by imports of commodities by and from big business, SMEs also play their part, and parcel delivery companies such as Transglobal Express have recently witnessed increases in the volume of parcels they send to China. If you're thinking of expanding your business by exporting to China or even if you want to send parcels to China on a small scale but economical price, we have some great tips and information for you. 

Know your markets

China's astonishing economic growth over the past two decades represents excellent business opportunities for UK SMEs, but that doesn't mean it won't require, effort, market research and the development of strong relationships in order to be successful there. The Chinese market has huge potential, but it's not the place to make a fast buck: get to know your market, show you are there for the long-term rather than quick-wins, and do your research to find appropriate gaps in the market. 

Reduce your costs

Developing your business model to include exporting to China will, of course, entail a whole range of direct costs. As well as the manpower and time invested into researching your markets and developing relationships, the cost of shipping your items overseas will be an important factor in your business plan. International Courier services such as Transglobal Express offer extremely reduced rates on services such as DHL, UPS and TNT Express. If delivery costs are a vital aspect of your business, it makes since to reduce them as much as possible, without having to compromise on quality. Transglobal Express have parcel delivery rates to China for less than £2.96 per kg, depending on how much you are sending. Click here for a bespoke quote

Consider your marketing strategy

With the UK being one of the most developed e-commerce economies in Europe, most British businesses are aware of the importance of on-line marketing and, specifically, the importance of appearing as high as possible on the first page of Google. Baidu, not Google, is the dominant search engine in China and Baidu requires different SEO strategies from those that work with Google. Do your research and adjust your strategies accordingly.

If you'd like any further information about the variety of shipping options and prices for sending goods to China, please contact our customer services team on 0845 145 12 12. 

For industry news, follow us on Twitter @TransGlobalExpr

Happy Shipping!

*World Trade Organsiation, "World Trade 2011, Prospects for 2012"

Low and sustainable growth is the way forward for air cargo, claims UK logistics director

Speaking to Air Cargo week this Monday, Matthew Marriott, commercial director of Hellmann Worldwide logistics UK, stated that leaders in the world cargo industry must recognise that the state of the economy may be here to stay.

According to Mariott, rather than looking for quick wins and short-lived peaks in demand, the industry should be “accepting low growth, and consolidating the internal business structure that makes boom-and-bust economics less likely” in order to regain market confidence.

Marriott pointed to manufacturers and exporters taking advantage of currency fluctuations as partly responsible for the “sudden dips and false dawns” in the economy since 2008. He commented: “On the face of it, this all sounds fine […] but, within a struggling or depressed sector, this approach can hinder recovery”.

The logistics director’s comments come at a time when other industry experts are claiming that sea freight is becoming a stronger competitor to air freight as a means of transporting goods worldwide.

Market analysis company Analytiqa reported today that demand for sea freight has risen since International Economic Indicators suggested that the world economy bottomed out in the third quarter of last year. 

While air cargo demand has not reflected this recovery to the same extent, volumes were still up by 2% in February compared to the previous year. Moderate growth for the sector is forecast across the course of the year but IATA has warned that improvements cannot be taken for granted.

Sources: Air Cargo Week, Analytiqa

Do you use freight services? View our very competitive rates and get an air freight or sea freight quote with Transglobal Express now!

Analytiqa publish findings about expanding African logistics market

Aimed at professionals in the supply chain industry, Analytiqa's new report into African Logistics explores the opportunities for 3PLs  and freight forwarders looking to expand their networks into the continent.

The report provides detailed profiles of emerging market trends in eight countries, drawn from both North and Sub-Saharan Africa. The profiles include data on market size, growth rates and outsourcing rates per country, as well as forecasts for 2016. 

Analytiqa state they have composed the report in response to demand from industry professionals seeking unbiased, reliable and comprehensive data about the state of logistics markets on the continent. They have commented on the expanding African middle class, which is growing at a rate fast than that of India, as an indication of the business potential of the area.

Source: Analytiqa
You can send a parcel to South Africa, Nigeria or any other African country cheaply with Transglobal Express.

UK ranks 6th amongst World’s Most Connected Countries

~ DHL GCI calls for better connected world in order to improve trade 

“It’s clear that global connectedness has enormous room to expand, even among the most ‘connected’ countries. […] The free trade of products and services contributed significantly to global prosperity.” (Dr Jan Muller, Deutsche Post DHL)

Connectedness, as stated by Dr Jan Muller, proves to be the central part of future economic growth. Recently published research by express delivery and parcel services market leader, DHL, strongly focusses on the “Global Connectedness” of countries. 

Moreover, it emphasises the connection between information, capital, trade and migration. According to DHL Global Connected Index (GCI), this tightknit bond can have a significantly improve trade flows, especially for larger countries. 

Out of 125 ranked countries, the UK came 6th. In fact, it out-ruled its competitors in terms of breadth. High scores were given for the UK’s four main strengths such as information, trade, capital and migration. All of them are closely intertwined contributing to a great breadth. In conjunction with long distance exports with the USA, this special "connectedness" helps the UK in having a high impact on international trade flows.

Beyond that, the UK’s transport and communications structure were ranked second in the world by DHL, the company itself being a prime example for an innovative, highly connected parcel delivery service.

(Source: DHL)

International Export Business Advice - Top Tips

1. Research Your Market
   Regardless of whatever it is that you want to export you must first find out if you prospective customers need what you are selling and if you can sell it to them at a price which will make you a profit. Your biggest expenses will probably be the manufacturing or purchasing of the product and the cost of getting them to their destination. You will need to consider look for a reliable supplier who can offer cost-effective Air Freight or Sea Freight services to export large bulky items internationally. For smaller products you may consider look for a reliable door-to-door parcel delivery and courier service. Be prepared to shop around and find yourself the best price. Find out what your competitors are doing and try to predict how they will react.
   
2. Implement an Exporting Strategy
   Put together a strategy for how you are going to get the run your company, how will you get your goods to your customers? What is it your business will gain from exporting and how can you maximise on the opportunity? What suppliers will you use?
   
3. Devise an Export Plan
   Think about how you will enter the foreign market? What would your marketing stategy be? Consider what the costs are going to be and allocate a suitable budget to cover your start-up costs. Approach freight forwarding companies and any other relevant suppliers and ask them to give you an idea of pricing.
   
4. Identify your Sales Presence
   Consider how you will sell your products in the chosen country. Would using an agent or distributor be more effective or will you choose a more direct approach? How will you manage your overseas sales presence?
   
5. Product Promotion & Marketing
   Decide how you are going to market or sell your product. How will you create awareness of it? Different marketing strategies will be suitable for different countries so be prepared to customise your marketing strategy towards the target country.
   
6. Understand the relevant customs requirements
   Do plenty of research and make sure you fully undestand the customs requirements of any country you plan on exporting too. Don't rely on the freight forwarding companies as they some times only take responsibility of the transport of the goods to the destination but your end contact be have to deal with customs. Some freight forwarding companies may be able to offer customs clearance as an option. Contact HM Revenue & Customs for advice an we always recommend contacting customs at your intended destination, or the UK embassy of your intended country to clarify the requirements.
   
7. Payment
   It may sound simple but make sure you get paid on time. Cashflow plays an important role in running any business and is especially important when starting up. Ensure that your cashflow will remain at a safe level and consider taking out insurance if necessary.
   
8. Choose your methods of distribution
   Consider the implications of selling goods internationally and think about how you will handle your distribution.
   
9. Transportation
   Consider what your transport options are and choose the most effective method for your business. You should consider your products and their intended destination. You may need to consider having a range of suppliers such as Air Freight or Sea Freight services or door-to-door parcel delivery and courier services. Find out if the goods are insured either by you or the importer.
   

Restricted Package Contents on Parcel Delivery Services

All Parcel Delivery and courier services have a policy which lists any items which are either prohibited or restricted.

Prohibited items will not be accepted for shipment under any circumstances. 

Restricted items can be shipped subject to approval by the courier.

The list can vary from courier to courier and we recommend that you check with your individual courier to see what restrictions they have in place on their delivery services.

If you are sending a restricted item, you should notify your courier in advance. By not doing this you risk them rejecting or delaying the delivery of your parcel and you may incur additional charges if you attempt to send a restricted item without first informing them. Restricted parcel items will usually be accepted as long as they are sufficiently packaged. However, no compensation will be awarded in the event that they become lost or damaged in transit.

We have previously posted a list of prohibited items on all parcel delivery services. The following listed items are examples of restricted parcel contents with the majority of parcel delivery services:

• Perishable food
• Furniture - Flat packed furniture can be accepted, check with your courier)
• Cash (including cheques or any other vouchers with a face value)
• Personal Effects
• Living or dead animals
• Works of Art
• Body parts or human remains
• Jewellery, including watches (Transglobal parcel delivery services using UPS can accept jewellery or watches up to a value of 500 USD)
• Liquids or alcohol
• Precious metals or precious stones
•  Legal or business documents
• Antiques
• Tobacco products
• Animal fur or skin
• Televisions - Unable to accept televisions on any Transglobal (UPS) service

This list is not exhaustive and further information is available from transglobalexpress.co.uk. Please check with your courier for confirmation of their package restrictions. For specific to individual carriers, please use the following links:

• UPS's unacceptable items list
• DHL's Standard Prohibited Commodities
• FedEx Prohibited Items and Conditions of Carriage - Refer to section 8
• DPD's unacceptable items list
• TNT's Shipping Restrictions - TNT cannot insure certain items which include (but are not limited to) glass items, laptops and televisions.

Advice and guidance on how to package your parcel is available here.

Prohibited Package Contents on all Parcel Delivery Services

It is important for you to be aware that there are many items which are not accepted on to any International Parcel Delivery or Couriering services. Restricted and prohibited items can vary depending on which parcel delivery service supplier you are using.

We have put together the following guidelines outlining common items which can not be accepted for carriage or storage. This list is not exhaustive and we strongly recommend that you check the guidelines of the individual courier before attempting to send you package. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items cannot be accepted for storage or carriage with any parcel delivery service:


Explosive Material

• Fireworks
• Ammunition - cartridges for weapons or gunpowder
• Helium
• Weapons or detonators
• Fire Extinguishers
• Safety matches, torch or cigarette lighters
• Vehicle Airbags
• Life Jackets & Self-inflating Rafts
• Camping Stoves and Fuel Containers

Toxic Chemicals

• Cleaners and Solvents
• Insecticides
• Liquid Bleach and Chlorine
• Adhesives
• Radioactive Materials
• Wet-Cell and Lithium Batteries
• Pepper Spray
• Infectious Substances

Flammable Materials

• Paint or turpentine
• Compressed air or gas cylinders
• Fuel - Cooking fuel or any flammable liquids
• Gasoline
• Aerosols or Perfumes
• Mercurial Thermometer or Barometer
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Hair Curlers containing Hydrocarbon Gas

Narcotics

• All illegal drugs

The police and/or HM Customs will be informed immediately if any illegal drugs are found. This includes Khat. If Khat is found in your shipment you will be fined £100.


Other Items

• Blank Credit and/or Debit cards

This list is not exhaustive and further information is available from transglobalexpress.co.uk. We strongly urge you to refer to the guidelines your chosen courier service. The following links should point you in the right direction.

• UPS unacceptable items list
• DHL's Standard Prohibited Commodities
• FedEx Prohibited Items and Conditions of Carriage - Refer to section 8
• DPD's unacceptable items list
• TNT's Shipping Restrictions - TNT cannot insure certain items which include (but are not limited to glass items, laptops and televisions

International Parcel Delivery Documentation

Regardless of which International Parcel Delivery service you choose to use, it is important that all the necessary documentation is in place before you send you package internationally. This will ensure that your parcel will be delivered without any problem or delay. All good courier and parcel delivery services will be able to advise you on the required documentation for each destination.

The following information is intended to help you understand and access the documentation you will need to have in place to ensure smooth delivery of your parcel.

• Packing Lists - All shipments being transported by air have to go through a security process during which time they will be x-rayed. We recommend that you attach a packing list to you parcel which will allow the operator to know the contents of your parcel before it is x-rayed.
• Non-EU Destination Shipments - All shipments being transported to non-EU destinations will require 4 commercial invoices. If you are sending a parcel privately you are required to include a valued packing list.

  Where possible you should use your own invoices if you have them.

• If you booked through Transglobal Express or Transglobal Premium the online booking system will generate and invoice / packing list for you. Please note that the details and value of your parcel must be entered in order for you to do this.

Alternatively, we have basic templates and customs forms available for you to download. Click here to access templates for the necessary International Parcel Delivery Documentation.

International Freight Forwarding

International Freight Forwarders play an important role in delivering a shipment to overseas destinations. This involves ensuring that goods are delivered to their destination on time and in pristine condition. They also take care of the complex documentation required to import and export goods without delay. This documentation includes:

• Commercial Invoices
• Export Declarations
• Bills of Lading

Delivery or shipping dates are included in the shipping contract. 

International Courier and Freight Forwarding companies are fully licensed and accredited. Customs are advised to check the accreditation of a freight service before signing any agreement. 

Some Freight Forwarding services will also get involved in the packaging of goods ready for transportation. This ensures that they reach their destination undamaged. They also work with customs officials to ensure the safe transportation of goods.

• Click here for more detailed information about freight forwarders and their role in international delivery. 
• For further information about the Shipping and International Parcel Delivery Documentation, click here.

The Importance of Freight Forwarders and their role in International Parcel Delivery

Freight Forwarders are specialists in ensuring the smooth delivery of freight or goods to any destination across the world. They are skilled in dealing with any freight related problem and ideal for any business who needs to send large shipments internationally on a regular basis.


Historically, Freight Forwarders were primarily important for the import and export industry, however increased worldwide shipping demand has lead to the introduction of additional challenges and Freight Forwarders are now an essential service to all courier companies.

By using ther services of a Freight Forwarding company you gain access to expert professional advice and logistical guidance. They offer far greater flexibility by offering a greater range of parcel delivery and shipment options by offering air freight and sea freight services. Shipment methods can therefore be individually tailored to meet any budget and timescale requirements. 

International Freight Forwarding can be confusing and it is important that all the correct paperwork is completed and submitted to the right authorities. Freight Forwarders will take care of all the necessary documentation and are well versed about all customs and international shipping laws so you can be sure that your shipment, large or small, will be delivered quickly and efficiently and without delay.


For further information, you may be interested to read the following related articles:

• Efficient Parcel Delivery - Air Freight Services Uncovered 
• Parcel Delivery services offered by Transglobal Express
• What are the advantages of using Air Freight to send a parcel abroad?
• What Air Freight service options are available?
• What are the advantages of sending a shipment by Sea Freight?

Efficient Parcel Delivery - Air Freight Services Uncovered

Air Freight services play an important role in cargo transport and there are many people involved in successfully making the service as reliable and efficient as possible.

Air Freight agents are responsible for importing and exporting cargo by ensuring that inbound and outbound air freight shipments are directed to their respective destinations, and within the required timescale. Certain air freight agents may also specialise in specific parts of the world.

Prior to transportation, cargo needs to be assembled on the basis of their destination and space for the shipment needs to be arranged in the transport being used. Air Freight agents will then take bookings from customers and arrange for the collection of the goods.

In addition to the above, Air freight agents also fulfil the following reponsibilities:

• Preparing the required documentation
• Notifying of any shipment delays to the individuals concerned
• Unloading goods and contacting customers
• Weighing the transported shipment and calculating the cost
• Coordinating and managing the movement of cargo to between international destinations

Two very important checks to ensure successful international parcel delivery...

Excess baggage charges is a common issue when it comes to air transport, irrespective of whether it is a commercial or domestic airline.  If you were going on holiday, you would expect to pay excess baggage charges on your luggage if it is overweight or if you have too many items. Similarly, sending a parcel internationally can become quite expensive if you incur excess baggage charges.

Here are a couple of important checks for you to consider prior to packing your parcels, when requesting a quotation, or before booking a parcel delivery service to any destination.


Check Baggage Allowance

It may sound simple, but the first and most important thing for you to do is to check the maximum baggage weight allowed. The size and weight of your package could mean the difference between the package being sent via passenger air transport and specialist courier cargo plane.

If you can send your package via passenger air transport, you can make significant savings. Check the weight of your package to ensure that it meets the allowance specified by the courier company. Also, if you received a quotation for delivery of a parcel based on specific parcel weight and dimensions, double-check the weight and dimensions of your package against those which you entered at the quotation stage.

Couriers will check the weight and dimensions of a package and additional charges will be incurred if they are found to be greater than those quoted for.


Check the Contents
 
Shipping goods from one place to another is generally not difficult and most goods carrier services offer a reliable delivery service for a variety of shipment types. However, there are certain things which can not be taken onboard.

For this reason , you should be aware of the list o f items which can not be shipped to a specific country. This will save yo u time, money and reputation as you reduce the risk of delay or failed delivery of your package.

We have published a list of common restricted and prohibited items which can not be accepted for carriage or storage. This page also contains further links to each courier's specific unaccepted and restricted items.

If you are at all unsure about whether your item will be accepted for international parcel delivery, please contact our customer services team who are available to offer you information and advice.


Related Links

• Packaging advice for safe parcel delivery
• How much does it cost to send my parcel internationally?
• Prohibited Package Contents on all International Delivery Services