LatAmer_Mar2009

If you are new in this field of exporting  and want to know how to ship or how to export cargo to Latin American countries, you need to understand the procedures and complex documentation requirements in order to be successful in your commercial transaction with that region.

Although each country within the Latin America region has its own unique set of import/export rules and regulations, that is why it is very important for you to double-check all documentation requirements prior to shipment and verify everything accordingly in order to ship the cargo either by air or by ocean and minimize the difficulties in delivering products to buyers in Latin America in freight forwarding and shipping.

Rules and Regulations You Must Know in Shipping to Latin America:

Also is very important  to know the set of rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts for domestic and international trade.

The modes of transport used in international as well as in domestic contracts in order to simplify the drafting of contracts and help avoid misunderstandings by stipulating the obligations of buyers and sellers.

Here are some of the terms used more commonly:  EXW (Ex Works); DAT (Delivery at Terminal); DAP (Delivery at Place); DDP (Delivered Duty Paid); FOB ( Freight on Board); CFR (Cost and Freight); CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight).

As for the transportation itself, services that can lead to success and saving some money include consolidation of cargo for air and ocean transport, inter-modal services such as combining sea-air, sea-truck, air-truck, If cargo is coming from Asia or Europe with a final destination in Latin America, one option is to ship by air or ocean to Miami, Florida and then transport in- transit through the USA customs procedures such as (T&E, IT) then ship by air or ocean from Miami / Port Everglades seaports to Latin America.

Something you must know if you plan to ship an item to latin America.

  • Packing appropriately for shipping – Exporters should be aware of all the demands that international shipping puts on packaged goods. Exporters should keep in mind four potential problems when designing an export shipping package: breakage, moisture, pilferage and excess weight. Just remember that your shipment may go by air, by ocean or cargo truck. It is better to add a little extra packaging on your crate to make sure your product will arrive safely. It is worth the extra effort and cost to make sure your item arrives in good condition at destination in order to avoid extra cost.
  • Follow the rules and regulations when exporting to Latin America – You have to make sure you are not shipping a prohibited product. Each country in Latin America may have different requirements on importing goods, therefore it is wise to take the effort to do your own research before shipping to that region. It may surprise you that some of the products you plan to ship are not allowed to be sent into individual countries

Using the expertise of a Freight Forwarder agent:

Based on what we said earlier consider to use the expertise of a reputable International Freight Forwarder agent which provides several significant services such as:

* Advising on exporting costs including freight costs, port charges, consular fees, costs of special documentation, insurance costs and freight handling fees;

* Preparing and filing required export documentation such as the bill of lading and routing appropriate documents to the seller, the buyer or a paying bank;

* Advising on the most appropriate mode of cargo transport and making arrangements to pack and load the cargo;

* Reserving the necessary cargo space on a vessel, aircraft, train, or truck.

* Making arrangements with overseas customs brokers to ensure that the goods and documents comply with customs regulations.

Freight Forwarders agents are licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to handle airfreight and the Federal Maritime Commission to handle ocean freight.

With an international freight forwarder, you will be able to save money and avoid the hassle and headache in preparing and shipping your product appropriately to Latin America.

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