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The Recap

The website InternationalShippingUSA.com is a platform that offers international shipping services. It provides shipping solutions for both commercial cargo and household goods. The platform offers US International LCL Sea freight, which allows users to ship boxes, crates, and pallets from the USA to overseas destinations. The website also provides a real-time online sea freight price calculator that enables users to calculate international shipping costs for commercial and household goods.

I. Let's say you're considering an international delivery of some sort of cargo, whether commercial or personal goods:

We ask, "How big is your cargo?" 

You answer, "It looks too big and heavy to ship in a parcel but not too big that I'd need an entire container."

We ask, "How soon should it reach the destination?" 

You answer, "OK. It's not so urgent. It can go by sea."

"Can you pack everything appropriately for international transportation?"

"Yes, I can."

And here is the conclusion: "Then you should ship it LCL. This way should be much less expensive than other international cargo transportation modes."

II. Let's talk about your experience in international cargo transportation.

If you are an experienced exporter, you know that international LCL freight procedures are basically the same as any carrier. The difference is in the price and quality of service. Then, before you start a business with us, you may need to see this step-by-step guide about managing LCL freight with our online freight calculator.

If you are a beginner in international trade or shipping household goods or personal belongings and want to know more about shipping goods from the USA overseas, the answers to FAQ, references, and documents sections on this website should help you.

However, if you don't have time to go into details before you ship something sizable abroad, please find 15-25 minutes to read about the most common issues during your international cargo transportation from the USA. No matter which company you choose to ship. After the reading, you should be prepared for your venture much better.

III. You may also ask, "Why should I ship with AMID Logistics? What is so special in this company?"

There's nothing super special about us. Shipping LCL freight from the U.S. overseas is the daily business for us as well as for the hundreds of other American freight forwarders around you. However, before embarking on an international shipment from the USA, you will consider the convenience, reliability, and price.

Unlike many others, you have the online freight calculator with AMID Logistics. This allows you to consider various scenarios in your international cargo transportation. It is available 24/7 at the convenience of your office or home, no matter where in the world you are.

We are proud of the feedback from our customers that we receive in our business. You can count on the best support for your international transportation needs with us. Whether you are in the international trade market, delivering personal belongings abroad, or moving from the United States overseas doesn't matter.

Our prices are fair and are in the lowest segment of the industry. You calculate the cost of international cargo transportation online. We do not bargain.

Keep in mind

1. Unlike many other countries in the world, in the United States, federal law requires any ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) to be licensed and bonded. International transportation from the U.S., supported by unlicensed, disguised as legitimate OTI companies, can lead to various problems and ridiculous expenses in delivering cargo from the USA abroad. Avoid any business with rogue movers!

2. Most cargo shipping from the USA overseas arrives at destinations without damage or loss. However, in case of cargo damage or loss, ocean freight carriers' liabilities are limited by up to $500 per customary shipping unit and cannot exceed $1500 per entire shipment. Consider insuring valuable cargo.

3. Any internationally shipping goods, whether commercial or personal, around the world, are subject to destination charges (sometimes called local charges). Destination charges occur at the destinations. Therefore they are not considered freight charges. If shipping cargo from the USA abroad, consider in advance who will be responsible for such expenses, the shipper or the consignee.

Here is an approximate payment structure in international multimodal cargo transportation by sea in respect of the ocean freight from the U.S.:

• Cost for packing and labeling – NOT INCLUDED.
• U.S. domestic ground transportation to an ocean freight terminal (CFS) – DEPENDING ON SERVICE REQUESTED
• Customs formalities at the origin and the origin THC (Terminal Handling Charges) - TYPICALLY INCLUDED
• The actual international ocean freight - INCLUDED
• Cost of recovery of goods at the destination (Customs, THC, Cargo release, etc.) – NOT INCLUDED.
• Cost of delivery of goods "to the door" of the consignee (cargo recipient) - NOT INCLUDED.

You may also want to read some FAQs and references on our website. It should make your international shipping from the USA more predictable and less stressful.

4. Do not miss an arrival notice in your shipping. The ocean freight carrier's destination agent is typically the destination country's customs broker as well. Their business is to get a release for your goods as quickly as possible. Follow the agent's instructions. Pay destination charges and possess your released goods. 

Import recoveries at destinations are time-sensitive. As quickly you begin working on it, as less probably that you will face deadline penalties: storage, demurrage, Customs penalties, etc.

Shipping freight from the USA by country. Some special requirements and limitations.

Shipping from the USA to ALGERIA: Shipping freight from the USA to Algeria must be covered by a Letter of Credit. Find more about shipping to Algeria regarding the Letter of Credit in this link. Also, a Certificat de contrôle de qualité is required for all exports to Algeria.

Shipping from the USA to AUSTRALIA: Australian shipments are restricted to wood packing. Find more about shipping freight from the USA to Australia regarding ISPM15 regulations in this link.

Shipping from the USA of Used Capital Machinery to BANGLADESH: Exports of second-hand capital machinery to Bangladesh may require an Inspection Certificate for Customs clearance.

Shipping from the USA to BOTSWANA: Exports to Botswana must comply with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) Import Inspections Regulations (SIIR) to Standards Programme for the goods to clear customs.

Shipping from the USA to BRAZIL: 1. Brazil requires CNPJ numbers (Brazilian Tax ID) for both shipper and consignee.

2. Shipping freight from the USA to Brazil requires an NCM Code (not an HS Code, as in other counties). For used personal effects, the suggested NCM is 9797. Otherwise, search NCM code at - https://www.exportgenius.in/search-live-data.php#shipment 

3. The Wooden Clause is mandatory for Shipments routed to Brazil. The below Wooden Clause sample for reference:

BILL MUST SHOW IN THE DESCRIPTION:
For Skid / Pallet / Crate (anything that can be made of wood):
-Wooden Packing: Processed Wood; or
-Wooden Packing: Treated and Certified (the materials have been treated and/or fumigated and include a Certificate); or
-Wooden Packing: Not Treated and not Certified (the materials have not been treated nor fumigated and do not include a Certificate); or:

-Wooden Packing: Not Applicable (when packing material is not wooden).
EXAMPLE: WOOD PACKING TREATED TO ISPM15 SPECIFICATIONS; Wooden package: treated and certified
IF NOT WOOD (any other package type): Bill must show “WOODEN PACKING: NOT APPLICABLE"

4. The express release is not allowed for shipping to Brazil. There is only two release term for that destination - release originals at the origin or release at the destination.

Shipping from the USA to CAMEROON: Programme d’Evaluation de la Conformité Avant Embarquement (PECAE) for Exports to Cameroon.

NIF and PR number: Every importer to Cameroon must apply for NIF (Numero d'Indifcation Fiscale) number. With this unique NIF number, the importer can obtain a transaction number starting with PRxxxx. This PR number is different for every shipment and must be mentioned in the BESC document.

Without the PR number, shipments will not be accepted in Cameroon, and BESC documents cannot be validated. 

Shipping from the USA to CHINA: Shipping freight from the USA to China requires the consignee's TAX ID# or consignee’s USCI# (Unified Social Credit Code Identifier). The Unified Social Credit Code Identifier is an 18-digit number (sometimes including letters), unique for every Chinese company. It’s mandatory for all enterprises and other organization types in Mainland China. The code states that the business has been registered and verified with the Chinese government to operate legally. Find more about shipping to China regarding TAX ID# or consignee's USCI# in this link.

Shipping from the USA to COLUMBIA: Shipping cargo to Columbia requires an NIT number (Colombian business tax number).

Shipping from the USA to/via ECUADOR: PERSONAL EFFECTS RESTRICTIONS: No commercial invoice is needed, but a packing list is insufficient. For customs clearance, the consignee will need a consumerized list (packing list certified by the Ecuadorian Consulate) and must be able to prove (with a copy of passport) that the consignee has been out of the country for at least a year. The agent will only deliver documents when the shipment arrives at the port. Additional procedures such as customs and transport MUST be done by the consignee.

Shipping from the USA to/via EGYPT: ACID# REQUIRED. Since 1st July 2021, a 9 digits ACID# (Advanced Cargo Information identification number) has been required for all inbound shipments to Egypt. The Egyptian importer or a customs broker acting on behalf of the importer may access the online e-portal (https://www.nafeza.gov.eg/ar) to request the issuance of the ACID number for a particular shipment. Legally, the ACID# must be generated no later than 48 hours before the cargo departs from the USA.

According to new security regulations, all shipments that go to/or are transshipped via EGYPT and SPAIN require a copy of the consignee's passport (or visa). Find more about shipping freight from the USA to/via Egypt in this link. Shipments also must be approved by GOEIC to issue the mandatory Certificate of Inspection for exports of Regulated Products to Egypt.

Shipping from the USA to INDIA: All shipments to India must include the following information:

1. Import and Export code (IEC) of Importer.
2. GST identification no. (GST NO.) of importer.
3. Official email ID of Importer (to be used for correspondence by shipping lines and customs).
4. PAN Number of Notify.
5. 6 Digit International HS (Harmonized) code.
6. Cargo Value.

Shipping from the USA to INDONESIA: For all PERSONAL EFFECTS to Indonesia, in order to clear customs without paying Tax & Duty consignee must submit a packaging list to the Embassy of Indonesia, which must get stamped by the Embassy.

Effective 7/16/2007, the Indonesian Government requires specific commodity descriptions for the following:

Spare parts, Auto parts: Gear, Nut, Doll, Chain, Chamsall, etc
Electronic parts, Electric parts: Diode, Transistor, LED, IC, cable, PCO, etc.
Foodstuff: Noodle, Candy, Tea, Coffee, etc
Stationery: Books, Pencil, Pen, Ink, etc
Household: Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Chair, etc
Chemical product, chemicals: Dyestuff, Surlactant, Soap, etc
Fabrics, textile: Jeans, T-shirt, underwear, socks, hat, etc
Tools: Screwdriver, hammer, saw, drill, etc.

Shipping from the USA to ISRAEL: Shipping freight from the USA to Israel requires the consignee's VAT (TAX-Number). Find more about shipping to Israel regulations at this link.

Shipping from the USA to ITALY: Shipping to Italy household goods or personal effects is subject to Italian Government restrictions and regulations. If shipping household goods or personal goods to Italy, contact your local Italian Consulate in advance. Find more at this link.

Shipping from the USA to NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand shipments are restricted to wood packing. Find more about shipping freight from the USA to Australia regarding ISPM15 regulations in this link.

Shipping from the USA to NIGERIA: Shipping freight from the USA to Nigeria requires an 'M Form' before departing. Find more about shipping to Nigeria regarding the 'M Form' provided in this link. You do not need a form M number, as shipping goods will be custom cleared as personal effects. To qualify and be cleared as personal effects, the receiver must have stayed outside Nigeria for a minimum of at least nine months with a valid passport. All the shipping items must not be commercial.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has implemented a strict set of guidelines for exports to Nigeria called the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).

Shipping from the USA to PAKISTAN: CARGO MUST BE CUSTOMS CLEARED IN KARACHI BEFORE IT CAN BE MOVED TO FINAL DESTINATION.

Shipping from the USA to PERU: The Peruvian Customs require the Peruvian Tax ID number (known as RUC) of the consignee to be included in the Bill of Lading for shipments to Peru.

Shipping from the USA to QATAR: Qatar requires a Certificate of Origin. Read more about Shipping to Qatar.

Also, exports to Qatar of vehicle spare parts, tires, and some electrical products require a mandatory Certificate of Conformity for Customs clearance. Through the Qatar Ministry of Business and Trade – Department of Consumer Protection and the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM), the Government of the State of Qatar has issued a set of strict rules regulating the import and sale of Vehicle Spare Parts and Vehicle Tyres.

Shipping from the USA to RUSSIA, BELARUS, KAZAKHSTAN, ARMENIA, and KYRGYZSTAN: Compliance with Customs Union Technical Regulations is required when exporting to the Eurasian Economic Union - EAEU (former Customs Union). Member states are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. GOST certification systems for individual member states are gradually replaced by certification to the Customs Union Technical Regulations (CUTR).

Shipping from the USA to TANZANIA: To assure Tanzanian consumers of the safety and quality of imported goods they buy and to protect Tanzanian manufacturers from unfair competition, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), a statutory organization of the government of Tanzania, implemented guidelines called the Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme.

Shipping from the USA to SAUDI ARABIA: When shipping freight from the USA to Saudi Arabia, every package, carton, and box must be permanently marked, stating the Country of Origin. Find more about shipping to Saudi Arabia in respect of the Country of Origin marked in this link. A Conformity Assessment Program has been implemented for all exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All products require a Certificate of Conformity, also called a SASO CoC, to be cleared through Saudi Customs.

Shipping from the USA to SOUTH AFRICA: Shipping freight from the USA to South Africa is under certain restrictions.

TYPICAL PERSONAL EFFECTS RESTRICTIONS
1) Non-Commercial Personal Effects must be prepaid to the client's door.
2) Rates will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
3) Customs Requirements:
A) Original passport needed AT DESTINATION at least 14 days prior to
the arrival of the vessel; B) Importer is required to complete the customs
DA304 & P1160 in triplicate in the Presence of SA customs officers
presenting the passport in original; C) An inventory stating the value of
goods are required. 4) Additional documents: A) Marriage certificate - if a
foreigner is married to a SA Citizen; B) immigration permit - original
required is not endorsed in passport; C) An SABC TV license is required if
importing television - obtain one on arrival; D) Goods packed in wood must
have a fumigation certificate for wood packaging. An instruction that no
Charitable/Second-Hand cargo is accepted for shipment without prior
approval from the SA agent.

Find more about shipping to South Africa's restrictions in this link.

Shipping from the USA to/via SPAIN: According to new security regulations, all shipments that go to/or are transshipped via EGYPT and SPAIN require a copy of the consignee's passport (or visa). Find more about shipping freight from the USA to/via Spain in this link.

Shipping from the USA to UGANDA: Require a Certificate of Conformity for products regulated under the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC).

Shipping from the USA to THE UNITED KINGDOM: Shipping freight from the USA to the UK requires ToR1 filing before departing. Exempts from filing ToR1 are commercial (B2B) shipments and shipments to the UK consigned to UK citizens. If a shipment to the UK is consigned to a UK citizen, a copy of the consignee's UK passport must be provided before the shipment departs from the country of origin. Find more about shipping to the UNITED KINGDOM regarding ToR1 filing in this link.

Consignee EORI# required. This is a new requirement, which goes into effect for all shipments arriving after January 1st, 2021, in the UK. All shipments require the EORI number.

Shipping from the USA to VIETNAM: All export shipments to destinations in Vietnam require an HS code and Consignee Tax ID to be included in all export documentation. Failure to provide this information will delay cargo from loading.

You may also want to check for updates from Intertek.com.

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