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If you have read our four-part series on export documentation and procedures, you have likely learned that the processes are highly detailed and that it’s essential to “get it right.”
Your success in the export industry relies on attention to detail, and it’s easy for simple mistakes to turn into costly errors. For this reason, many organizations rely on experienced export documentation partners to ensure maximum return and predictable results.
What Is the Role of An Export Partner?
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers specializing in export documentation act on your behalf to ensure your shipments are packaged and labeled correctly, meet legal standards for export out of the U.S. and to the destination country, and comply with every requirement from end to end.
Whether you are new to export or experiencing sudden growth, an export partner is your ally, helping you reduce costs and ensure timelines no matter where your goods are going.
Some of the advantages of having an experienced export partner include
- An export partner will help you develop an export strategy
Having an export strategy is essential to growth. An export partner knows the regulatory landscape and deals with export documentation and logistics every day. Leveraging these insights, they can help you with market analysis, competitor assessment, and any aspect of logistics that might impact the viability of your export business model.
2. Your shipment is processed with care and expedience
When you partner with an experienced 3PL like DTS, you can be confident that your shipments are processed with great attention to detail. We know the global export landscape intimately and take care of every detail, advising you on critical decisions that give you a competitive advantage.
3. Your export partner will help with training in any applicable areas
When your staff is aligned to a common goal and is aware of any issues that could impact the speed, cost, and quality of your export efforts, success is yours. DTS has the experience you need to grow with confidence and will ensure your shipping, sales, and marketing departments know what’s expected to ensure smooth sailing.
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What Documents Are Required for Your Export Orders?
The required export documentation for your export shipment varies depending on the type of goods, what they’ll be used for, and the destination country’s requirements. Some of the documentation you’ll need can include some or all of the following:
- Air Waybill
- Bill of Lading
- Inland Bill of Lading
- Ocean Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Commercial Invoice
- Proforma Invoice
- Letter of Credit
- Export License
- Export Packing List
- Dangerous Goods Form
- Insurance Certification
- Inspection Certification
- Warehouse/Dock Receipt
The specific documentation you’ll need will depend on how you’re shipping your goods (by ocean or air, for example), where it’s going, and the specific goods involved. There are specific rules to follow within each document, including classification and compliance, incoterms, insurance, and agreements with your buyer.
Export documentation is complicated, but don’t let that get in the way of business growth. Be sure to check out our three-part guide to export procedures and documentation!
DTS is a full-service import and export, e-filing, and compliance assurance 3PL, and we have the solutions you need to ensure success. Reach out today; we’d love to hear more about your export business and show you how we can help you grow.
