Going Global: 5 Tips to Moving Your Business Overseas

Did you know 68% of U.S. consumer products companies use outsourcing? Plus it’s estimated that 300,000 positions are outsourced annually in the U.S.

However, there is another option that’s gaining momentum when outsourcing is not right your business. Moving your entire operation offshore can reduce costs, get you closer to customers, lower taxes and secure cheaper real estate. If your business is considering an offshore move, this article’s tips are for you.

Relocation Planning

Preparation and planning your offshore move will reduce your stress, streamline the relocation process, including costs and ensure you can track and trace the delivery.

Service Providers

You’ll likely need to depend on the services of a freight-forwarding company when moving your company overseas.

A freight forwarding company will move your products, equipment and furniture across international borders, and the provider will manage the necessary paperwork, package requirements and storage containers.

If you’re new to international shipping, find a company that can assist with every step of the process, so you don’t have to go it alone. If you know how to ship internationally, you can complete these steps yourself to reduce your freight forwarding costs.

Door to Door or Door to Port?

You may prefer to have the freight forwarding company deliver your products and equipment at your new business location so everything you need will be there when you arrive. However, the other option is you collect your freight at the destination port. With this option, you’ll be responsible for moving your goods to your new business location.

There may be some cost savings with the collection from port plus your workers may prefer this hands-on option.

Type of Container

To prepare your equipment and goods for international travel, you’ll need to choose the right type of shipping container.

The best shipping materials for overseas shipping tend to include wooden crates, bulk storage containers and Gaylord boxes.

Wooden crates tend to be more reliable and durable than other storage materials, so they’re a great choice for fragile items.

To reduce your storage costs, Gaylord boxes can also be a great choice. They’re more cost-effective than other storage materials so you can move your equipment for less. Consider investing in used shipping containers to further lower your shipping costs.

Choosing a shipping container also depends on whether you’re shipping your goods using air or ocean freight.

Unlike air freight, ocean freight does not come with strict weight limitations, but it will take longer for your equipment to arrive in the destination country.

Full Container Load

If you’re sending your packages out using ocean freight, use more durable containers to protect your equipment as it moves across the ocean. You’ll also need to choose between a full container, also known as Full Container Load or FCL, and groupage, also known as Less than Container Load or LCL.

A full container means your company will have an entire freight container to itself, but a groupage means your company will need to share a freight container.

If you have less to ship, a shared freight container may be your only option, but it will take longer to move your packages through customs as the agent will need to inspect the other packages in the container before releasing your shipment.

Destination Country

Every country comes with its own shipping and travel requirements. Thoroughly research the destination country before getting your packages ready for shipment, including whether the country prohibits certain kinds of items from entering the country. If the country has any special customs requirements, incorporate these into your moving and shipping plans.

International Shipping Best Practices

When preparing your packages for shipment, remember to follow certain shipping best practices to minimize the chances of your cargo getting damaged or shifting around during transportation.

Keep pallets attached to the bottom of your containers, so they don’t get separated during shipment. Evenly distribute the weight, so they don’t lean to one side. Pack the heaviest items on the bottom to avoid crushing lighter items.

Individually wrap fragile items and limit the amount of empty space in the container by choosing the right size.

Documents on Hand

Complications are sure to arise throughout the moving process. The person on the ground might have a question about your shipment, the freight forwarding company may need clarification or the company may run into unexpected delays, which may affect your operations during the move. Therefore it’s important to stay in touch with the company during the moving process.

Make sure someone is always available to answer questions if needed. Keep all your shipping documents on hand as you travel so you can quickly answer questions without further delaying the move.

Summing Up

Moving your business to a new country may not be an easy undertaking, but you can get the benefits and save on moving costs with these tips. Reduce your stress levels with careful planning, choosing a reliable shipping partner and investing in the right kinds of shipping materials to ensure a smooth delivery.