Sending your first international shipment is a big milestone for any startup. It often marks the point where a business begins to grow beyond its home market and reach new customers abroad. At the same time, it can feel unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming.
International shipping involves more than simply booking transport. Understanding how the process works from the outset can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs and unnecessary stress as your business grows.
Understanding What International Shipping Really Involves
One of the most common misconceptions among startups is that shipping only involves arranging transport. In reality, there are several moving parts behind the scenes.
International shipments typically require:
- Accurate customs documentation
- Correct commodity codes
- Compliance with import and export regulations
- Payment of duties and taxes
- Coordination between carriers, ports and customs authorities
Each country has its own requirements, and even small errors can result in delays or additional charges. This is why having the right guidance from the beginning is so important.
Understanding Incoterms® and Responsibilities
One of the most important concepts for new exporters to understand is Incoterms®.
Incoterms® are a set of internationally recognised rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during international shipments, including who is responsible for transport, insurance, costs and risk at each stage of the journey.
Choosing the right Incoterm helps clarify:
- Who arranges and pays for shipping
- Where responsibility transfers from seller to buyer
- Who handles customs clearance and related charges
For example:
Under EXW (Ex Works), the buyer takes responsibility for the shipment almost immediately, including export clearance and transport. This can catch first-time exporters off guard if they are unaware of their obligations.
With DAP (Delivered At Place), the seller arranges delivery to the agreed destination, making the process simpler for the buyer but requiring more coordination from the exporter.
Understanding Incoterms® early helps startups avoid confusion, unexpected costs and disputes, while ensuring both parties are clear on their responsibilities before goods leave the warehouse.
Why Planning Early Helps You Scale Faster
Many startups only start thinking seriously about shipping once orders increase. While this is understandable, early planning can make a significant difference.
By understanding your shipping process early on, you can:
- Price your products more accurately
- Avoid unexpected costs
- Set realistic delivery expectations
- Build a supply chain that can scale as your business grows
Putting these foundations in place allows you to grow with confidence rather than reacting to problems later.
The Importance of Getting Customs Right
Customs clearance is one of the most critical parts of international shipping, and it is also where many startups encounter issues for the first time.
Incorrect paperwork, missing information or misunderstandings around customs requirements can lead to delays, additional charges or goods being held at the border. For a growing business, this can have a real impact on cash flow and customer relationships.
This is why having access to an experienced in-house customs team is so valuable. Rather than relying on third parties, working with a freight forwarder that handles customs internally means better control, clearer communication and quicker resolution if any issues arise.
At Beckchoice, our in-house customs team manages declarations daily and works closely with our operations teams to ensure shipments are processed smoothly and compliantly. This gives our customers confidence that their goods are being handled correctly from the moment they arrive.
Managing Costs and Protecting Your Goods
Shipping costs involve more than just the transport itself. Duties, VAT, handling charges and insurance all contribute to the final landed cost of your goods.
Packaging also plays an important role. Goods travelling long distances may be handled multiple times, so ensuring they are packed correctly helps reduce the risk of damage and unexpected costs.
Understanding these factors early helps startups budget accurately and avoid surprises as their business grows.
Why Experience and Accreditation Matter
With over 45 years of experience in freight forwarding, Beckchoice supports businesses at every stage of their growth. We are members of established global freight networks and hold industry accreditations that reflect our commitment to compliance, reliability and high service standards.
For startups, this means working with a partner who understands international shipping inside out and has the global connections needed to move goods smoothly and securely.
A Trusted Partner for Your First Shipment and Beyond
The right logistics partner can make all the difference when shipping internationally for the first time. A good freight forwarder will guide you through the process, explain your options clearly and support you as your business grows.
At Beckchoice, we work closely with startups to make international shipping simple and stress-free. From first shipment to full-scale operations, our team is here to help you move goods with confidence.
If you’re preparing to send your first international shipment or planning to expand into new markets, get in touch with our team today. We’d be happy to help.