Understanding the Hidden Costs of International Shipping

Whether you are shipping personal effects or a collector vehicle overseas, your shipment will get past a certain check post that will require you to fulfill certain rules and regulations of international shipping. As much as complying with those rules will help expedite your package, learning the costs involved will also save you from spending an extravagant amount of money.

It is because sometimes certain hidden costs can catch you by surprise. Therefore, it is important to plan and do thorough research before shipping.

Here are a few crucial elements to keep in mind if you want to obtain a better idea of where these fees might be applied.

Shipping Related Costs

• When you are shipping with express couriers, you may need to pay the overhead for the fuel surcharge. This varies monthly or weekly depending on the country and is measured as a percentage of the shipping fees. Thus, keep an eye on their fluctuations because they can have a big impact on your bills.
• Selecting value-added services for your shipments, such as insurance in the event of loss or damage or delivery outside of normal business hours can cost a bit more than your ordinary shipping needs.
• Sometimes, certain surcharges are applied depending on the pickup location. This is commonly referred to as a remote region surcharge indicating that these areas are outside of your chosen couriers’ typical collection path.
• Delivery retries, address correction costs, and occasionally even return fees are all areas where you may be charged extra. So, be very careful when you are filing your paperwork to avoid these unnecessary costs.
• When it comes to costs, it is best to go with a logistics and shipping company that is not necessarily the cheapest. When it comes to supply and logistics companies, pricing is directly proportional to the level of quality you should expect. While you do not have to break the bank and go with the most expensive choice, going for the cheapest one does not make sense either!

Package Related Costs

• Not all shipments are of the same nature and may require extra care or handling when shipping overseas. Such is the case when you are shipping fragile or dangerous goods. You will almost always be charged an extra fee, which is commonly calculated as a percentage of the shipping expenses or the value of the items.
• Some couriers charge an additional fee depending on the material and shape of your containers. Therefore, be prepared to spend a little extra in case your courier charges you for the material of the container you are shipping.
• Surcharges may apply if your package exceeds a courier’s specified dimensions or weight. You may be penalised for having an oversized item or a large parcel if the length of your parcel exceeds a certain limit.

Tariff Related Costs

Under-declaring the items of your shipments on the commercial invoice is a mistake you should avoid at all costs. If customs clearing agencies feel that the claimed value is less than market value, they may request a fresh invoice, resulting in a slew of additional fees. The shipment may remain in customs if they do not get the amended commercial invoice in a timely way, resulting in warehouse storage fees. In addition, the courier may charge you a fee if your items are undervalued.

Now that you’re aware of the hidden costs and extra charges that can occur when shipping overseas, you’ll be able to budget for them appropriately. With DHL Express courier service, you don’t have to worry about the hassle and hidden costs when it comes to international shipping. Additionally, DHL also offers preferential rates to customers that meet the requirements of their business.