Does it seem as if your local customer base has stagnated? If so, you are not alone. In the past, there was little that a company could do to grow outside of its local area and even less was possible for international shipping unless you charged exorbitant shipping fees. However, as we experience an increasingly global economy there are incredible growth opportunities with the right shipping options.
In particular, if you are a Canadian or United States based company, one of the best ways to expand your audience is to incorporate cross-border shipping from Canada and the United States. Both countries enjoy the benefits of a long, undefended border where nearly anything can be delivered by freight truck, one of the most cost effective shipping methods.
Here, we’ll look at what cross-border shipping entails, its benefits for your company, and barriers to entry along with how to find the best cross-border carrier for your needs.
Cross-border shipping is the term used to describe the process of transporting goods from one country to another. It can involve any mode of transport including shipping by truck, plane, train, or boat. However, some companies choose the warehousing option where they ship a large quantity of product to be stored in a warehouse in another country. Products then ship locally from that warehouse when an order is placed.
Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages. With warehousing, your customers in other countries will benefit from having a faster, local shipping option. However, successful warehousing depends on how quickly products will sell in that market. Costs for storing items may not be justified if they do not sell quickly enough. Additionally, even shelf stable food items can become stale if in storage too long, so the type of product is also a consideration.
While coordinating ways to ship items is the main concern of cross-border shipping, to be successful you will also need to consider the market you are selling in. This includes choosing the right carriers and payment options along with employing localized SEO and marketing. When beginning to sell in a new country and market, consider these points:
When choosing a carrier for cross-border shipping, there are several things you need to take into account to make sure they can serve your customers’ needs. While cost tends to be the first and most important consideration, you should also look at speed and the exact services they offer, such as last mile delivery and expedited services. Look at these items when choosing your cross-border carrier:
Partner with RoadLINX
Cross-border shipping is an important part of expanding your business but it can be a difficult process to navigate as you get started. At RoadLINX, we offer cross-border shipping between Canada and the United States and globally. Our network of experienced carriers has the services you need to serve your customers with cost effective and time sensitive shipping.
To receive a free quote on cross-border shipping, fill out our shipping rates form and our experienced team will provide a custom quote.
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