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With 27 member states (28 before the UK’s departure in January 2020), the European Union is a vital international transport hub, particularly when it comes to sending and receiving goods.

When sending parcels within Europe, few documents and customs formalities are required. Many member countries have laws in effect that allow the movement of goods within the EU at a lower cost.

However, more stringent regulations apply to shipments coming into Europe from outside the EU, and it’s important to be aware of them before sending your goods. Globex explains the particulars of sending a parcel to Europe in this article.

1. France

For several years now, it has been easier to ship a package from Canada to France. The process has been simplified due to the close economic ties between the two countries.

Documents needed to send a parcel to France

Like most countries in the European Union, you’ll need to include certain documents when shipping goods to France to ensure that they move smoothly through customs.

The most important document you’ll need to send a parcel to Europe is a commercial invoice. The document must be in French or in English and include a detailed description of the goods and their value. You’ll also need to provide a CETA Certificate of Origin and a transport document, if you wish to claim your goods under this agreement

If your goods are coming from another EU country, you may need T1 or T2 Customs Transit Documents. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, get help from a professional international courier.

2. The United Kingdom

The UK is the largest e-commerce market in Europe. In 2019, online sales in the UK reached €200 billion, with more than a third of British consumers making purchases outside the country. With such high demand, it is becoming easier and easier to ship packages to the UK.

Documents needed to send a parcel to the UK

British customs are becoming increasingly strict about what people can bring into the country. If you are sending goods to the UK from another country, be sure to include documentation proving the value of the items. That way, if customs decide to inspect your package, they will have all the information required.

The UK, like the rest of Europe, requires a commercial invoice to be included with each shipment. The document must include a description of each item in the shipment, its value, and the reason for exporting it. The value listed should be the total value of the shipment, including shipping costs.

3. Germany

Germany plays a vital role in the European economy. It has the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest economy in the world. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Germany is a popular destination for shipments of all kinds.

Documents needed to send a parcel to Germany

If you send a package to Germany from a non-European country, it may be subject to German duties and taxes, depending on the nature of the product and its value. You’ll need to include a pro forma invoice with your shipment so that the customs authorities know what the package contains and its value. The invoice must contain all the details of the contents of your shipment.

When sending parcels to Germany, you should be aware that German customs are very strict about required documentation. All shipments must have a clearly stated value and an accurate description of the products within. German customs also require commercial invoices to include the reasons why the sender is shipping the goods in question.

4. Italy

When discussing international shipping, we often think of destinations like the United States or China. While often overlooked, Italy is the world’s largest market for luxury brands and has tremendous potential when it comes to e-commerce.

Documents needed to send a parcel to Italy

To send a parcel to Italy, you’ll need to include a packing slip and a pro forma invoice. This document provides Italian customs with details of the contents of your shipment. If the goods are sold in Italy, you’ll need to provide a commercial invoice. You can create the document yourself or contact a transport broker for help.

Your customs documents must include full addresses for both the shipper and the recipient. They should also have a detailed description of the goods, the number of packages included in the shipment and its total value. If the recipient is a company, you must also provide the VAT number.

5. Spain

The economic relationship between Canada and Spain has developed considerably in recent years. More and more people are sending parcels to Spain from Montreal and the rest of Canada.

Documents needed to send a parcel to Spain

As previously mentioned, parcels shipped to the European Union must be accompanied by various customs documents. You will need to attach a pro forma invoice and a commercial invoice to your shipment to justify its presence on Spanish soil.

You must indicate whether the value you declare includes cost, insurance, and freight. This is because duties and VAT in Europe are calculated based on the CIF Incoterm. Most international shipments to Spain have a value that accounts for insurance and freight, but shippers sometimes neglect to include them.

Products banned in the European Union

Make sure to check the full list of products banned in the country you are shipping to find out which products you can legally send. Importing the following products is prohibited in all European countries:

• Live animals
• Certain perishable goods
• Animal semen
• Asbestos
• Pornographic products
• Counterfeit goods
• Dangerous substances and materials

Send your parcels to Europe with Globex Courier!

Globex Courier offers first-rate express transportation services for all your parcel shipments to Europe. Our partners will pick up your shipments wherever is most convenient for you and deliver them anywhere in Europe as expeditiously as possible.

Whatever your needs or the type of goods you want to send, Globex Courier is here to provide you with fast, efficient, high-quality service. To ship your parcels to the European Union in a timely, cost-effective way, contact our specialists.

Shipping packages overseas is not something you can improvise, especially when you are shipping packages from China. Customs procedures are quite strict and there are some fine details to be aware of to avoid a package refusal or extra fees.

Globex will make sure that you know what documents are required before your package is shipped from China to Canada.

What is the best method of shipping from China to Canada?

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, certain shipping costs have increased considerably, slowing down trade between some countries. This is especially true for ocean freight or air freight, which have reached record highs during this period. Recently, there has been a favorable shift in the market price of shipping packages internationally.

If you want to send goods to China, now is the time! Globex and their partners can assist you with your international shipping needs.

To ship your goods between China and Canada, the two best methods are ocean freight and air freight.

Ocean freight from China

China has become Canada’s second largest supplier after the United States. Canada mainly imports manufactured goods, such as electrical machinery, furniture and textiles. This means that large quantities of products are shipped between China and Canada, making sea traffic an essential part of this trade.

If you choose ocean freight, here are some advantages:

• Affordable method to send goods
• Volumetric flexibility of package sizes
• Guaranteed sealed container transport

Ocean freight cost 

Based on their needs, ocean freight importers use 20′ or 40′ containers, or opt for LCL transport, which is a price per cubic meter depending on the volume, and therefore the space, that the merchandise will take up on the ship. Note that there are also tariff surcharges which are fees that the carrier collects to handle the boarding and shipping and customs procedures.

For example, there is the BAF (percentage applied to the freight rate based on the variation in the price of crude oil). There is also the Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), the Terminal Handling Charge (THC), etc. For more details, we invite you to fill out our online form.

Air freight from China

While most shipments are made by sea, some goods such as high value or seasonal items, clothing, electronics, or fragile items that may be damaged during shipping, are sent by air. This usually takes only a few days as opposed to sea freight which can take longer. There are two types of air freight: conventional and express.

Conventional air freight is less expensive, but it will take longer for your shipment to reach its destination. Express air freight is more expensive, but it arrives much faster. It is operated by Globex’s partner shipping network that offers last mile services such as DHL, FedEx and UPS.

Documents required to ship a package to Canada from China

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, there are three main documents you will need to ship an item from China: the packing slip, the commercial invoice and the packing list. Keep in mind that if your shipment consists of multiple packages, you will need to make sure you have a packing list for each one.

Commercial invoice and packing slip

This invoice should express the amount of the goods (regardless of currency). The information should be clear and written in English.

Packing list for large shipments

In general, it is requested for large shipments to itemize all contents, but it is good practice to always include a packing list. This helps to facilitate inspection and speed up the shipment of packages by customs authorities. A packing list generally describes the contents, the quantity, the packing method, if the goods are fragile (transport of works of art) and the weight, and must be signed by the sender.

Customs fees for Chinese imports to Canada

We advise you to check the admissibility of your imports in advance. You can check the list of import controlled goods, identify the manufacturer and exporter, and obtain a detailed description of the goods being shipped. You must have certain documents necessary for customs clearance in Canada in your possession.

Documents required for customs clearance

To do business in Canada, you must obtain a unique business number. This number is used for customs declarations, payment of goods and services taxes, corporate taxes, imports and exports. (Consult our customs forms)

You will also need to choose which CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) office your goods will be cleared through. There are now over 1200 ports of entry in Canada. It is easier to choose an office based on where your goods arrive but remember that you can request another clearance office if necessary.

You will need to determine the customs tariffs of your goods which will help determine the rate of duty you will have to pay upon importation.

Trust Globex to ship your package from China to Canada

Want to import products into Canada from China? You have come to the right place. Globex is here to help you find the best solution for your needs. We will review the various shipping options and regulations surrounding the import of products so that you can make the best decision for your business.

Whether you are a large or small company, we will help you understand everything you need to know about importing from China to Canada. What are you waiting for? Contact us and get in touch with our Canada shipping and delivery experts today and we will help you get started.

As any art lover knows, paintings are delicate objects that require care and attention. Sadly, they are also subject to a variety of dangers during transport, from the effects of repeated or careless handling, to changes in temperature and humidity.

These conditions can cause a variety of problems for your painting, including cracking, splitting, and peeling of the paint or canvas. To protect your paintings during transport, it is important to take a few simple precautions. Whether it’s packaging, exposure to other weather conditions or bumps along the way, Globex will guide you and help you safely ship your paintings in this article.

Shipping paintings in a few steps

When it comes to transporting valuable artwork, you can’t just throw it in a box and hope for the best. You need to take special measures to ensure its safety during all stages of transportation.

If your painting has a frame, inspect it to make sure it is suitable for transport. Also, if it is dented or has a sharp edge, put felt or another padded cloth barrier on the frame to prevent it from wearing down and breaking during transport. If the painting is not framed or if the frame is too fragile, use a transport frame to hold the canvas. Don’t forget to insure your shipment!

Use low-tack tape on glass-framed paintings. If your frame breaks, the broken glass will be held in place by the adhesive and will not damage the artwork. To ensure the safe transport of your artwork, here are some steps to safe shipments:

• Put corner covers on the edges of the frame as needed
• Insert a slightly larger sheet of rigid cardboard behind or in front of the painting and fold the edges over the sides of the frame. Ensure that the whole art piece is fixed with adhesive tape
• To avoid any snagging or shocks, add bubble wrap to the packaging of the painting. You can add a sheet of polyethylene if necessary for waterproofing
• Clearly indicate the front and the back on the packaging

Packing materials and crating supplies

If a painting is suitable for local or international shipping and a suitable frame and protective backing are already in place, it will then need to be properly packed and crated. This step will ensure the safety of the painting during transport.

Crate your artwork with these steps:

1. Make sure the painting is dry before packing it. Do not pack a work of art that is still wet with paint, coating or varnish
2. When packing the frame, wrap the canvas in bubble wrap after placing it into the crate. We recommend that you use several layers to protect the canvas and fold the excess over the front of the canvas, which is the most fragile part. To secure the flaps, use masking tape, which is less sticky than regular tape and will make unpacking easier
3. Place the canvas on a cardboard sheet to make the package. Mark the size of the canvas and add 1 inch to it. Mark around the canvas, then add a strip around the perimeter that matches the thickness of the canvas (plus 1 inch for the extra space with the bubble wrap). Cut the cardboard along the marks, then fold the edges to match the thickness
4. Place the canvas in the box and tape it shut. Put cardboard around the corners of the package to make it airtight

You can always refer to CCI Note 10/16 wrapping paintings, or ask your Canadian courier service for more details.

Temperature

Temperature is an important factor when shipping a painting. Since paint is more sensitive to cool temperatures, it is best not to transport a painting in an unheated vehicle in cold weather. Paint materials are more easily damaged at extreme temperatures, so it is recommended to use a temperature-controlled transport truck with shock absorbing qualities.

To preserve the quality of the paint, the vehicle’s temperature should not be too low or too high, which can be ensured by an air regulation system. Please refer to ICC Note 10/4 on Environmental Guidelines for Paintings.

Trust Globex to ship your artwork and paintings

Works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, are very fragile pieces. They can be easily damaged if not handled properly. That’s why it’s important to contact a shipping company that is an expert in moving art if you need to have it shipped.

At Globex, our trained staff will be able to answer your questions about packing and shipping your painting. We are also equipped to provide you with cargo insurance and a guarantee against the risks involved when shipping your painting.

We will be able to assist you with the administrative procedures related to the various shipping costs (customs forms) and provide you with an estimate for your shipment.

Are you looking for the cheapest way to ship a package to the UK and are unsure about the steps involved?

The United Kingdom is one of Canada’s major trading partners and an important market for Canadian exports. Because of these close economic ties to the United Kingdom, the process of shipping is relatively simple.

Globex is the solution for sending your packages from Canada to the United Kingdom. In this article we will explain the different options available to you covering customs clearance and the costs associated with shipping goods to the UK.

How to ship a package to the UK

On September 21, 2020, the Canadian and British governments announced the implementation of an agreement to maintain the duty-free preferential status granted under CETA after Brexit.

This agreement offers both governments the flexibility to implement tariff reductions in the post-Brexit period. The preferential status granted will continue to apply to sending a package to the UK from Canada on an MFN (Most Favored Nation) basis. This grants shippers the benefits of cost reduction on delivery.

The standard delivery time for a package shipped from Canada to another country (except for the U.S.) is 4 to 7 business days. Please note that these times depend on factors that may cause a delay in the delivery of your package.

Required documents

If you are sending a package or goods to the UK, there are a few things you should know to avoid any hassle.

Make sure you include a commercial invoice with your shipment. This document should include a description of each item being shipped, as well as its value and the reason for the export. The value that should be listed is the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) incoterm. This is the total value of the shipment, including freight charges and tariffs.

Note that UK customs are becoming increasingly strict on declared value and often inspect packages. When sending goods, be sure to attach supporting documentation in case the declared value is disputed.

This means that you need to declare the transaction value of the package, which is the cost for which you bought or sold the item.

UK customs duty

It is important to note that all packages sent from Canada to the UK must be cleared through customs. To facilitate this process, be sure to include a detailed packing list or invoice with your shipment. This will help customs officials determine what is in your package and if duties or taxes are applicable. These simple steps will ensure that your shipment from Canada to the UK goes smoothly.

Note: The information provided is a general reference. UK customs regulations are subject to change. For more information, do not hesitate to contact an international courier and freight forwarder.

Shipping costs including customs fees

When shipping a package to the UK from Canada, it is important to know the de minimis threshold. This is the value at which duty and VAT are charged on imported goods if you are shipping a package:

• For items up to £135 in value, no duty is charged, but VAT is charged
• For items valued over £135, duty and VAT are payable

This means that if you are sending a low value package, it is possible to avoid paying tax and duty by ensuring that the value of the goods is below the threshold. It is important to know that this only applies to packages sent from Montreal. Use an online currency converter to stay informed.

If you are sending a package from other cities in Canada outside of Montreal, the threshold may be different. Always check before sending to avoid any unexpected charges. You should know that you can contact Globex to obtain additional information for high value shipments such as artwork.

Trust Globex to ship your package to UK from Canada

Globex Courrier makes your shipping needs our priority. We know that all shipments are unique and require individual assessments to ship efficiently. That’s why our experts offer a variety of Canadian courier services to meet your expectations in over 220 countries and territories.

Our goal is to work with you to find the answers to your questions. Contact us for your next international shipment from Canada to the UK.

Shipping a parcel to France from Canada is a relatively simple process thanks to the close economic ties between the two countries. France is one of Canada’s largest trading partners with billions of dollars of goods shipped between the two countries each year.

Are you trying to figure out what factors go into shipping your packages to France from Canada? From packaging to customs fees and labeling, there’s a lot to consider! 

With a little planning, sending a package to France from Canada can be a quick and easy process.

How do I send a package from Canada to France?

Canadians shipping goods from Canada to France can take advantage of CETA rules (the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). These do not require an official certificate to obtain tariff benefits.

A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is sufficient. This is particularly great for personal shipments from Canada to France. Under CETA, country of origin rules are combined with other factors to determine whether a product qualifies for duty-free treatment.

Check if your package requires a specialized service

Before shipping your goods from Canada to France, you need to determine whether your shipment is considered high value and whether it is a bulky shipment. Check the volumetric weight of your package first. Depending on the weight, quantity and type of merchandise in your package, you may need to use an international courier and parcel shipping service.

Customs clearance and Incoterms when shipping to France

The customs clearance procedure consists of assigning cargo the necessary tariffs for its destination. Import clearance often involves the payment of customs duties and VAT (value-added tax). However, there may also be more specific regulations. This is particularly the case for products subject to sanitary or phytosanitary regulations. For these products, there may be inspections to ensure compliance.

When you ship a package to France from Canada, it is important to know the customs clearance process and the required documents.

What are Incoterms?

Incoterms are rules that consider:

• The allocation of transportation costs between the shipper and the receiver
• The point of transfer of responsibility related to the risk of damage
• The responsibility of each party for the documentation required for customs clearance

If you are a Canadian exporter, it is best to avoid Incoterms or cargo insurance that leave you responsible for customs duties and VAT, such as the DDP. You will have to pay VAT and will not be eligible to reclaim it unless you have an entity registered for tax in France.

Preparing your documents for customs

To make your customs clearance easier, these are the custom forms and documents you need to have when shipping a parcel from Canada to France:

• The commercial invoice (in English with a translation included). This must show a detailed description of the goods and their value.
• The certificate of origin provided for by CETA. This is the official document attesting to the place of production, manufacturing or processing of the product. This document is only required for certain goods.
• The transport document (Air Waybill, Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, and so on)
• If your goods have entered through another EU country, transit documents (T1 or T2) may be required.

Other documents may be required. For more ease with these procedures, you may want to seek the help of a freight forwarder.

The cost of shipping from Canada to France

As of July 2021, the de minimis value (value of goods below which no duty or tax is collected by customs) that exempts imports into the EU from value added tax/VAT has been removed.

This means that all shipments entering the EU from anywhere in the world will be subject to customs duties and VAT.

The CIF value which includes the price of the item as well as the shipping and insurance costs will be used to determine the amount of VAT due.

Note that for goods valued at less than €150 (approximately 220 CAD), the import duty is waived, but the VAT (approximately 20%) still applies. It is therefore important to be aware of the changes to the import process before shipping your goods.

Failure to comply with customs regulations may result in delays, penalties, fines or seizures.

Paying the customs and clearance bills

Payment of customs duties and taxes is an important consideration for any Canadian exporter.

Depending on the Incoterm used, the exporter or importer may be responsible for the payment of customs duties and taxes.

The “Single Administrative Document” form, used for a standard import, is attached to the customs agent’s invoice. The VAT will be recovered in full from the French tax authorities by the importer in the case of proper business packages. Individuals cannot recover VAT.

Consult a freight forwarder or customs broker to determine which Incoterm would be the most appropriate for your situation.

Globex ships your packages from Canada to France

At Globex, we understand that not all shipments are the same. That’s why we offer a variety of shipping services to meet your needs. Whether it’s a large shipment that requires special handling, we’re here to help.

We work with you to find the best solution for your shipping needs. Contact us when you need some extra assistance for your shipping. We are always happy to help!

As a small or medium-sized business, you know that organizing the transportation of your goods can be stressful. Nevertheless, there are solutions that can simplify this process while allowing you to ship at a lower cost.

In this article, our international courier company suggests the best shipping solutions for your small or medium-sized business!

Send parcels cheaply with a freight consolidator

Small and medium-sized companies sometimes lack the human and financial resources to have an in-house logistics department. If they want to reduce their shipping costs, these companies must rely on a professional freight consolidator to handle their goods.

Consolidators are key players in the supply chain. They oversee all aspects of freight transportation and warehousing, from sourcing transport vehicles to ensuring that the goods arrive at their destination! Working closely with reputable carriers such as DHL, FedEx, Purolator and UPS, a freight consolidator like Globex Courier gives you access to very competitive prices that allow goods to be shipped at a lower cost.

Freight consolidators are an attractive solution for small and medium-sized businesses, as they can offer discounts based on shipment volume. This means having year-round access to attractive prices. Contact our team now for more information.

Ship your goods with the right mode of transportation

SMEs must guarantee that their products will be delivered to grow their business each year. This involves the common problem of choosing the best mode of transportation.

There are many ways to ship goods, with the most common modes of transportation being land, sea, and air. However, a new and rapidly growing mode of transportation is the express courier service.

Find out more about its benefits so you can choose the right transportation solution for your business.

Land transport via express courier service

Land transportation is the most popular option for short and medium distance deliveries, such as shipping to the United States or Canada. This mode of transportation has many benefits for small and medium-sized businesses:

• Greater flexibility to adapt to you and your clients’ needs
• Access to affordable shipping rates
• Door-to-door signature services and real-time shipment tracking
• And more

Sea transport via a freight consolidator like Globex Courier

Sea freight is the best mode of transportation for small and medium-sized companies that want to ship pallets and goods internationally. While sea shipping can take a relatively long time, this solution offers the ability to transport many goods in various formats, depending on the size and volume. Here are some other benefits of shipping by sea:

• Minimize your unit cost per item sold
• Fewer restrictions on the type of merchandise, weight, or dimensions
• Turnkey solution from your freight consolidator who will handle all customs forms and coordinate delivery of your goods to your customer’s doorstep
• And more

Air transport via a freight consolidator like Globex Courier

Express air transport has become more popular in recent years and the number of companies using it has increased significantly. Although this mode of transportation is more expensive than other solutions, it offers many benefits to small and medium-sized businesses.

• Fast delivery of your goods to the recipient
• Complete solution and management of all customs issues
• Better tracking of your shipments to the final recipient
• And more

In short, there are several modes of transportation that small and medium-sized businesses can use with a freight consolidator like Globex Courier. Large or heavy shipments can be shipped by land, sea, or air to save money. For shipments of 300 kg or less, express courier services are the most cost-effective option for small businesses.

Work with local delivery companies

With the massive consumer shift to e-commerce shopping, delivery now represents a major challenge, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Customers are increasingly demanding, and their patience is tested by various delays in deliveries. Small and medium-sized businesses therefore need a seamless delivery service to meet the demands of all their customers.

Local shipping companies, which can offer same day delivery in Montreal or Quebec City, are highly efficient solutions that often bypass the large distribution groups.

Are you a small or medium-sized business looking for shipping solutions? Contact Globex Courier

Whether you need a courier service in Canada or worldwide or are looking for a way to send parcels cheaply, we have the solution for you.

Globex Courier is one of the largest freight consolidators in Canada and we love what helping small and medium sized businesses ship their products anywhere in the world. We would be happy to get in touch with you to explain our services in more detail. Fill out our online form and an expert from our team will contact you shortly!

In Canada, retailers and e-merchants understand that consumers are becoming more and more demanding when it comes to delivery times. These delays can strongly influence the ultimate satisfaction of your customers.

Whether you are an entrepreneur or a company, improving the shipping process is important if you want to avoid delays and ensure a smooth delivery process. Our shipping logistics experts give you 5 tips to reduce the delivery time of your packages and other mail.

1. Better managed order processing

Optimized order processing avoids oversights and delays. This requires a consistent order picking process within your company.

There are two steps to a successful logistical approach in this case.

The pre-order processing phase

Good inventory management is crucial to effectively respond to incoming orders. Knowing the status of your current inventory as well as the necessary lead times will help you avoid delays when shipping goods.

Standardization of the order picking process is important. Planning packaging that is appropriate for the size of the goods to be shipped or the number of items per order is also an important factor that should not be overlooked.

Accurate estimated delivery times are also good indicators to help you plan your orders and shipments accordingly.

Fulfillment phase

This phase involves correctly using the data provided by the customer when placing an order. This data can include the delivery address and additional requests such as the preferred date and time of delivery, for example.

The fulfillment phase is primarily an opportunity to fulfill the commitment made to the customer on the estimated delivery time. It is crucial to make sure that the order is complete and reaches its recipient in good condition.

Taking all this data into account during logistics management can help you shorten your delivery times.

2. Limit intermediaries to reduce delivery times

Having multiple parties involved in the delivery process can increase the risk of delays and the overall time required to deliver a shipment. Each additional intermediary can increase handling and storage requirements, which adds to delivery time.

We understand that streamlining your shipments can quickly become a major challenge for your company. That’s why we recommend working with a freight logistics company like Globex Worldwide Courier. Our expertise in shipping logistics limits time-consuming steps and reduces the delivery time of your parcels while guaranteeing competitive delivery costs.

3. Use a courier service for frequent and short distance deliveries

If you are looking to speed up deliveries and make them more efficient, especially over short distances, you should consider using a courier service. This type of service offers you greater flexibility and more options for personalization.

Last-mile delivery makes it easier to deliver to recipients’ homes and shopping centers, ensuring that your goods arrive safe and sound. It also allows for same night delivery, indoor pickup and better parcel tracking.

At Globex Worldwide Courier, we offer same day delivery in Montreal or same day delivery in Quebec City to ensure that your goods are delivered from the nearest location to your customers or recipients. We are also committed to delivering your goods in the shortest possible time and at the best possible price through our network of international partners.

4. Anticipate periods of peak demand

There are certain times of the year when the number of orders will increase, such as the holiday season. These busy periods impact all industries, whether they influence the increase in shipments or not.

Anticipating busy periods in advance will give you peace of mind. Not only will you avoid falling behind on your shipments, but you will even be able to deliver faster than your competitors.

Plan ahead by thinking about having enough employees assigned to shipping orders, enough packaging for shipments and close supervision at every step, in order to avoid mistakes.

5. Develop a logistics strategy tailored to your customers and business

Your logistics strategy should be tailored to your customers to meet their expectations as efficiently as possible. There are two main solutions here for reducing delivery times.

Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management

Stocking goods is costly in terms of cash flow, storage space and handling. This adds to the risk that your goods will depreciate over time, or worse, become unusable due to deterioration, obsolescence, or a drop in demand.

Just-In-Time (JIT) management is the practice of producing only the quantities you need at the time of order. This eliminates the need for intermediate stock and reduces your costs.

But it doesn’t stop there. It also saves you time in handling and inventory. Time which can be fully dedicated to order processing.

Store your goods closer to your customers

This solution isn’t practical for everyone, but remains a future development perspective, especially for companies that want to expand internationally.

Warehousing products as close as possible to your customers greatly reduces the time needed for international delivery.

An e-merchant based in Quebec may have international customers. Consequently, for an e-commerce shipment to Europe, it would be much more convenient to also have inventory in Europe rather than a single warehouse in Quebec.

The benefits of improved delivery times

Improving delivery times has a positive impact on your business on many levels. Limiting time lost in order processing will inevitably make you more competitive and allow you to adopt a customer-focused vision.

This competitive edge is one of the four key factors of customer satisfaction:

• Product availability
• Delivery time
• Quality of service
• Safety and security

Globex Worldwide Courier knows that these factors are important assets for your business and is committed to always respecting them. Whether you need to send parcels internationally, within Canada or to the United States, we offer you an exceptional shipping service.

We choose the best shipping strategy for each of our clients and make sure to offer a solution that considers the carrier, the price, and the delivery time according to the destination.

Contact us now to reduce the delivery time of your mail and parcels today.

Whether you are a professional or a private individual, you need to pack your parcels properly before sending them to your recipient. Choosing the right packaging and filling materials is crucial to avoiding potential inconveniences.

For a safe shipment, you need to ask yourself a number of questions, such as what type of goods or products are being sent, who your recipient is or what location your parcel will be delivered to. You also need to think about the different materials needed to protect your products and your package.

In this article, our experts recommend the 4 steps to take to properly pack your boxes and goods for shipment.

Step 1: Choose the right packaging for your package

The first step to properly pack a box is to know the exact dimensions and weight of your products or goods. Before looking at how to calculate these elements, you should know that heavy packages (+ 50 kilos) are more complicated to transport. The packaging will have to be adjusted. A wooden or metal box can be an excellent solution to protect your package.

How to measure the dimensions of your product

First, measure the longest side of your product. You can use a ruler or a tape measure to do this. Write down the length you find so that you can round it off later if necessary.

Next, measure the width. With your product lying flat, measure the smallest side of the product. Note the number you measure.

Finally, measure the height. You can also write down this result.

The numbers you find will help you choose the box that will hold and transport your products and goods. Remember to leave some extra room for cushioning later on. 

What about irregularly shaped items?

If your product has an irregular shape, treat it as a parallelepiped (3D shape whose faces are all parallelograms) with the maximum dimensions (length, width and height) of your package.

How to calculate the weight of your product

Calculating the weight of your product is quite simple. Simply weigh it on a scale. It is best to use an accurate scale as the weight of your product will be compared to its volumetric weight.

Write down the result once you have it. It should be as accurate as possible. This will help you choose the best packaging for your product.

The special nature of volumetric weight

The volumetric weight of a good reflects the density of the package in which it is contained. It corresponds to the volume that a parcel occupies in a truck or container in relation to its actual weight.

If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of the package, the volumetric weight will be used for pricing. For most packages destined for foreign countries, shipping companies offering international delivery services use volumetric weight to determine their prices.

To make the calculation easier for you, Globex Courier offers an online volumetric weight calculator. Try it out!

Step 2: Consider additional protection

Once you have chosen the packaging for your parcel, you can add additional protection to it if necessary. Not all products require extra protection. Less fragile items such as clothing do not need to be over-packaged.

However, depending on how fragile your goods are, it may be a good idea to add some extra protection to keep your package safe during transport. This could be bubble wrap or plastic protection.

At Globex, we pay special attention to the protection of the goods we ship. Whether we are transporting artwork, shipping fragile items or fulfilling e-commerce orders, we always advise our clients on the right shipping supplies to protect the products or goods being sent.

Step 3: Properly cushion your items

Choosing a package with the exact dimensions of your product will not effectively protect it. You should think about leaving some empty space in your package in order to add cushioning material that will reduce the impact of external shocks.

There are many advantages to ensuring that your product is properly cushioned. In addition to protecting against shocks, the cushioning effectively protects against vibrations and prevents your package from moving during transport. Whether your product is fragile or not, you can add cushioning solutions.

There are many cushioning options available, such as air cushions, polystyrene balls or bubble wrap. But there are other alternatives to properly wrap and protect your package, such as expanded foam, kraft paper or wood fiber. The choice is yours!

Step 4: Secure your package

The last step to properly pack your package is to secure the outside of it. 

Our experts advise you to use wide and resistant adhesive tape for this. Remember to reinforce the areas that need additional protection, such as the corners of the package or possible openings.

It is important that the items remain in one piece and do not break loose from their packaging. The use of metal chain is another solution.

Contact Globex Courier for the best practices in parcel packaging

As you can see, there are a number of steps to properly pack a box for shipping. It is not enough to take a big box and place your item inside. Your package needs to be well thought out in order to protect the merchandise during transportation.

If you have any questions about shipping services in Canada or what the proper packaging is for your products, please feel free to contact our transportation experts. By phone at +1-800-359-211 or by form, we will be pleased to assist you and answer all your questions.

“Prevention is better than cure”. You have probably heard this adage countless times, perhaps not understanding the true meaning of the expression. What if we apply it to cargo shipping this time around?

Insurance often has a rather negative connotation, both in terms of price and real interest. However, insurance can be extremely useful in many circumstances, especially when it comes to cargo insurance.

In this article, our shipping experts explain everything you need to know about cargo insurance.

What is cargo insurance?

Cargo insurance is a contract between a transport company and shipper. This type of shipping insurance is intended to provide peace of mind to the policyholder. It is a legal protection that provides coverage and indemnifies your cargo in case of loss, theft or damage.

An increasing number of businesses that use shipping companies take out cargo insurance to guarantee the security (at least financial) of their goods. The type and cost of insurance can vary depending on the mode of transport used (see more below).

Why is cargo insurance important to have?

Cargo insurance is useful to avoid material and financial losses in the event of a claim or other unforeseen incident incurred by the shipping company. It protects the real value of your cargo and compensates you appropriately.

Moreover, depending on the method of transportation, the risks will vary (e.g., sea transport and risk of general average loss) and a considerable cost will be incurred in the event of loss.

Who insures the carrier’s liability?

Regardless of the cause and nature of the damage to your cargo, the carrier is presumed liable. This liability comes from the carrier’s obligation of result, which obliges them to transport cargo safely. The liability also exempts the shipper or the consignee from having to prove that the carrier was at fault.

However, keep in mind that the carrier’s liability is limited by national and international treaties that may be less than the value of your goods.

Furthermore, the carrier’s liability is limited internationally by the Warsaw Convention. For more information, please ask your logistics consolidator about their Terms and Conditions of carriage.

What are Incoterms in shipping?

Incoterms are rules that define the responsibilities of the buyer and the seller. They constitute a set of international standards recognized by customs authorities and courts. Incoterms define the parties (buyers and sellers) in a commercial transaction and reduce the risk of misunderstandings and legal disputes.

As such, they determine whether you need to take out transport insurance. There are 11 Incoterms, each indicated by a 3-letter code and grouped into 4 categories according to the first letter of their designation.

Why use CIF Incoterms?

CIF is one of the 11 Incoterms and stands for:

• Cost = cost/invoice value (purchase cost if your customer is the buyer or selling price if seller)
• Insurance = Insurance premium
• Freight = Freight and related costs (customs clearance)

CIF requires the seller to enter into the contract of carriage for the buyer and to take out insurance on the buyer’s behalf to cover cargo during transit. This Incoterm requires the seller to assume most of the responsibility such as the transfer of risk, which occurs when the goods are shipped.

What types of cargo transportation require insurance?

There are several types of cargo insurance. In fact, there are as many types as there are modes of transport (land, sea and air, national and international).

It is important to know which category you fall into before taking out an insurance policy.

Here are the most common types.

Air cargo insurance

Air cargo shipping includes a wide range of guarantees. Considered as one of the most expensive modes of shipping, it also involves many transfers during shipment. Consequently, it makes sense to secure your investment with the right coverage.

Air cargo insurance will generally compensate:

• Material damages
• Losses

Check that your shipping company offers these services.

Sea cargo insurance

In general, marine cargo insurance is primarily intended to cover your cargo against delays, losses and damages, including general average loss of your cargo. This means that you will be compensated if the cargo should fall overboard. Otherwise, the cargo will be handled, stored and transported at the risk of the owner and consignee.

Land cargo insurance

There are many different types of land shipping and the risks vary to a greater or lesser extent depending on each. The more cargo transfers there are between the location of shipment and the destination (the number of times cargo is transferred from one vehicle to another), the more damage the goods are exposed to.

When shipping cargo by truck, it is recommended to take out a comprehensive cargo insurance policy, since different carriers may provide partial or total coverage for your goods.

How to determine the premium for cargo insurance

Cargo insurance is undoubtedly useful in covering yourself against risks. However, you should keep in mind that there are exceptions to the rule.

This premium, expressed as a percentage of the insured value, will include specific conditions. This is the case for:

• The nature of the cargo: The amount of the insurance premium will vary according to the nature of your cargo. If we take the example of a work of art, it must be adequately insured to compensate the owner in case of damage (coverage from point A to point B). Most shipping companies will only reimburse $100 regardless of the actual value of the artwork if no insurance is taken out.
• Weight: A typical general insurance policy tends to limit loss or damage coverage based on weight. For example, shipments under 3 tons cannot exceed €33 per kilogram of gross weight of missing or damaged goods for each item in the shipment, and cannot exceed €1,000 per lost, incomplete or damaged package.
• Packaging: The purpose of packaging is to protect cargo during transportation, handling, storage and other stages of shipment. If your packaging is inadequate or poorly designed, it can cause damage and even if you have insurance, you may not be compensated.
• Mode of transportation: Each mode of transportation has its own risks, which is why it is common to have separate policies and varying premiums.

Contact Globex Worldwide Courier for more details on cargo insurance

While cargo insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Your insurance provider will be able to give you more information about cargo insurance based on your business sector.

For any additional information, we invite you to contact our shipping experts. We will be glad to provide you with our expertise.