First Steps to Exporting

6. Get Your Products to Market

6.1 Identify the most suitable mode of transport for your goods.

• Assess the cost of each option.
• Consider the climatic conditions of the countries the goods pass through.
• Examine how special goods, such as perishables, will be accommodated.
• How crucial is speed of delivery? Some manufacturers will want supplies just before they use them.
• Familiarise yourself with HM Revenue & Customs rules on transportation, such as dangerous goods (see 5.3).

6.2 Freight forwarders can transport goods.

• Forwarders will save you money on transport costs because they consolidate your goods with other consignments. This is useful when you can only provide a part-container load.
• A forwarder assumes responsibility for documentation and books air, rail, shipping and road transport.To find a freight forwarder contact the British International Freight Association on 020 8844 2266.

6.3 Ensure your products' transport packaging conforms to international requirements.

Get online advice from the Packaging Society.

• Establish the packaging requirements for deliveries to specific countries.
• As your sales grow, ensure your business can cope with the requirements.

6.4 Define responsibility for your products with your freight forwarder.

• You might be responsible for the goods until delivery to your customer.
• Use Incoterms 2000 in your contracts.

6.5 Purchase cargo insurance to cover damage to goods or late or non-delivery.

• Marine cargo insurance will cover your goods while at sea, and usually for the parts of the journey over land.
• Cover typically costs around 1 per cent of the value of the consignments.