Next, it’s time to negotiate quotes for shipping. Here are some things you will need to take into account. Your preferred method of shipping: As I mentioned in my previous blog, there are pros and cons to both shipping by air and shipping by sea. Ocean freight is typically less expensive, but air freight is much faster. The best choice for you will depend on how much you are willing to pay, how urgent your shipment is, any contractual obligations you have to your buyer, how much stock you have on hand and what your competitors are offering. What you are shipping: Knowing the full specification of the product you are shipping is critical to ensure your export goes to plan. For a start, the kind of goods you are shipping will impact on the price of quotes you receive and will affect how they must be transported. For example, some kinds of goods, such as lithium batteries must be packed in a specific way. Goods containing natural materials must be treated or fumigated, while goods that are classified as dangerous goods may require a permit before they can be shipped. The size of your shipment: Knowing the size of your shipment (weight, dimensions and volume) is important when requesting a quote and determining your route, because it will influence the cost to ship. It is also important when it comes to deciding what equipment you need to ship your goods. Collection and delivery address: Once you know how you will ship your goods, you will need to specify exactly where your goods will be shipped to. This will determine the length of the route (including whether transhipment will be required) and the price of quotes you receive.