In order to ensure that you receive the best rate available for your international shipping needs there is some information that you should have readily available regarding your cargo. If moving personal and household items, make sure they are packed in study boxes and marked according to contents.

International shippers consider shipment volume by using dimensional size to determine the cost to ship. When shipping individual automobiles, motor cycles and light trucks, the make and model is usually all the information that is required to obtain a quote. For larger vehicles, such as commercial trucks, construction equipment, boats and recreational vehicles the length, width, and height must be accurately reported. The total of your shipping costs for vehicles other than passenger vehicles and motorcycles will be determined by these measurements. Have all documents required by Customs inspectors ready and delivered to the port at least 72 hours before your vehicle is scheduled to ship. You will need the original vehicle titles, any sales documents (such as a Bill of Sale), and two copies.

The delivery destination is a major factor in an international shipping quote. Most of the time, delivery to a major port is much less expensive than add-on points or specific delivery locations. Costs also vary from port to port in each country, so it is a good idea to compare costs from your location to those ports that are a reasonable destination point. Determine the closest port in the destination country and then make arrangements for pick up and delivery from that port.

Packing freight in an approved shipping container will almost always cost less. However, roll-on roll-off service for large vehicles may be the only option. Delivering your own freight to the closest major international shipping port will also reduce costs of the international shipping quote.

Goods that require special handling or containers will cost more to ship than durable goods, raising your international shipping quote. Perishable and non-perishable food items cost more to ship than durable goods. Good that may produce gases require constant monitoring and proper ventilation are much more expensive than shipping household items. Electronics and computer equipment is temperature sensitive and also requires special container conditions for safe shipment. All these things will factor into the international shipping quote.