Remember as part of the supply chain there are 3 general stages you always need someone who sends it, who transports it and who receives it. In between start and end there can be a variety of companies being involved. It's a matter what goods you are shipping, from which destinations and which level of volumes you have, plus obviously what price you are willing to pay. When the start and the finish are in place you are ready to consider shipping.

 Note: When importing many suppliers with have their own transport links already in place and usually provide cheaper rates than going through a third-party company. They will assist most areas of transportation, i.e. documentation, and you will have more control over the entire process.

 If you need a third-party company, here is a basic introduction.

 

In shipping you can go directly to the company, which will ship your goods form port to port, or freight forwarding services which will include inland transportation. Many of the larger container companies provide both services and will have door-to-door line divisions. The best way to get receive a quota is to phone the company, alternately you can do booking through their internet site, before making contact you will need have some details ready as you will be needed to provide them (listed below). Here is a list of the biggest shipping container companies in Europe:

If you are a smaller company and you are only importing small quantities, less than ½ a container (see details below) the best way is still these well known  shipping companies such as:

 UPSDHLFedEx


 Most companies offer full in depth schedule planner auxiliary services, such as cargo trackers. Also, as a Value Added Service these companies will so the paperwork and documentation required for customs. Check websites for full details.

 

Some details you need to provide and things to consider and before making contact:

Where is my company V.A.T. registration number? This is required as part of registration.

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