Our top 5 tips for first time exporters

Exporting your goods can seem like a huge task. Making your goods attractive to overseas customers is important. It is vital that logistics, transport and documentation are right before you begin. Here are some of the most important things to think about.....

 Use incoterms in your sales contract

Using incoterms pre-determines each party’s responsibility for that shipment. They are internationally used and recognised in trade.

Cargo insurance

When you book shipments with a forwarder, shipping company or courier, you are only covered for a minimal value so you may need to take out extra cover.

Choose the best transport method

Shipping by sea is often cheaper with longer transport times, whereas air freight is quicker but more expensive. Choose the one that’s best for you and your customer.

Ensure you have the correct documentation

Research what is best for you and your shipment. Certain commodities and some countries require special documentation.

Choose a method of payment and terms you are comfortable with

A letter of credit is a common method of payment for overseas transactions but there are other ways as well.

Further information

Contact us at t.ward or see our website for further information

Exportingisgreat is a government resource with loads of information for first time exporters.

Exporting from the UK

 The UK government aim to increase UK exports by encouraging more businesses to sell their goods in global markets. The new government website ‘Exporting is great’ is an invaluable resource and guide for any company thinking of exporting goods for the first time. It is part of a ‘push to help a further 100,000 more UK businesses export by 2020.’

Exporting can be daunting for companies used to selling only within the UK, but the rewards are there for companies who sell to overseas markets.

“85% of companies say exporting has led to a level of growth not otherwise possible.”

Exporting is Great website

Exporting by smaller companies

At T.Ward Shipping, we have noticed a sharp rise in smaller organisations importing and exporting goods through platforms like Ebay and Amazon. Their cross border trade initiatives have opened up international sales for retailers of all sizes. Global trading companies like these have made selling to overseas markets more straightforward, but transport and logistics can still be confusing and complex.

Freight Forwarding

Transport and logistics

To transport your goods overseas, it will usually save time and money to recruit a freight forwarding company to arrange things for you.

Freight Forwarding Services

Freight forwarding is the movement of goods from one part of the world to another as economically and efficiently as possible. The aim is to ensure that cargo arrives at the right destination at the right time.As a freight forwarding company, we are responsible for choosing the best, cost effective distribution needs for our clients.

Although we are a very much a shipping company, we handle all aspects of the transportation by sea, air and land - sea freight, air freight and road freight. We can also arrange courier shipments.

Additional services we offer to customers who export goods are:

Assistance with incoterms (shipping terms)

Incoterms are trade terms used to define each of the obligations of seller and buyer when moving goods. The specific term makes it clear who is responsible for each aspect of the cost/risk at each stage of movement. You should always try and negotiate Incoterms into your sales contract, to avoid disputes at a later date. We explain some of the more common terms on this blog post.  

Your rights as an exporter

We help our clients understand where their responsibility as a seller ends and when the buyers responsibility begins.

Liability throughout the shipping process

It is important that an exporter understands their liabilities throughout the shipping process. This can save time and money should a dispute occur.

Assistance with letters of credit

A letter of credit is a guarantee from a bank that a seller will receive a payment due from a buyer. The bank guarantees that the seller will be paid an agreed amount of money by a certain date. The bank in question will require documents - for example shipping confirmation - as a proof that this agreement will be upheld.

More on exporting - useful links

Freight forwarding at T.Ward

Exporting is Great

Letters of credit explanation
Incoterms

Get in touch!

There is more information on our website.To talk to us about exporting and freight forwarding, please get in touch by phone +44 (0)131 554 1231 or email shipping@tward.co.uk

2017 - Time to review your transport and shipping services?

Freight rates and shipping companies in the UK

With the demise of Hanjin causing freight rates to rise, 2017 is a great time to compare your shipping and transport costs to and from the UK. Shipping rates are set to rise in 2017 for first time since 2010, according to forecasts. This could come as a shock to companies used to the low international transport costs we’ve enjoyed for some time now. Spending some time comparing services from different shipping companies in the UK is  worthwhile to ensure you are getting the best service and price you can.

Surge in Amazon and Ebay traders and their impact on shipping

Over the last twelve months, we have seen a surge in customers who sell their goods on Amazon and Ebay. Ebay and Amazon have launched cross border trade initiatives, opening up international sales for retailers of all sizes. Additionally, buyers on these platforms can find a bargain by shopping around internationally. They need a reliable shipping agent with competitive rates, and have been coming to us for help and advice. We don’t just work with the big names, we’re happy to assist individuals and small businesses. It is also vital that a transport company understands and applies customs and tax regulations. The UK Government publish advice on customs and tax on goods bought from overseas suppliers online.

Understanding customs procedures

We understand many people find getting information and advice on import/export customs procedures difficult, from understanding how import vat and duty works to how to classify your goods.  This is something we can assist you with and provide peace of mind that everything is being taken care of when you import or export your goods.

Transporting a wide range of goods

In 2016 we saw a vast range in cargo, including:

Classic Cars, Art Sculptures, Charitable goods, Fire Engines, manufactured goods from China, fire fighting equipment, rugs from India, project cargo, paintings, peonies and pipes.

We have dealt with large and small companies and individuals - no project is too big or too small.

Shipping to and from Scotland and the UK

Shipping from the UK can be challenging, especially when you are not familiar with the type of shipping company you are dealing with, the kind of handling , warehousing and transportation services you will need and how your items will be cleared at the destination address. With a reputable and competent shipping company, you don’t have to worry about getting your shipments. An ideal shipping company can get your goods delivered from the UK in the safest and timely manner.

At t. ward shipping we are experienced in handling consignments of all sizes and types and we offer our services to a wide range of Scottish and UK ports.

2016 - What a year!

2016 has been a busy year for t ward shipping. We’ve been involved in so many exciting projects. Here is a concise review of some of our highlights!

Organising the Dazzle Ship launch

Dazzle Ships have been docked in London and Liverpool since 2014, and have become floating works of art for visitors and residents.  The latest Dazzle Ship features a design from Turner Prize-nominated artist Ciara Phillips which lit up the city of Edinburgh in style. It was launched in Scotland on 29 May and 1 June 2016, to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. We were responsible for organising the movement of the ship, which went very well. We were busy behind the scenes booking the entire marine movement and making sure everything went smoothly on the day. We booked everything from the tugs, pilots and riggers to the tow master. It was a fantastic project to be involved with, and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

You can view mv Fingal from Ocean Driver, Leith Docks. Red more on our blog...

See more info at https://www.1418now.org.uk/commissions/dazzle-ship-scotland-4/.

Shipping fire engines to Paraguay

In February we sent a 20’ container with three fire engines 6000 miles to Paraguay for IFRA ifra.org. In August we shipped the famous Angel Franco, a donated fire appliance, to Paraguay. Although at the end of it’s working life in Scotland, it will be used by the city Luque for years to come.

"It's great to think that all this redundant and superseded kit continues to save people in other countries long after we stop using it and the people of Scotland should be justifiably proud of this."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-37142481

Shipping Laptops to Malawi

In September, we helped the Turing Trust with ship 101 laptops to Malawi. They were distributed to schools as part of a large ICT skills development programme. More about our shipping service for charities.

http://turingtrust.co.uk/new-what-we-do-in-malawi/

Shipping Paintings to Canada

Last month we arranged the transportation of some original artwork for the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. We arranged for the safe transport of two paintings from the gallery in Northern England to the buyer in Toronto, Canada via our tried and trusted courier air freight service. Read more on our blog... or find out about our shipping service for artwork.

Shipping flowers to Shanghai

We recently shipped a pallet of bare root peonies from Binny Plants, West Lothian to Shanghai airport. More on our freight forwarding service.

Taking care of jumbo ships

We took care of H.M Fairpartner at #Rosyth docks last week for shipping giant @JumboMaritime m/v Fairpartner. More about ships agency..











Here's to a productive 2017! To find out more about our services, visit our website, email shipping@tward.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)131 554 1231.

Transporting Artwork for The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle

We recently arranged the transportation of some original artwork for the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. This involved transporting two paintings safely from the gallery in Northern England to the buyer in Toronto, Canada via our tried and trusted courier air freight service.

Exporting works of art

We understand the requirements when transporting unique works of art and how important it is to transport goods safely and efficiently. For the Biscuit Factory, we took care of insurance, arranged the air freight courier service and provided advice on customs procedures.

Cargo insurance

We ensured appropriate cargo insurance was in place for works of art prior to shipment. 

Advice on customs procedures

We took the time to explain what customs procedures the customer could expect on arrival into Canada, and the approximate customs import costs they would face in order to correctly clear their purchased goods through customs.

Safe arrival

Taking care of these details ensured the goods arrived at the customer’s door in a matter of days, without issue. The paintings were delivered to their new owner on 1st November. The Biscuit Factory have kindly let us feature the wonderful paintings here: The Bird Family by local artist Peter Hallam and Second Sea Change by Steven Lindsay.

About the Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit Factory is the largest commercial art, craft & design gallery in the UK. Set in a former Victorian warehouse, its gallery space is housed over two floors, offering ‘a range of exciting contemporary fine art, sculpture, original prints and jewellery, quality craftsmanship and design led homewares.’ 

The Biscuit Factory holds four exhibitions each year, and they are keen to assist anyone who buys the artwork, offering advice and the Own Art purchase scheme. They regularly transport art to buyers around the world, and were delighted with our service:

“We look forward to doing more business with T.Ward in the future. I would also like to mention how helpful you were during the whole process. Thankyou Callum.”

The Biscuit Factory’s Winter Exhibition opened earlier this month, and features work from over 200 artists, including Scottish painter Phil McLoughlin. They are also hosting a series of Festive weekends throughout December where Christmas shopping can be combined with seasonal food and a pop-up hot chocolate lounge. Sounds much better than braving the crowds on the High Street!

We specialise in art transportation, exporting and importing to and from Scotland and the rest of the UK. Find out more on our website.

Transporting your artwork

The arts industry is truly global. Theatres, galleries, auction houses, museums and private collectors all import and export works on a regular basis. These pieces are often unique, valuable and irreplaceable. Different countries have different laws for the import and export of goods, making the process more complicated. How do you ensure your work of art arrives at its destination legally and in one piece?

Packing

Unless your work is very small and easy to transport, it makes sense to involve a specialist firm for packing and crating. Artworks and sculpture comes in all shapes and sizes, and is often fragile and easily damaged. The high value and irreplaceable nature of many pieces make it the only option. Industry leading products from ShockDot will help give you peace of mind, and are cost effective in determining whether the product has been mishandled.

Shockdot determine if products are mishandled

Handling

You want your work to arrive at its destination in the best condition possible - and efficient handling and packaging can make a world of difference to how the receiver views a piece.  Consider transporting the work with air (not spring) suspension, to minimize movement of any sculptures being transported by road or in a container.

Customs

Some cultural goods over a certain age and value require a licence from the Export License from the Arts Council. Your shipping company should be able to give you advice on this.

Insurance

Marine cargo and transport insurance is essential for your work, to cover any accidental damage along the way. Go for an experienced broker. Read the government guidelines on this topic.

Personal advice

A specialist shipping company should offer a tailored freight forwarding service, which is unique to the client and the items being transported. This is one of the key services for all our clients - offering peace of mind and expert advice.

For more information on T.Ward's art transportation service, contact us or visit our art transportation page.

Shipping cars with t ward shipping

It can feel as if there is red tape everywhere when you start looking into importing or exporting vehicles.

If you’re thinking about selling a commercial vehicle such as a van, tractor or bulldozer, or even considering sending your own car, classic or otherwise, abroad, we know everything you need to know about the regulations and procedures involved, so we can offer you advice and assistance - even take the entire project off your hands and arrange everything for you.

Shipping classic cars is one of our specialist areas so come to us if you need help with that, too. t.ward shipping will have all the information and experience you need to be able to ship your vehicles in and out of the UK with as little stress as possible.

We can help with the following:

·         Full shipping and customs service for shipment of your private vehicle.

·         Collection of your vehicle - taking it from door to port.

·         Shipping your vehicle by container to all ports around the world.

·         Lashing and securing your car in a container making sure that it’s safe to transported.

·         Vehicle pre-checking prior to export.

·         Ro/Ro (roll on/roll off) service for cars being shipped to West and East Africa.

We love helping people import and export their classic cars, so please feel free to get in touch with us at t ward shipping if this is something you are currently thinking about doing.

We’d love to talk to you about helping you to import your vehicles, so contact us as soon as possible and let our friendly team guide you through the red tape - before you know it, you’ll be enjoying lovely classic car.