Five common mistakes that silently increase your international shipping expenses — and how to prevent them
If you’re importing or exporting products, you probably keep close tabs on your major costs: freight, customs, insurance, and taxes. But there are smaller errors that often go unnoticed — and when they pile up, they can eat away at your margins. These are known as hidden costs in international logistics, and avoiding them starts with better planning, closer attention to detail, and more informed decisions. Want to improve your bottom line? Start by checking if you’ve been making any of the mistakes below.
1. Ignoring volumetric weight in your quotes
When it comes to air freight (and sometimes ground transport), the price isn’t just based on the actual weight of your shipment. Volumetric weight calculates the space your cargo takes up, and if you skip this when quoting, the final bill might catch you off guard.
2. Misunderstanding INCOTERMS and their impact
INCOTERMS define who is responsible for which part of the shipping process — freight, insurance, customs clearance, etc. Many importers pick a term without understanding its full meaning and end up covering costs they didn’t expect.
3. Documentation mistakes
Incomplete invoices, incorrect HS codes, or missing certificates can lead to delays, fines, or even shipment rejections. Reviewing every document before dispatch is not just a best practice — it’s essential.
4. Poor warehouse coordination
Sometimes cargo arrives, but the warehouse isn’t ready, or there’s not enough space, leading to unnecessary storage fees or demurrage charges. You can avoid these extra costs with clear communication and planning between all stakeholders.
5. Not negotiating with logistics providers
The first quote you get isn’t always the best. Comparing offers, negotiating terms, and understanding what each price includes can make a real difference in your logistics budget. Every clause in a logistics contract matters, so take time to read between the lines.
Catching these errors early can be the difference between a profitable shipment and one that barely breaks even. Revisit your processes, documents, and service agreements. And if this article helped you, share it with your team and keep exploring more tips on our Instagram profile and other blog posts.
#InternationalLogistics #HiddenLogisticsCosts #ShippingMistakes #GlobalTrade #ImportExportTips #LogisticsStrategy #FreightManagement #SupplyChainInsights #MegaglobalBlog #Megaglobal #Blog #InternationalLogistics #CargoTransport #MaritimeTransport #AirTransport #LandTransport #CustomsManagement
