Introduction

Choosing an international shipping company is a critical business decision, even though it is sometimes treated as a purely operational matter. In practice, a shipping company has a direct impact on delivery times, costs, regulatory compliance, cash flow, and even the credibility of your business with customers and suppliers. Despite this, many businesses select a shipping provider based solely on price, without thoroughly examining who they are working with and what the service actually includes.

International shipping involves much more than moving goods from point A to point B. It is a complex system that includes coordination, documentation, customs procedures, regulation, standards, insurance, and risk management. A lack of experience, transparency, or full understanding of the process can lead to costly delays, penalties, unexpected storage fees, and in some cases, damage to the goods.

This article presents ten essential questions that every importer, exporter, or procurement manager should ask a shipping company before making a decision. These questions help you understand not only how much the service costs, but also how professional, reliable, and suitable the company truly is for your business needs.

Question 1: What experience do you have with my type of cargo and destination countries?

Not every shipping company is suitable for every type of cargo. There is a significant difference between shipping standard consumer goods and handling industrial equipment, hazardous materials, food products, pharmaceuticals, or temperature-controlled cargo. In addition, experience in one country does not necessarily mean familiarity with regulations and procedures in another.

You should verify whether the company has handled similar shipments in the past, whether it has hands-on experience in your relevant origin and destination countries, and whether it understands local customs requirements, standards, and regulatory authorities. Targeted experience reduces risk and prevents costly mistakes.

Question 2: Which services are included in the price, and which are not?

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that a shipping quote covers the entire process. In reality, a quote may include only ocean or air freight, without customs clearance, inland transportation, documentation handling, storage, or port charges.

It is essential to receive a clear breakdown of what is included, understand which services require additional payment, and ensure there are no surprises later. Transparency at this stage is a strong indicator of a professional shipping company.

Question 3: Who is responsible for customs clearance and regulatory compliance?

Customs clearance is a sensitive and complex stage in the shipping process. You should clarify whether the shipping company provides customs brokerage services directly, works with a regular licensed customs broker, or leaves this responsibility to the importer.

In addition, ask how the company handles standards, import licenses, special inspections, and requirements imposed by government authorities. Professional handling at this stage prevents delays, penalties, and unnecessary costs.

Question 4: How do you handle delays and unexpected issues?

Delays are an inherent part of international shipping. Port congestion, customs inspections, schedule changes, or logistical disruptions can affect delivery timelines.

It is important to understand how the shipping company operates in such situations. Do they have a clear action plan? Do they proactively update the client? Do they offer alternative solutions? The way a company manages disruptions is often the clearest indicator of service quality.

Question 5: Do you provide shipment tracking and regular updates?

Transparency and information are critical components of effective shipping management. Check whether the company provides a tracking system, proactive status updates, or a dedicated contact person who reports on shipment progress.

Knowing where your cargo is at any given moment allows for better inventory planning, cash flow management, and distribution, while significantly reducing uncertainty.

Question 6: What insurance is offered, and what does it actually cover?

Not every shipment includes full insurance coverage, and even when insurance exists, it may be limited. You should ask whether insurance is included in the price, what the scope of coverage is, and which exclusions apply.

It is important to understand whether the policy provides basic coverage only or broader protection, and what the procedure is in the event of damage or loss. Proper insurance is a key element of responsible risk management.

Question 7: How are costs calculated, and which charges may change?

Beyond the base freight rate, many costs may vary, including port charges, storage fees, demurrage, detention, inland transportation, and currency fluctuations.

A professional shipping company should clearly explain which costs are fixed, which are variable, and help you estimate the total landed cost realistically.

Question 8: Who will be my main point of contact, and how is the service delivered?

Working with a shipping company is an ongoing process, not a one-time transaction. It is important to know who is responsible for your account, how you can contact them, and what response times to expect.

Personal service, availability, and an understanding of your business needs contribute to efficient cooperation and help prevent operational issues.

Question 9: Do you operate according to clear and agreed trade terms?

Trade terms define responsibility at each stage of the supply chain, determine when risk is transferred, and allocate costs between parties. You should ensure that the shipping company works according to clear, agreed terms and explains their implications.

Lack of clarity in this area can lead to disputes and unexpected expenses.

Question 10: How do you help improve processes and reduce costs over time?

A high-quality shipping company is not just a service provider, but a professional partner. Ask whether the company offers consulting, route optimization, improved shipping methods, or process management that can reduce costs in the long term.

Such collaboration supports continuous improvement and strengthens your business’s profitability and competitiveness.

Recommendation: Yachdav (Together) Shipping Company

When reviewing the questions in this article, it becomes clear how important it is to choose a shipping company with extensive professional knowledge, proven experience, and full transparency. Yachdav operates in the fields of international shipping and customs brokerage with a comprehensive, end-to-end approach that emphasizes responsibility throughout the entire import and export process.

Yachdav combines hands-on experience with a wide range of cargo types, in-depth knowledge of customs and regulatory requirements, and structured process management that minimizes delays and unexpected costs. Its focus on ongoing communication, availability, and tailored service makes Yachdav a reliable professional partner for importers and exporters seeking stability, reliability, and operational peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing an international shipping company is a strategic decision that affects your business in both the short and long term. The ten questions presented in this article provide a practical framework for evaluating shipping providers beyond price alone.

A combination of experience, transparency, professional service, and personal support creates the foundation for successful cooperation. Making an informed choice of a shipping company, such as Yachdav, helps businesses operate with confidence, reduce risks, and focus on growth and long-term development.