Shipping for the First Time? Here's What You Need to Know Before Your First International Shipment
- nicolasbecerra58
- 18 jul
- 3 Min. de lectura
Starting your first international shipment can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're a business owner planning to export Ecuadorian products to new markets or someone looking to import goods into Ecuador, it's important to understand how international logistics works.
From choosing the right shipping method to handling customs and paperwork, international shipping involves many moving parts. Making the wrong decision could result in delays, unexpected costs, or even legal trouble.
At Logística Maseni, we've helped hundreds of companies move their cargo successfully around the world for over 25 years. In this article, we’ve put together five essential things to consider before you make your first international shipment—so you can feel confident and prepared.
1. Clearly Define What You’re Shipping—and How to Package It
Every shipment is different. Before anything else, you need to understand exactly what you're shipping and how it should be packaged. Is your cargo fragile, perishable, or temperature-sensitive? Is it considered dangerous goods? Or is it standard commercial merchandise?
These details will influence:
The type of container or transport method you need
Packaging requirements to protect your cargo during loading and transit
The cost and duration of the shipment
Choosing the correct packaging and transport solution helps avoid damage, reduce costs, and ensure your cargo arrives on time. At Logística Maseni, we help you choose the most efficient and secure option for your specific type of cargo.
2. Get Your Documentation Right—It’s Critical
International shipments require very specific documentation, and mistakes can cause serious delays at customs—or worse, the return or seizure of your cargo. Some of the essential documents you’ll likely need include:
Commercial Invoice: a record of the sale between exporter and importer
Packing List: lists the contents of the shipment in detail
Bill of Lading: the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier
Certificate of Origin or Health Certificates (depending on the product)
Import/Export licenses or permits (when required)
Our experienced team at Logística Maseni will guide you step-by-step to ensure every document is in order, compliant with local and international regulations.
3. Understand and Choose the Right Incoterm
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define who is responsible for what during a shipment—including who pays for transportation, insurance, customs duties, and who takes on the risk at each stage of the shipment.
For example:
EXW (Ex Works): The buyer handles almost everything.
FOB (Free on Board): The seller covers transport to the port and export clearance.
DAP (Delivered at Place): The seller handles almost everything, right up to delivery at the buyer's door.
Choosing the right Incoterm helps avoid confusion, extra costs, or disputes. We help our clients select the term that best fits their business goals and level of control.
4. Know the Full Cost—Not Just the Freight Rate
One of the most common mistakes made by new shippers is only looking at the international freight rate. But the total shipping cost includes many other important charges, such as:
Pickup and delivery costs at origin and destination
Port and terminal handling fees
Customs clearance fees
Duties and taxes (based on the product and country of entry)
Storage or warehousing, if needed
At Logística Maseni, we always provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for—before committing. You can even request a personalized quote, and we’ll send it within 24 hours.
5. Choose a Trusted and Experienced Logistics Partner
International logistics can be complex, especially the first time. That’s why working with an experienced and reliable partner can make all the difference. At Logística Maseni, we provide:
Door-to-door logistics solutions from and to Ecuador
Procurement support, helping you buy products abroad and get them delivered hassle-free
Customs handling, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or clearance issues
A dedicated team with 25+ years of experience in freight forwarding
Fast, transparent communication, so you always know where your cargo is
Our goal is to simplify logistics, minimize risks, and help your business grow globally—whether you're importing high-tech products or exporting Ecuadorian goods to international markets.
Ready to Ship? Let Us Help You Get Started
We know that your first shipment can be stressful. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to get started. Just share your cargo details and we’ll send you a custom logistics quote in less than 24 hours—no obligations, just solutions.
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