Demystifying Cross-border Shipping for Newbies
FedEx Express ships an average of 11.5 million parcels daily to over 220 countries and territories worldwide1. With major regional hubs in strategic locations, the world’s largest express transportation company efficiently and successfully delivers them to countless doorsteps.
If you’ve ever wondered how a package from Malaysia reaches Mabalacat –or if you’re shipping for the first time–here’s a step-by-step guide on the life cycle of an everyday FedEx parcel.
Worldwide Shipping Center – For shipments from the Philippines to any point worldwide, senders have to fill out an airway bill and describe in detail the items they are shipping. Customers can drop off their parcel at the nearest Worldwide Shipping Center or opt to request FedEx to pick up their parcels at home. Online calculations of package costs are available on the company’s website.
Physical Inspection – An agent will unbox the shipment to assess the admissibility and cost of the package as well as the proper handling and packaging that it needs for utmost protection while in transit. FedEx Express offers General service options and Perishable service options for time-sensitive and perishable deliveries in the Asia Pacific Region. More information on specific types of services can be found on the FedEx website .
Categorization – The package is categorized for proper handling. Documents are labeled C1. C2 includes packages that are less than Php 10,000 in value. C3 covers personal or informal shipments that are less than Php 49,000 in value and not more than 99.9 kilos in weight. C4-A denotes formal shipments that are more than Php 49,000 in value and weigh more than 99.9 kilos. C4-B are Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) shipments.
Pre-clearance – For overseas shipments bound for the Philippines, the logistics leader ensures efficiency with a team of customer representatives that is dedicated to pre-clearance – one of the most critical parts of the shipment process. The FedEx Clearance Support reviews and cross-checks all documents and gives customers advance notice on any additional requirements, saving both shipper and consignee valuable time.
Customs Review – All packages that enter Philippine borders go through the Bureau of Customs. Unless pre-cleared, packages take two to three days to process. In case of discrepancies–such as incorrect names or contact details provided by the shipper–the customer service will get in touch with the consignee for clarification and additional documents, if necessary.
Delivery or Pick up – FedEx service is door-to-door but parcel pickup in select Worldwide Service Centers is available to customers who deem it more convenient.
Apart from 24/7 customer service, FedEx provides updated import and export guidelines available for download from the FedEx website , as well as shipping regulatory updates to assist both shippers and consignees.
[1] http://www.fedex.com/us/connec
