Before finalizing the terms of sale, shippers should be at least familiar with the responsibilities and costs. Logistics were developed in the military, refined by academia, and adopted by business. It has now become the art of timely supply chain management of materials to maintain production, resupply, etc. by efficiently managing transport and related services, minimizing inventory and associated costs and hazards, while providing a direct bottom line impact. Methods of transportation can be rail, road, ocean, or air. Containerization and unitization are means of consolidating many small packages into a larger handling unit.
Examples are ocean or air containers and pallets or skid boxes.
Although the importer is required to secure the license, an exporter is sometimes required to have a copy of it, or the information contained therein. Be attentive to the details, especially pertaining to weight, dimensions, value, description, etc. Sometimes foreign customs officials use inaccuracies as a method of increasing duty and penalties. The commercial invoice provides the terms of the sale. It tells the buyer what he gets, the price, and the terms of delivery.