
International Freight Shipping
FreightCenter streamlines international freight shipping by utilizing a network of top-rated international shipping carriers.
What Is International Freight Shipping?
International shipping involves the movement of freight across international borders. In other words, unlike shipping domestically, shipping internationally means transporting goods to different countries. Shipping internationally is most frequently done in containers via land and sea.
Transporting goods to another country is a complex process of crossing borders and understanding the many rules and regulations.
FreightCenter streamlines international freight shipping using a network of top-rated shipping carriers. FreightCenter can plan, coordinate, and execute your worldwide and cross-border global shipping needs, including international Air Freight Shipping and ocean freight shipping.
Why Choose FreightCenter For International Shipping?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. At FreightCenter, we looked have simplified shipping internationally. We bring a lot to the table when it comes to shipping internationally. Our history, competitive pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry.
Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines. Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of international freight shipping from pickup to delivery.
When customers select FreightCenter to handle their shipping anywhere in the world, they trust us to do the job. You save time and money; you don’t have to worry about shipping because that is our job.
FreightCenter Is Trusted By
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses

How To Ship An International Shipment
Inquire about international freight shipping by calling 800.716.7608 and asking for help with an international shipment. Our international shipping efforts will connect your global shipping need to one of the many carriers in our network.
Our quick quote online form includes the option to ship to or from the United States and Canada; however, we work directly with customs brokers and carriers to arrange international freight shipping.
Work With a Customs Broker
Many freight forwarders work with and utilize the service of customs brokers to streamline the customs-clearing process. Customs brokers are experts in international trade and the ever-changing regulations and specifics that come with it.
Connect with a customs broker to see if your documents are compliant and if your goods meet state requirements and many other services. As documentation needs can range vastly, they also offer advice on personalized needs.
Tracking International Shipments
You’ve built your shipping community. You’ve connected with a customs broker and are well on your way to building success. One last thing to cross off your list is to figure out how to track your shipments.
What You Need To Know For Shipping Internationally
International shipping is a natural next step for many growing businesses. Even for established companies that already ship internationally, regulations change. Changes in laws, available shipping lanes, and many other factors make shipping worldwide’s complexities dynamic and unpredictable.
However, there are still a handful of constants when it comes to shipping freight internationally, and that’s what we’ll review here.
Basic International Shipping Information
Like domestic shipments, international shipments require an origin and destination address. Unlike domestic shipments, depending on the country you’re shipping to, that destination address may have a different format. For example, shipping to locations in Isreal may have another address format, especially if it’s to a district not in a major city.
Even shipping to Puerto Rico, a US territory, becomes difficult – some addresses are just intersections or maybe streets with no numbers. Looking up some locations on Google Maps shows only the road the area is on, no number.
Having and knowing the best carriers to provide shipping for various countries is just one primary reason to utilize the services of FreightCenter. Let us be the experts in international shipments, and let your shipping team focus on your specific needs.
Freight Shipping Across International Borders
What is International Freight Shipping? It is the transport of freight over international border lines. FreightCenter streamlines shipping freight internationally using a network of the best international shipping carriers. FreightCenter can plan and coordinate your worldwide and cross-border shipping needs, including international air and ocean freight.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.


4 Required International Shipping Documents
4 vital documents regardless of origin and destination, you might require more. They are:
Commercial Invoice: People don’t ship products for free. 99% of the time, there’s a transaction that’s taken place. The commercial invoice specifies the proof of sale and binding contract between seller and buyer.
Bill of Lading: This document proves the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier. It lists all the vital details needed to process the shipment, such as the ID number of the container seal.
Export Packing List: The Export Packing List details each item in the shipment, like the total number of packages and the size and volume of each. Transportation companies use this document to check against the forms on their side and to confirm that what they’re shipping isn’t illegal or hazardous.
Certificate of Origin: A Certificate of Origin proves your imports have come from a specific country or an ethical and permitted source. Take cotton from Xinjiang, China – for example. Although it’s some of the finest cottons in the world, it’s produced by forced labor.
Many Xinjiang cotton products have been banned in the US to protest these human rights violations, which now actively block their import. For our complete list of customs clearance documents, click here.
Setting Up An International Shipment
Ask about FreightCenter’s international freight shipping services by calling 800.716.7608 and speaking to a representative. Our international shipping efforts will connect your global shipping needs with a trusted carrier from our network.
Our online quote form only has shipping options for the United States and Canada; however, we work directly with customs brokers and carriers to arrange international shipments.
Need Help with International Freight?
With a record of over 1 million successful shipments over the last 25+ years, we have the experience and customer service to help your business manage international logistics. Shipping internationally is more than just looking up rates for you. We are here for your team. FreightCenter is more than just the company you call to get a freight quote. We are your logistics partner.
International Shipping Common faq’s
How much does it cost to ship freight overseas?
The cost to ship overseas depends on a range of factors, like the size and weight of the container, the route and the service provider. Usually the further the distance, the more expensive shipping will be. Shipping a full, standard container overseas should cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
What is the cheapest way to ship cargo internationally?
Shipping ocean container, LCL or Full container is the cheapest way ship cargo internationally.
How much does a 20-foot container cost?
Generally, a new 20ft dry container costs between the range of $2,000 to $4,500. The cost of a new 40ft dry container will will be between $3,500 to $6,500. If you are needing height, a new 40ft high cube container will cost around $4,000 to $7,000.
Do shipping containers rust?
The material used in shipping container construction is Corten steel . Corten steel is considered an ‘Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant Steel. This type of metal is very resistant to weathering compared to other unalloyed steels.
What fits in a 20ft container?
You can fit the goods of roughly a 2-bedroom apartment into a 20-foot container. This assumes that everything is properly boxed and packaged into moving boxes.
How long does international freight shipping usually take?
International freight shipping can take anywhere from 3 days for air cargo and 4+ weeks or ocean container shipping.
How Do I Calculate An International Freight Shipping Costs?
The total shipping cost should include local charges at the origin and destination ports, booking fees, pickup charges, Terminal Handling charges, and sea/ocean freight charges. The same types of fees can apply to air cargo. It is important to include these fees prior to shipping so you have no surprises.
Are ocean shipping containers mice proof?
Containers are in fact mouse proof. All the doors are double gaskets, for the container. The double gaskets are extremely tight and prevent insects, and mice. In Short yes they are mouse proof.
What is the difference between 20ft and 40ft containers?
20 foot Container Dimensions
- Length: 19’4″ / 5.89m.
- Width: 7’9″ / 2.35m.
- Height: 7’10” / 2.39m.
- Cubic capacity: 1,170 ft³ / 33.2 m³.
- Tare weight: 4,894 lbs / 2,220 kg.
- Payload capacity: 48,171 lbs / 21,850 kg.
40 foot Container Dimensions
- Length: 39’6″ / 12.03m.
- Width: 7’9″ / 2.35m.
- Height: 7’10” / 2.39m.
- Cubic capacity: 2,391 ft³ / 67.7 m³.
- Tare weight: 8,245 lbs / 3,740 kg.
- Payload capacity: 58,996 lbs / 26,760 kg.