What Top Export Professionals Do Differently

Lithium batteries require UN38.3 certification — no shipping line accepts them without it. Packaging is strictly regulated: UN-spec boxes, clear labels, and a 24-hour emergency contact number. Get these wrong and your shipment is rejected.

Shipping delays happen for many reasons: shipping lines change routes, port closures due to weather, strikes, container shortages, customs holds. Always leave at least one week buffer in delivery dates. Split important orders across multiple containers.

FOB and CIF are the most commonly confused Incoterms. Under FOB, risk transfers to the buyer once goods pass the ship's rail. Under CIF, you handle freight and insurance to destination. CIF seems better but you also bear freight fluctuation risk.