The Magento independent website exports and ships overseas through a freight forwarder service provider. Generally, the following process can be referred to:
I. Select a freight forwarder service provider
- Research and screening: Collect information on freight forwarders through multiple channels, with a focus on their service scope, reputation, prices, transportation networks, and customs clearance capabilities, etc.
- Communication and Cooperation: Have in-depth communication with potential freight forwarders and service providers to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. After determining the details of the cooperation, sign a formal contract.
Here we recommend a freight forwarding service provider located in the core industrial belt of China, which offers services such as purchasing, affixing orders, packaging and shipping on your behalf – SmartDropping. We believe it is your best choice!
- Set up the freight forwarder for shipping in the Magento backend
- Register an account: Register an account in the logistics system of the freight forwarder service provider. New users can consult the logistics specialist for operational guidance.
- Associated stores: Associate the logistics system of the freight forwarder service provider with the Magento independent store backend to synchronize order information and logistics status.
- Configure the logistics method: In the “Logistics Settings” of the Magento backend, add and configure the corresponding freight forwarder shipping method, and fill in the necessary information such as the API key and account provided by the freight forwarder company.
Iii. Shipping Process
- Create a shipping order: In the order list of the Magento backend, find the order that needs to be dispatched, click the “Dispatch” button, and in the pop-up window, select the previously set freight forwarder dispatch method, fill in the key data such as item information, recipient information, sender information, tariff information, and domestic express information, and then click “Confirm Dispatch”. The system will automatically send the order information to the freight forwarder company.
- Goods transportation and storage: Transport the goods to the warehouse designated by the freight forwarder for storage. If an overseas warehouse is chosen, goods can be prepared in advance to achieve rapid delivery.
- Freight forwarders receive and process orders: After receiving the order information, the freight forwarder company will handle it according to its internal procedures, including arranging for pick-up, warehousing, customs declaration and other operations.
- Cargo Transportation and Delivery: The freight forwarder is responsible for transporting the goods to the designated destination and conducting the final delivery. During the transportation process, the transportation status and logistics information of the goods can be checked in real time through the Magento backend or the tracking system provided by the freight forwarder company.
- Update order status: Once the goods are successfully delivered to the customer, the freight forwarder will feed back the signature information to the Magento backend, and the order status will be automatically updated to “Completed”.
Iv. Preparation of Logistics Documents
Before using the Magento platform logistics service to ship goods, it is necessary to maintain the basic product and location information first. This information is generally required to be provided to logistics providers and customs authorities.
This includes maintaining the basic information of the goods such as their weight, country of origin, and HS CODE, as well as the contact information of the person in charge of the shipping location on the location details page.
V. Packaging Management
In the Settings > Logistics > Other module, you can preset the packaging type for shipment in advance, such as soft packaging or gundam bags, envelope bags, and large boxes, and set the length, width, height, volume and weight information for them. One of the packaging types can also be used as the “default shipping packaging”. When estimating the subsequent freight charges, the length, width, height and weight information will be automatically used by default to query the freight charges.
Vi. Apply for logistics
After the product information, the place of delivery, the place of shipment and the packaging method have all been confirmed, the freight charges for each logistics channel can be estimated. The system will return the “estimated freight charges” for each channel.
It can automatically select the logistics channel with the lowest shipping cost to save transportation costs, but only one logistics channel can be chosen for each shipment.
Finally, click “Apply for Shipment” to trigger the process of placing an order with the logistics provider. From the time you place an order with the logistics provider until the order result is returned, the status of the package’s application for shipment will remain “Application in progress”. Once the order is successfully placed and the result is returned, the status will change to “Application Successful” (if the order failed, the application failed).
After a successful logistics order is placed, the waybill number, the logistics provider to which the waybill number belongs, the logistics waybill, and customs documents (if any) will be returned.
Vii. Waybill printing
On the order details page, you can print out the package waybill and packing list that have been successfully applied for through the platform’s logistics and stick them on the package for the logistics provider to pick up and ship.
From the time you place an order with the logistics provider until the order result is returned, the status of the package’s application for shipment will remain “Application in progress”. Once the order is successfully placed and the result is returned, the status will change to “Application Successful” (if the order failed, the application failed).
After a logistics order is successfully placed, the waybill number, the logistics provider to which the waybill number belongs, the logistics waybill, and customs documents (if any) will be returned.
After connecting the printer to the computer, click “Print” to select the PDF download and print of the logistics waybill and packing list. In the “Application Successful” tab of “Waybill Management”, you can also print the waybills and customs documents of the packages uniformly.
Viii. Optimization and Precautions
- Choose the logistics method reasonably: Select the appropriate logistics method based on the characteristics of the goods and the target market. For example, light and small items can choose postal small packages, high-value goods can choose international express delivery, and large quantities of goods can consider sea or air transportation.
- Pay attention to customs clearance and compliance: Ensure that the goods meet the import requirements of the target market, truthfully declare the goods information, and avoid returns or fines due to violations.
- Inventory management: Plan inventory rationally to avoid overstocking or stockouts, and utilize overseas warehouses to enhance logistics efficiency.
For cross-border sellers who need to ship overseas, I recommend SmartDropping, a freight forwarding service provider located in the core area of China’s industries. With its high-quality service, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed after using it! That’s all for now. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a private message or leave a comment in the comment section. Thank you for watching. Contact Information v:
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