GETTING STARTED

getting started

Here are some quick and easy steps for getting started with reaching more international customers. If you have any questions there are plenty of ways to contact us including our contact page, live chat, or give us a call. We would love to chat with you about your business and how to reach more customers.

If you have shipped internationally before or you are a current customer of Benchmark Export please proceed to the QUOTE PAGE and submit your information for a quick response.

Step 1 for freight forwarding FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS: evaluation of your product, market, company and individuals strengths and weaknesses are key , but there are some steps that will help you be successful below.


Do you know your schedule B or HTSUSA(harmonized tariff system of the USA ) numbers?

Look here to use the easy on-line tool that the government has provided or CONTACT US as we can assist and direct to the correct agencies.

Do you know if your goods are hazardous?

hazmat items to declare for shipping Look here for a list of general Hazmat classes and information.

Hazardous shipments are first screened by our staff of certified hazmat specialist upon receipt. This screening is a second check to make sure that the goods are properly packed and ready for carriage by air freight. If we discover a problem it allows the shipment to be turned around and corrected, minimizing the delay and the costs associated with a rejected shipment by the air carrier. It also gives our clients an extra measure of security.

Are your goods packed suitable for international transportation?

Packing tips are COMING SOON

What are your selling terms?

Selling terms COMING SOON

How are you going to be paid? Open account, letter of credit, payment in advance, or cash against documents

Open account, letter of credit, payment in advance, or cash against documents

Have you checked your potential customers? Denied person, or denied entities?
Have you checked your commodity? ECCN number? Are your goods restricted or do they require a license?

Tips for this areCOMING SOON

Step 2 for freight forwarding Once we agree to work together you are on your way, but there are some more considerations. The below questions will make sure you are ready to get your products to your international clients.


Is your invoice in proper form? Does it have all the details? Does it include an anti-diversion clause.

U.S. export regulations require the use of anti-diversion clause on the commercial invoice. U.S. law states that U.S. exporters need to ensure that their goods go to legally authorized destinations. Anti-diversion clauses can be very elaborate and include end-user declarations . The minimum requirement is a statement on the commercial invoice stating, "THESE COMMODITIES, TECHNOLOGY OR SOFTWARE WERE EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS. DIVERSION CONTRARY TO U.S. LAW IS PROHIBITED."


Please contact us if you have additional concerns or requirements.

Is your shipment properly insured?

For most commercial shipments the industry accepted standard is CIF (cost, insurance and freight)value plus 10% on a warehouse to warehouse basis with "all risks coverage" There are customers who will ask you to declare a lesser value. First this is illegal and against US export regulations; it also exposes you to an under -insured situation. Clients may advise that they will cover the goods and they could place less than "all risk coverage" and may only insure a portion of the transportation. It is very important that the parties in the transaction are clear as to what is covered, where coverage begins and ends, and who is responsible for placing the required coverageLearn more about our INSURANCE products or call us to discuss

Are you ready for a booking?

You have checked the denied persons and entities list and done your due diligence. You have a valid customer and have agreed upon selling terms and understand your responsibilities. You have received our rate quote and have an acceptance for your client of an order. The next step is to check the quote and make sure it is still valid, as rate quotes are generally valid for 30 days. Advise us as soon as possible and request a booking, as many times the carriers could be facing congestion and or space availability issues. The sooner we can request the space the greater chance we can get the space and the equipment needed for your desired time. Confirm that the dimensions and weights are what was quoted and there have been no changes. Contact us with the shipment details and your instructions for when you want the shipment picked and any unique requirements you may have. ( i.e. can you only load flat beds, shipping is closed on Fridays at noon, etc)

Step 1 for freight forwarding Once you have confirmed these items proceed to the QUOTE PAGE and submit. After submission, there will also be some forms there to keep the process moving.

If you would like to meet with a international specialist to discuss these issues or questions you may CONTACT US directly.

Benchmark can help take your business to new heights by helping you expand into the international markets, bringing your products consistently to existing and new clients. Just call, e-mail, or start a LIVE CHAT now

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