Ahoy, logistics gurus of the Nordic and Baltic seas! If you’ve sailed the waters of the logistics world as long as I have, you know that navigating the stormy seas of transportation costs is paramount. The beauty, challenge, and sheer vastness of our regions make logistics both a thrill and a challenge. Let’s dive in!
Every logistician worth their salt knows that transportation isn’t just about moving things. It’s about understanding the nuances behind the numbers. Fuel, labour, vehicle maintenance, tech, insurance, tolls, tax—it all adds up, especially in our unique Nordic and Baltic environments.
Just last winter, I chatted with a buddy in Estonia. He grumbled about the unexpected costs due to an unforeseen snowstorm. His trucks were delayed, and the overtime payments grew. These hitches inflate transportation costs in our region.
Remember the days of paper? Technology is the rescue! Digital tools revolutionize how we manage costs. If you’re not digital yet, now’s the time.
I remember my first digital route tool. It was a magic compass. These tools analyze traffic and weather, suggesting routes. It’s about the smartest route. A Lithuanian associate saved fuel using route optimization. The yearly savings were huge!
Breakdowns during a delivery are nightmares. Fleet management systems give vehicle insights. It’s like a truck health monitor! Investing in these reduces unexpected repair costs. Early maintenance is cheaper.
A Swedish colleague told me about a fuel-efficient driving program. In six months, they saw a dip in fuel costs. Sometimes, it’s about foundational strategies.
Ensuring full deliveries is like Tetris. More items per delivery mean fewer trips and lower costs.
Efficient cargo ships: A key to controlling transportation expenses in the logistics industry.
Building relationships in our industry is vital. I’ve seen how good ties lead to better rates. Working with a Latvian firm, we got priority during peak times and better rates.
In this age, data is gold. Predictive analytics lets us foresee cost bumps. It equips us to prepare, not react.
In Latvia, a fellow logistician and I brainstormed alternatives. The solution? Sea and rail. The cost savings were huge! Multimodal solutions can save costs.
I always say, “In logistics, adaptability is key.” Reviewing contracts, investing in tech, and flexible strategies are crucial. It’s vital to cut costs but ensure quality. That balance defines an efficient manager.
Logistics in the Nordic and Baltic isn’t just about A to B. It’s about doing it efficiently, and smartly and controlling transportation costs. We have a unique landscape. With the right strategies, we sail smoothly. Every krona, euro, or lita saved is a step to profit. To a future of fast, efficient, cost-effective deliveries—Cheers!
Hey, fellow logistics enthusiasts! I’m the proud co-owner of MyDello, and my journey in the logistics world has been nothing short of an adventure. Along with my two co-founders, both seasoned logistics professionals, we’ve witnessed the highs, the lows, and the downright hilarious moments of this industry. We founded MyDello to streamline operations and address the pressing need for better inventory management solutions. Let’s dive into streamlining operations with MyDello.
From misplaced shipments to the infamous “I thought you had it!” scenarios, we’ve heard and seen it all. The logistics industry, especially in the Nordic and Baltic regions, needed a change, and we were determined to be the catalyst.
At MyDello, we prioritize precision, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. While we’ve had our share of laugh-out-loud stories, our clients can vouch for our reliability. With us, you get what you want, exactly when you want it.
Inventory management isn’t just about numbers and products; it’s about understanding market dynamics, seasonal shifts, and customer preferences. At MyDello, we’ve fine-tuned our approach to ensure optimal stock levels at all times.
Remember the time a client ordered a batch of summer products in the middle of winter? Or the hilarious mix-up with the Christmas and Halloween decorations? While these stories bring a smile to our faces, they also underline the importance of effective inventory management.
A testament to MyDello’s emphasis on effective inventory management: A meticulously organized warehouse.
In today’s fast-paced world, digital solutions are not optional; they’re essential. MyDello’s state-of-the-art inventory management system ensures real-time tracking and seamless integration with other logistics processes.
I recall the early days of MyDello when we were still reliant on manual processes. The shift to digital was like trading a bicycle for a jet plane. The speed, efficiency, and accuracy were game-changers.
Our approach focuses on simplifying and streamlining inventory processes, ensuring that our clients can manage their stock efficiently without the need for complex systems.
At MyDello, we believe in a sustainable future. Our eco-friendly practices not only benefit the environment but also resonate with our environmentally-conscious clientele.
Our clients often share their success stories with us. From reducing overhead costs to boosting customer satisfaction, the MyDello touch has transformed businesses across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
In the dynamic world of logistics, MyDello stands as a beacon of reliability, innovation, and excellence. Our journey, filled with challenges, learnings, and moments of humor, has shaped us into the industry leaders we are today.
To all our partners, clients, and fellow logistics enthusiasts, here’s to a future of seamless inventory management and endless success stories. Cheers from the MyDello team!
In the demanding world of logistics, the high season can be a complex period. As a logistics overseer, your role involves guaranteeing timely deliveries despite heightened volumes and potential interferences. Is there a way to traverse this high season effortlessly? Presenting MyDello, a groundbreaking logistics solution that’s reshaping how companies manage their peak logistics in the Baltics and Nordics.
MyDello extends beyond being just a logistics platform. It’s a comprehensive solution conceived to simplify your workflows, decrease expenses, and enhance effectiveness. With MyDello, you can administer your global logistics in under 60 seconds, assess rates from hundreds of associates, monitor consignments in real-time, and minimize email clutter by as much as 60%. It’s the paramount tool for logistics and procurement administrators seeking to streamline their functions and make more enlightened decisions.
However, you needn’t just take our assertion for it. In this piece, we’ll provide a few cardinal tips from genuine shippers who’ve employed MyDello to proficiently navigate the high season. From crucial paperwork and sidestepping concealed charges to handling customs and advanced planning, these recommendations will assist you in mastering peak logistics with MyDello.
A critical facet of triumphant logistics management is possessing appropriate documentation. MyDello allows for straightforward management and organization of your documents in one location, conserving time and mitigating the likelihood of mistakes.
Unforeseen fees can promptly diminish your earnings. MyDello’s lucid pricing structure guarantees you comprehend precisely what you’re spending, assisting you in circumventing any unpleasant surprises.
Interacting with customs can be a convoluted procedure. MyDello’s proficient team can lead you through the process, ensuring your consignments get through customs swiftly and effectively.
High season is an active period, making it crucial to strategize in advance. MyDello’s progressive planning utilities let you schedule your consignments beforehand, ensuring you’re consistently ahead of the game.
Fruitful logistics management hinges on effective communication. MyDello’s incorporated communication instruments permit you to maintain contact with your team, associates, and clients, ensuring everyone is in sync.
By adhering to these suggestions and harnessing MyDello’s capabilities, you can traverse the high season with assurance. So, what’s holding you back?
Navigating compliance in logistics management is a challenging, yet crucial, aspect of running a successful operation. Compliance is not only about adhering to laws and regulations, but it’s also about minimizing risk, boosting performance, and fostering trust with partners and customers. With an ever-changing regulatory landscape, staying compliant can sometimes feel like a juggling act.
In the logistics industry, compliance refers to meeting the legal and regulatory requirements related to transporting goods. These may vary from safety and security measures to customs and import-export regulations.
In the Nordics market, there are unique regulations to consider, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that governs data privacy, and transport regulations like the Working Time Directive for mobile workers. The complexity and diversity of these rules demand a keen understanding and constant monitoring, something not easily achievable manually.
Enter digital tools. These not only simplify compliance but also streamline overall operations. They can automate tasks, reduce human error, provide real-time updates, and enable efficient record-keeping.
Let’s take automated data management, for example. With the GDPR, companies need to handle customer data responsibly, a task made much easier with the use of a digital platform. Additionally, digital tools can assist in keeping up with changes to transport regulations, ensuring that your operations remain compliant without needing to manually track every update.
Harness the power of MyDello to streamline your global logistics operations.
Transport, particularly international freight, has its own set of compliance challenges. This includes dealing with different countries’ customs regulations, safety standards, and legal requirements. It’s not just about getting goods from A to B; it’s about ensuring that every step is legally sound and efficiently managed.
This is where a logistics platform like MyDello can be a game-changer. With features tailored to manage international freight, businesses can ensure they adhere to the various regulations while still optimizing their operations.
Non-compliance can have severe consequences. Beyond financial penalties, businesses may face reputational damage, operational setbacks, and legal issues.
Take, for example, the case of a well-known company that faced hefty fines for non-compliance with environmental regulations in their shipping processes. This not only cost them monetarily but also damaged their reputation among environmentally conscious customers.
MyDello’s platform is designed to help manage and ensure compliance in logistics operations. It offers features such as real-time tracking, automated documentation, and data management, all designed to ensure compliance and increase operational efficiency.
MyDello’s digital freight platform, for instance, automatically generates the necessary documentation for customs, greatly reducing the risk of errors that could lead to non-compliance.
The future of compliance in logistics (Deloitte PDF) will undoubtedly continue to be influenced by digital advancements. Companies need to stay ahead of regulatory changes and leverage technology to ensure continuous compliance.
As a logistics manager, keeping abreast of these trends will be key. Fortunately, platforms like MyDello are here to help, providing a digital solution to managing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
Compliance in logistics is a critical aspect of maintaining a successful operation. While it can be challenging, the right tools can greatly simplify the process and reduce the risk of non-compliance. With the increasing digitization of the logistics industry, now is the time to embrace these tools and ensure your operations are always compliant, efficient, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Explore the ways in which MyDello’s platform can revolutionize your approach to compliance. Let us support your logistics operations, navigate compliance, and propel your business to new heights. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can tailor them to your specific needs. Your future in logistics compliance starts with MyDello.
Hello there, fellow logisticians! As a seasoned logistics expert who’s seen the ins and outs of the Baltic and Swedish markets, let me tell you – the logistics game is changing. And fast. Digitization is sweeping across industries and trust me, logistics is no exception. With companies like MyDello leading the charge, the future of modern logistics is right here, right now.
As you know, the logistics industry has always been complex. Delivering goods from point A to point B involves a plethora of processes, systems, and personnel. In this complexity, errors are all too common and costs are all too high.
Enter the power of digital transformation. Through digitization, these challenges transform into opportunities. Think real-time tracking, automated document handling, data analytics… the list goes on. For medium-sized companies in the Nordic markets, the impact is enormous.
And that’s where MyDello’s modern logistics solutions come in.
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With a deep commitment to driving digitization, MyDello is more than just a logistics company – we’re a logistics partner. A partner that’s here to empower logistic managers in medium-sized companies with the digital tools they need to stay ahead.
Take it from me, I’ve seen how our modern logistics solutions have transformed businesses.
MyDello provides instant quotes across all transport modes: air, road, and rail.
So, what does MyDello offer? Let’s dive in.
Think about the last time you ordered something online. The joy of knowing exactly where your package is, and anticipating its arrival – that’s the power of real-time tracking. Now, imagine that for your entire logistics operation.
In my years in logistics, if there’s one thing that gives logistics managers nightmares, it’s paperwork. Invoices, waybills, declarations, reports – the list is endless. But with MyDello’s automated document handling, say goodbye to paperwork and hello to efficiency.
There’s a saying I like – “In God we trust, all others must bring data.” With MyDello, we bring you not just data, but insights. Our robust analytics and reporting tools ensure you’re always equipped to make the best decisions.
Every business is unique, and your logistics solution should be too. That’s why MyDello offers customizable workflows that adapt to your needs.
Don’t just take my word for it. Just ask other MyDello’s happy customers.
One such example is the success story of an e-cargo bike company called Vok Bikes. They struggled with their logistics operations. Lack of transparency, document mismanagement, and inefficiencies were holding them back.
After adopting MyDello’s modern logistics solutions, they were not just able to streamline their operations but also improve their bottom line. Today, they are one of the leading 3-cargo bike companies in the EU, with logistics as their competitive edge.
As we move forward, one thing is clear – the future of logistics is digital. Companies like MyDello are leading the way, transforming logistics operations for businesses of all sizes.
As a logistics manager, staying ahead means embracing modern logistics solutions. And remember, you’re not alone. As your logistics partner, MyDello is here to help every step of the way.
Remember, in logistics, as in life, it’s the ones who adapt that stay ahead. So, let’s embrace the future of logistics together – a future that’s digital, efficient, and exciting.
To read more about how MyDello is driving digital logistics, visit our website: www.mydello.com.
As a professional deeply immersed in the Nordics logistics sector, I appreciate the distinctive hurdles that we routinely confront. We find ourselves in a swiftly changing global commerce landscape, and for mid-sized businesses’ logistics managers, it’s often a herculean task to stay abreast of this dynamic environment.
Amidst this transformation, one organization stands out—MyDello. They’re innovators in logistics tech, aimed at bringing about a sea change in the worldwide logistics domain through digitization, and it’s evident their endeavours are making a significant difference.
Remember the days when tracking each consignment was a manual task? Or the frustratingly long waits for getting a shipping estimate on call? Thanks to MyDello’s Game-Changing Logistics Technology, those are rapidly becoming outdated practices.
Operating in the logistics realm within the Nordics, it’s apparent that effective supply chain management is not just industry jargon. It forms the vital framework of a prosperous operation. Nevertheless, it carries its set of impediments. Juggling numerous freight providers, adapting to varying shipping rates, and deciphering customs guidelines – it can swiftly escalate into a logistical conundrum.
Recall the era when each shipment needed manual tracking? Or when obtaining a shipping quote required endless waits on the phone? MyDello’s Game-Changing Logistics Technology is making these inefficient practices increasingly obsolete.
MyDello has developed an advanced digital freight forwarding portal, fundamentally streamlining the process. Imagine a single platform meeting all your logistics needs – that’s precisely what MyDello’s logistics technology delivers. Extensive email exchanges and draining phone conversations are now a thing of the past. A few clicks, and you’re done.
Real-world logistics: This high-traffic port scene illustrates the scale of global commerce MyDello’s game-changing technology supports every day.
MyDello’s pioneering logistics tech provides immediate quotes for global shipments across all transport mediums, including air, road, rail, or ocean. It’s akin to having a complete shipping department at your service. Visualize needing to urgently send a pallet to Malmö on a Friday evening, and the most competitive quote is just a click away. Quite a game changer, isn’t it?
However, MyDello’s logistics tech offers more than just quotes. Their array of services extends to courier service, air freight economy, rail freight, ocean freight, road freight, global customs brokerage, insurance, and even e-commerce solutions.
The distinguishing aspect of MyDello’s logistics tech is the flexibility it provides. Users can juxtapose various transport options and discover the most economically viable solution. Recall that time when your regular rail freight option was delayed, leading to a frantic search for an alternative? With MyDello, you have plenty of options, and you can reduce logistics expenditure by up to 20%.
When we talk about its influence on supply chain functions, the statistics speak for themselves. Since its inception, MyDello has onboarded almost 5000 customers, and the reasons are evident.
Remember when incessant back-and-forth with freight forwarders was our principal bottleneck? With MyDello, that’s a thing of the past. Everything is managed on a single platform, thereby simplifying and accelerating the process. Furthermore, the 24/7 platform availability allows us to handle logistics at our convenience, all courtesy of MyDello’s logistics tech.
So, what does MyDello’s progressive tech imply for the future of logistics? It aligns seamlessly with contemporary logistics managers’ needs. Envisioning a completely automated logistics sector, MyDello plays an instrumental role in actualizing this future
In the dynamic world of global commerce, staying ahead of the curve is essential, that’s why we’ve launched the New MyDello USA-Sweden Import Service. Digital technology is transforming logistics in the Baltic and Swedish markets, a phenomenon I’ve personally witnessed in my years in the industry. But as a logistics manager in a medium-sized company, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of navigating this ever-changing landscape. That’s where MyDello steps in. Our focus is to actively listen and respond to our customer’s needs, and our latest achievement is a prime example of this commitment.
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Many of our customers have expressed a need for an import service between the USA and Sweden. It’s easy to see why. The USA is a massive player in global commerce, and Sweden, with its robust economy and strategic location, is a vital hub in the Baltic region. Fostering stronger connections between these two nations is a significant step forward for businesses in both countries.
MyDello’s approach to feedback is more than just a box-ticking exercise. Every comment, every suggestion, is taken seriously. We believe in continuous improvement, and our customers provide the insights necessary to guide our path. It was their feedback that first drew our attention to the potential of a USA-Sweden import service.
I recall a meeting with one of our long-standing clients. As we shared a cup of coffee, the logistics manager shared their struggle of having to coordinate with multiple vendors for their USA-Sweden shipments. It was a lightbulb moment for me, emphasizing the necessity of a direct service on this route.
An airplane in flight over a stack of vibrant shipping containers, symbolizing MyDello’s new, expansive USA-Sweden import service
It wasn’t easy. Establishing a new route, especially one as important as USA-Sweden, is a complex process. It involves finding the right partners, ones who share our commitment to service quality and efficiency. But our team was up for the challenge. After numerous meetings, calls, and yes, a lot of coffee, we finally secured partnerships to facilitate the new import service.
With great excitement, we officially launched the New MyDello USA-Sweden Import Service. This isn’t just a new offering – it’s proof of our commitment to our customers. The service is specifically designed to streamline operations for logistics managers in medium-sized companies, making their work not only easier but also more efficient.
The introduction of the New MyDello USA-Sweden Import Service means fewer logistical hurdles for logistics managers. No more coordinating with multiple vendors or dealing with unreliable services. Our USA-Sweden import service simplifies the process, saving you both time and money. It also opens up new business opportunities, connecting your company directly to one of the world’s largest economies.
Our journey doesn’t end here. At MyDello, we’re committed to continuously listening to our customers and innovating our services based on their needs. We’re already exploring potential new routes and services to better serve you. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning.
Introducing the new USA-Sweden import service has been a fulfilling journey for us at MyDello. We’ve listened to you, our valued customers, and responded with a solution that will simplify your operations and expand your business horizons. So, here’s an invitation – join us on this journey, and let’s experience the benefits of our new service together. For any inquiries or further information, our team is always available to assist you.
International transport and transactions involve a lot of different documents. One of the most important pieces of documentation is the waybill, which depending on the mode of transportation can also be called CMR, bill of lading or air waybill. In essence, a waybill is an important document that provides essential information about a shipment and often acts as a legal contract between the sender and carrier.
In this article, we will give an overview of the most common types of waybills and their main differences.
MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. Understanding your shipment size can be difficult at the best of times, MyDello has built an online calculator to simplify this whole process.
A waybill or a bill of lading is required when shipping goods internationally, whether by air, sea, rail or road. The document’s primary purpose is to provide information about the shipment, but in some cases can also act as a receipt for payment and be required for insurance purposes. As a rule of thumb – whenever you plan to ship something, you will need a waybill.
Things can get a bit complicated when it comes to the documents needed for different modes of transportation – air freight and ocean freight have different documents attached to shipments. Sometimes there can be different options in documentation even across a single mode of transportation.
In general:
A bill of lading is required when transporting goods by ship. Sometimes also called ‘ocean bill of lading’, this document should not be confused with a regular waybill. The difference being that a bill of lading is authoritative in nature which means it acts as the title to the goods in question – whoever has the bill of lading, possesses the goods.
Nevertheless, a waybill and bill of lading generally contain the same types of information:
While a bill of lading is not always necessary (such as when shipping with or between trusted parties), the document is legally binding and guarantees smooth shipping.
It is also required whenever there’s a third party involved with the shipment process. Creating a bill of lading is relatively simple, as there are many templates available online and all you have to do is fill it with the right information. The bill of lading is filled in by the seller, but must be signed by an authorized agent to become legally binding. To make things more complicated, there are actually different kinds of bills of lading as well. You can read more about them here.
Goods shipped by ocean freight require a bill of lading. There are different types of bills of lading. © Photo: Pixabay.
An air waybill (AWB) is, as the name suggests, an air consignment note that goes with goods shipped by air transport, providing information about the shipment and allowing it to be tracked.
Just like the bill of lading, an AWB is a legal contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier in international trade and a receipt of goods by an airline. It also sets the terms and conditions of the shipment. As with any waybill, multiple copies will be made for all the involved parties.
The airway bill contains:
It must also declare shipment value for customs, weight and other information about the shipment as well as any special instructions. The legal document also contains the conditions of the carrier’s terms and conditions, such as liability limits and claims procedures.
The main difference between an AWB and a bill of lading is that the former is non-negotiable, meaning it doesn’t specify when the shipment will be sent or arrive. While bills of lading are legal documents between the shipper and carrier and also detail the type, quantity and destination of the goods, they also act as a receipt of shipment when the goods are delivered. An AWB being non-negotiable however does not cover the merchandise value – it is simply a contract for transportation.
Also known as a CMR consignment note. This document is required for international shipping by road transport in order. The CMR is very similar to regular waybills with one main difference – it also acts as an insurance document. Should the goods become damaged or lost during transport, the CMR gives the owner of the goods a right to insurance claims against the carrier.
In general, the document acts as proof of the contract of carriage by road, determines the scope and responsibility for the operation and describes the parties involved. You can check here for more information about the insurance of international shipments.
CMR is governed and gets its name from the ‘Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par Route’ (French for International Agreement on Contract for the International Transport of Goods by road) which has governed international road transport for more than five decades. The CMR document is usually given to the carrier (driver) by the sender as it can also contain instructions for the carrier.
Important to note: different modes of transport will require different waybills to accompany the goods. © Photo: Pixabay.
Rail transport documents or rail consignment notes are most commonly referred to as CIM consignment notes or simply CIM documents. CIM documents are used in rail transport to confirm that the rail carrier has received the goods and to prove that a contract of carriage exists between trader and carrier.
It helps to know that international rail transport obeys the international and uniform system of laws of OTIF (Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail). The system of laws themselves are known as the COTIF (Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail) and the appendix B of that Convention is called CIM (Uniform Rules Concerning the Contract of International Carriage of Goods by Rail). Therefore, any transport documents created according to the CIM Convention are known as CIM consignment notes or CIM documents.
It is important to note that a CIM consignment note is a non-negotiable transport document, which means it’s not a document title of goods and that all rail carriers can deliver goods to the consignee without the original copy of the transport document. This also means that exporters and banks should be careful when working with a letter of credit that demands a rail transport document as a transport document, because neither exporters nor banks could secure goods as collateral.
Take advantage of Mydello’s years of logistics industry knowledge by contacting us and talking to our team of experts.
Waybills, bills of lading or other similar documents (depending on the transportation method) are essential documents whether shipping goods by air, sea or land. Different types of transportation require different kinds of waybills, but in essence, they all provide proof of contract between the sender and carrier and information about the shipment.
Although there are many online templates and guides for creating waybills, it can be a daunting task for anyone new to the international logistics sector. MyDello deals with international shipping and trade documents every single day and knows every little detail there is to know about these procedures. Do not hesitate to contact us whether you need advice with waybill documents or want to trust your shipments to an experienced third party.
Entering a foreign market requires a great deal of preparation, and the need to think through a strategy, marketing activities and logistics solutions. As the logistics platform MyDello recently entered the Swedish market, we would like to share with you tips and advice on what to consider when entering the Swedish market and what you should know about Swedish business culture.
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While it may seem that globalisation has homogenised the general consumer culture in Europe, in reality, each country has different habits.
Many areas are regulated within the European Union; however, in some cases, additional local requirements and standards may apply.
The Swedes are very good at English, but you’ll always have an advantage if you speak to them in Swedish.
Creating trust and building long-term relationships are the key to success in Sweden. Estonians and Swedes have a lot in common, but there are a number of things you should keep in mind when doing business with the Swedes:
All in all, before entering the Swedish market, we advise you to do your homework, get to know the Swedish market, and be patient. It is also important to visit trade fairs, where you can make contact with potential partners.
MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. One platform, all freight modes, instant quotes. Find out more.
One of the most common documents related to international shipping is the commercial invoice, a document that is required to export goods to other countries and is sometimes also referred to as an export invoice.
A commercial invoice is important for all participants in the supply chain – for the seller and buyer, the forwarders, the customs brokers, and also the bank. That’s why the main requirement for a commercial invoice is that it is completed in English so that all the participants in the process can understand the information indicated therein.
We all need a little advice sometimes, especially in an industry as complex as logistics, give us a call and benefit from MyDello’s years of experience.
Commercial invoices are used for calculating the taxes and duties paid in customs clearance and they also serve as proof of sale between exporter and importer. It should not be confused with other documents such as the proforma invoice, customs invoice, packing list or bill of lading.
While it’s not difficult to fill or create a commercial invoice for export, it’s essential that the invoice is created following proper procedure, contains all the necessary elements and is free of any errors.
Even a small error on a commercial invoice can have negative consequences for your business. This is why many traders choose to automate this task, removing any chance of human error.
Filing a commercial invoice isn’t difficult, but must be free of any errors. For this reason, it is often automated.
The commercial invoice should be issued by the seller (exporter) to the customer (importer) before the goods are dispatched.
When a shipment of goods is ready to be dispatched, the exporter prepares all the necessary documents, including the commercial invoice. To avoid any customs issues for the importer with regard to the calculation and application of duties or taxes, the exporter must provide accurate and truthful information about the goods in the commercial invoice.
A mistake in the buyer’s address or name, for example, can lead to failed shipping. Failure to include the description and purpose of the items inside the package might lead to problems with customs.
A commercial invoice must contain certain information, including the seller and buyer’s information as well as the terms of delivery and payment. It is essential to indicate the buyer’s name, address and contact details to ensure that the freight does not get held up on the way, and also all the information about the dispatcher in case questions arise during the shipping process.
A description of the goods and the correct HS code (customs code) are important factors in drafting a commercial invoice.
This information gives the state customs service an accurate understanding of what goods are being exported, and the information also helps the buyer to correctly calculate the taxes and customs fees, and then quickly draft all the required customs documents in the country of destination. The information must be truthful and reflect reality.
Customs codes can be checked on the website of the European Taxation and Customs Union.
When shipping goods within the European Union, a customs invoice is not required and is for informational purposes only. You can check the list of EU countries here.
Commercial invoices are sometimes mistaken for proforma invoices. The main difference between these is that the commercial invoice has an accounting value – the proforma invoice is purely informative.
When the terms of a deal are being agreed upon with a buyer, a pro forma invoice is sometimes drafted – this is a document with preliminary information about the goods exported, which is required for the buyer to make an advance payment.
A pro forma invoice is not an export document, so when dispatching goods abroad, make sure that they are accompanied by a properly drafted commercial invoice, otherwise, the shipment may be delayed at customs.
All commercial invoices have a standardized format which means creating an invoice is a fairly straightforward task.
All commercial invoices have a standardized format which means creating an invoice is a fairly straightforward and simple task. The best way to do that is to follow a sample invoice. You should make sure the commercial invoice contains all the necessary fields even when following a sample document, however.
Information that must be included in a commercial invoice:
Once a commercial invoice is drafted, we recommend sending it to the buyer for approval, so that they can confirm that all information is indicated correctly.
When all conditions are agreed upon and the goods are ready for shipping, prepare 3 copies of the commercial invoice: one for customs in the country of consignment, one for customs in the country of destination, and one for the buyer of the goods. When shipping within the EU, these conditions are not essential.
Last but not least, the commercial invoice should be printed and included with the package in a transparent envelope so customs can verify the package later.
MyDello takes the stress out of global shipping. One platform, all freight modes, instant quotes. Find out more.
The commercial invoice is a crucial document for all international shipping transactions. It acts both as proof of delivery as well as a mandatory document for any trades that cross borders. While it’s not difficult to create a commercial invoice, any error in the document can lead to your shipping getting cancelled or delayed.