Shipping a parcel doesn’t seem hard. All you have to do is put the items in the box, wrap them in packing tape, label them, and bring them to the postal services. But when you are sending something across the border, you have to check dedicated guides like https://us.meest.com/news/shipping-from-the-us-to-europe-a-beginners-guide to know that you’re doing everything correctly. Otherwise, you might face various complications and even have to pay a fine.
Some people make mistakes shipping goods from the US to Europe, even after reading detailed guides. Avoiding these mistakes can save you time and money, doesn’t matter if you are sending business documents, a present to your loved one, or relocating your personal items.
1. Filling Out Customs Forms Wrong
Sending packages in the US is easy enough — you fill in the basics like the name and address, and it’s ready to go. When it crosses international borders, however, it always has to pass customs. Requirements may vary depending on the destination, but proper documentation is always the key to ensuring your items get to the recipient’s doorstep. One of the biggest mistakes shippers make is not completing customs forms properly.
Always fill out declarations clearly and accurately, avoiding mistakes. Assess your package and state:
- value of each item;
- accurate description of each item;
- the purpose of the parcel, such as a gift.
Customs will be able to tell if you didn’t label the items properly or declare their value incorrectly. When that’s the case, your package can be delayed or returned, and you might even face a fine.
2. Choosing an Unsuitable Shipping Service
When you choose a provider based only on speed or price, you might have to deal with delays and complications. Let’s imagine you send something handmade to your family member, like a knitted sweater. You value this item a lot, and you need it delivered fast. If you hand it over to the cheapest service, they will not just miss the deadline — in some cases, the sweater can get lost, and you won’t find it without tracking.
Meest-America, for example, offers effective tracking for all parcels sent from the US to Europe. That means you can see where the items are at any moment and ensure that they arrive when needed. So, take your time searching for and comparing different carriers, especially when handling valuables.
3. Underestimating Delivery Times
You will see different promises on the postal services’ websites regarding delivery times. It is crucial to remember that these deadlines are the best-case scenario. Sometimes, this estimate is inaccurate. Extreme weather, customs issues, and local holidays may directly impact your parcel’s delivery times. Always stay one step ahead when planning important deliveries and pay attention to peak seasons.
4. Using Weak Packaging
Your parcel will go from the United States to Europe, so it needs to be well-protected. Using damaged or improper packaging will result in breakage and deterioration. Remember that the box or envelope will be passed through different means of transportation. Materials like bubble wrap can help protect fragile items.
Fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper — once the goods are inside, they shouldn’t move around. Avoid using masking or cellophane tape, and pick something strong instead.
5. Forgetting About Additional Payments
All packages passing the border are subject to local fees, such as import duties and taxes. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that, and the recipient might refuse to take the parcel because of additional payments. Make sure you consult your postal service about these payments. Some of them allow the sender to prepay with the Delivered Duty Paid option, which is convenient if you are shipping a gift or relocating personal items.
6. Deliver Your Parcel Successfully
Avoiding common mistakes from this guide can help you turn a complicated task into a smooth procedure. Make sure your customs forms are all filled out correctly, the service provider you choose is suitable for your items, and the packaging is sturdy and reliable. Last but not least, don’t forget that either you or the recipient has to pay import duties and taxes on top of the shipping cost.
