Franzosini
Practical guides
Concrete pointers for preparing a shipment: documents, customs, Incoterms, timing.
6 · Practical guides
International delivery times: what an estimate includes
A published crossing time is not a door-to-door delivery date. Add collection availability, preparation, inland legs, acceptance cut-offs, possible consolidation, border formalities and final delivery. A holiday or inspection may shift the whole chain. Request a delivery window based on actual documents and addresses rather than an unsupported blanket guarantee.
Read the guide →GuideGroupage, part load or full truckload: how to choose
A small shipment is not automatically best sent as groupage. Compare actual loading space, stackability, handling stages, fragility and delivery window. A non-stackable pallet occupies more space than a stackable one. A delicate art crate may justify fewer handling stages; a standard load with flexible dates can benefit from consolidation.
Read the guide →GuideShipping to Switzerland: plan customs before departure
A France or Monaco–Switzerland shipment crosses a customs frontier in either direction. Identify importer, value, classification and origin; then check the appropriate customs office and hours for the route. The export entry and Swiss entry serve different legal requirements. Preparing documents before departure reduces preventable delays but cannot guarantee immediate release.
Read the guide →GuideUK freight: customs, EORI and GVMS explained
UK freight requires different planning from a journey between EU countries. Identify registered traders, export entry, import entry and crossing method. At relevant road ports, the haulier creates a GMR linking the necessary references before boarding. CDS and GVMS have different purposes. Commodity-specific health checks and safety filings may also apply.
Read the guide →GuideIncoterms and freight quotes: who is responsible?
An agreed Incoterm allocates costs, risk and tasks between buyer and seller; it does not itself set a freight price or transfer title. Record the rule, named place and agreed version (for example Incoterms 2020). Check separately who arranges import clearance and pays VAT or duties, and whether the quotation includes waiting, last-mile delivery, handling or insurance.
Read the guide →GuideWhich documents do you need for international freight?
Start with the transaction: commercial invoice, packing list and transport document. Check that seller, buyer, delivery point, value, currency and precise goods description agree across them. Origin statements and health certificates are not interchangeable; ask which ones the product and destination actually require. Flag returns or temporary exhibitions at the outset because they can call for a different procedure from a permanent sale.
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