How to Automate International Shipping for Efficiency

Meet Alex and Saksham, two entrepreneurs in the global marketplace. Alex exports handcrafted home décor from Jaipur, and Saksham sells organic spices from Kerala. While Alex has embraced automated international shipping, Saksham relies on manual processes. Let’s dive into how automation transforms shipping and why it’s a game-changer for businesses.

Alex vs. Saksham: The Shipping Journey

Alex’s Automated Shipping Process

Alex recently integrated automation tools into his shipping workflow. Orders from his Shopify store are automatically imported into a shipping platform, which generates shipping labels, calculates taxes, and manages customs documentation without manual intervention.

When Alex receives an order from the UK, his platform generates the required paperwork, selects the best carrier based on cost and delivery speed, and updates his customer with a tracking number—all within minutes.

Saksham’s Manual Shipping Process

Saksham, on the other hand, manages each order manually. When he gets an order from Germany, he spends hours preparing customs documents, calculating taxes, and contacting carriers for shipping quotes. Any mistake, such as an incorrect HS code, could delay the shipment or result in penalties. Moreover, handling shipping on his own turned out to be more costly due to the hidden expenses.

The time Saksham spends handling one order, Alex uses to process ten.

Why Automate International Shipping

Manual shipping, as seen in Saksham’s case, involves repetitive tasks prone to human error. Automation offers a smarter way:

• Efficiency: Alex’s software automates tasks like label creation and tracking updates, cutting hours of work into a few minutes.
• Cost Savings: Automation tools help Alex avoid penalties by ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
• Scalability: As his business grows, Alex handles more orders effortlessly, while Saksham struggles with increasing workloads.
• Customer Satisfaction: With real-time updates, Alex’s customers always know when their orders will arrive. Saksham, on the other hand, frequently manages a large number of emails asking for shipment statuses.

Key Benefits of Automating Shipping Processes

Streamlined Shipping Processes

Alex no longer manually enters customer details into shipping forms. His system automatically collects data from his e-commerce platform, generates labels, and even updates inventory after an order is shipped.

Saksham, however, still juggles spreadsheets and carrier websites, often double-checking addresses to avoid errors—a tedious and time-consuming task.

Improved Compliance Management

Alex’s platform ensures he adheres to customs regulations by validating export rules and generating accurate documentation. For instance, when shipping to Australia, his system automatically generates a Certificate of Origin and commercial invoice.

Saksham, in contrast, manually researches export requirements for each country, increasing the chances of errors or missed regulations.

Real-Time Tracking and Notifications

Alex’s customers appreciate receiving automated tracking updates, giving them confidence in his brand. When a shipment is delayed, Alex is immediately notified and can proactively inform his buyers.

Saksham, however, relies on email exchanges with carriers to track shipments, which often results in delayed responses and frustrated customers.

Ways to Automate International Shipping

Integrate E-Commerce and Shipping Platforms

Alex integrated his Shopify store with a leading fulfillment services platform, ensuring orders flow seamlessly into the shipping system. Saksham, however, manually enters each order into a carrier’s website—a slow and error-prone process.

Set Up Automated Label Printing

Alex prints labels in bulk for his daily shipments, saving hours during busy seasons. Saksham, on the other hand, manually types out shipping details for each label, increasing the chances of mistakes.

Automate Customs Documentation

When Alex ships an order to the US, his software auto-generates commercial invoices and packing lists, ensuring compliance. Saksham spends time cross-referencing customs requirements and manually preparing documents for every shipment.

Streamline Freight Management

Alex uses a freight automation tool to compare carrier rates and book the best option. Saksham has to email carriers individually, wait for quotes, and manually negotiate prices—an exhausting process.

Enable Real-Time Tracking

With the support from advanced tools, Alex provides customers with live tracking updates. Saksham relies on sending tracking numbers manually via email, which delays communication and causes frustration for buyers.

Optimise Returns Management

Alex automates return labels and refunds, ensuring a smooth process for international buyers. Saksham struggles to manage returns, often dealing with lengthy email exchanges to resolve issues.

Future of Automated International Shipping

As automation evolves, the scope of efficiency in international shipping continues to expand, especially in warehouses. Manual order-picking processes are one of the most time-consuming aspects of shipping logistics. Did you know that warehouse workers often walk an exhausting 5 to 10 miles a day just to pick orders? Similarly, packing, when done manually, is not only slow but also prone to errors that can impact customer satisfaction.

The Solution? Embrace Automation in Warehousing

Imagine transforming your warehouse operations with automated sorting, picking, and packing. Implementing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is an excellent first step. A WMS optimises your warehouse layout, improves picking accuracy, and ensures packing processes are faster and more reliable.

But why stop there? Take it up a notch with robotics that revolutionise your warehouse operations.

Rise of Robotics in Warehousing

The robotics revolution is here, and the numbers are staggering. By 2025, over 4 million commercial robots are expected to be deployed in more than 50,000 warehouses worldwide. This shift will redefine the future of shipping and logistics, ensuring faster order fulfillment and fewer mistakes.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): For independent navigation and faster order picking.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): To transport goods across the warehouse effortlessly.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): For efficient storage and retrieval of goods.

AI and ML

Automation tools are becoming smarter with AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning (ML), offering predictive analytics, blockchain integration, and even drone deliveries.

For example:

• AI-powered route optimisation reduces shipping times, cutting down on both costs and customer complaints.
• Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions for cross-border shipments.

Solutions like inventory forecasting and management, and reporting and analytics, are expected to be popular tools in the coming years.

As the global demand for faster and more accurate shipping grows, investing in robotics and automation tools is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Challenges and Best Practices for Automated Export Management

Challenges

While automation offers numerous advantages, exporters may face certain challenges:

1. Integration Issues: Some platforms may not integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Choosing tools with APIs and robust integrations is key.
2. Initial Setup Costs: Implementing automation may require upfront investment. However, the long-term savings usually outweigh the initial costs.
3. Learning Curve: Training employees to use new tools effectively can take time.
4. Regulatory Changes: Automation tools may not always keep pace with changing international trade laws.

Best Practices

Practice	Description
Regularly Update Tools	Keep software updated to align with changing regulations and carrier rules.
Maintain Backup Plans	Have a manual backup system for emergencies or automation failures.
Train Your Team	Conduct training sessions to maximize the benefits of automation tools.
Use Data Analytics	Leverage insights to identify bottlenecks and improve shipping performance.

Conclusion

The difference between Alex’s and Saksham’s shipping strategies is clear. Automated international shipping empowers businesses to scale efficiently, save costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Do you still handle shipping manually? Embrace automation to grow your business and make your life easier just like Alex. With advanced tools that integrate seamlessly into your business, automate repetitive tasks, and stay ahead in the global market.

Don’t let outdated processes hold your business back. Start automating your shipping processes and unlock your full potential.

Happy Shipping!

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