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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should U.S. businesses engage in international trade through exporting?
If you’re only selling your products in the U.S., you’re only reaching a small share of your potential customers, because 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the U.S. Following are some of the benefits your business could reap from exporting:

  • Increased sales and profits. If your business is succeeding in the U.S., expanding overseas will likely improve overall profitability. Furthermore, increased sales tend to increase productivity by lowering your per-unit fixed costs.

  • Short-term security. By expanding into international markets and spreading your risk over a wider customer base, your business will be less affected by fluctuations in the U.S. economy and marketplace. In addition, by exporting, you gain a better understanding of global markets, which means you’re more attuned to developing trends overseas and will be more likely to cash in on those trends, increasing your competitiveness.

  • Long-term security. The U.S. is a large market with a wealth of opportunity, but it’s also a mature market with intense competition from domestic and increasingly from foreign competitors. For most U.S. businesses, exporting isn't just a way to maximize profits today; it will soon be a necessity in what is fast becoming a truly global marketplace.

  • Enhance competitiveness. By extending your customer base overseas to take advantage of an ever-growing global marketplace, exporting can help you compete more effectively. Plus, exploring international markets can facilitate improvements in your existing products and lead to the creation of new ones. For example, you may discover that a niche product developed for an overseas market turns out to be an unexpected success in the U.S. as well. Or, conversely, export markets can extend the life of a product which has reached the end of its cycle in the U.S. And export sales can, in turn, help finance new product development for your home market.

  • Economies of scale. Exporting is an excellent way to enjoy pure economies of scale with products, such as wine, that are "global" in scope and have a wider range of acceptance around the world. This is in contrast to products that must be adapted for each market.
What should I consider when making the decision to begin exporting, and how do I begin?
There are many ways to become involved in exporting, from filling orders for domestic buyers (such as export trading companies that then export the product) to exporting products yourself. However you choose to export, the development of a detailed and thorough strategy is an important part of the planning process. Steps in developing a strategy include:

  • Evaluate your product’s export potential.

  • Determine if you are willing to make a commitment to international markets, and evaluate whether your company is “export-ready.”

  • Identify key foreign markets for your products through market research.

  • Evaluate distribution and promotional options and establish an overseas distribution system.

  • Determine export prices, payment terms, methods and techniques.

  • Familiarize yourself with shipping methods, export documentation procedures, export financing and other requirements for exporting.
There are numerous resources available — most of them free of charge — that can help you with all these steps. Here are just a few:

  • FedEx and the U.S. Commercial Service. This partnership makes perfect sense for businesses looking to grow through exports. When you choose to engage FedEx and the U.S. Commercial Service, we provide end-to-end export support to help your business hit the ground running. Every day FedEx and the U.S. Commercial Service help businesses with export needs — from identifying new markets that offer opportunities for sustainable growth to determining a pricing strategy to maximize the return on your export investment.

  • U.S. Commercial Service Basic Guide to Exporting. If you have no previous experience exporting, you can get a feel for the process and learn the steps by purchasing and consulting this very complete primer for small to medium-sized businesses.

  • U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library. If you have an export plan or have experience with international business, but would still like assistance determining the best global markets for your products and how to find and qualify buyers in those markets, try this resource. It contains more than 100,000 industry and country-specific market reports, authored by our specialists working in overseas posts.

  • The Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade. This site provides a number of resources for small businesses that are new to exporting. Includes listings of Small Business Administration Development Centers, an online guide to exporting, information on export finance programs, and much more.

  • FedEx® International Services. The Web site you’re at right now! All the information you need to ship internationally and expand your business beyond U.S. borders is here, in one place. Wherever you plan on taking your business internationally, we’re ready with the information, solutions, resources and support to help get you where you want to go.
What are Incoterms?
Incoterms are 13 standardized definitions of commonly used shipping and trade terms that cover the control of goods and financial responsibilities, such as payment of cargo insurance and freight. Incoterms provide traders with a common set of rules outlining each party’s obligations, thus reducing misunderstandings. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) establishes and publishes the Incoterms. To use the terms correctly, trade practitioners should consult the ICC for the complete, authorized Incoterm definitions.

Departure EXW: Ex Works
Main carriage not paid by seller FCA: Free Carrier
  FAS: Free Alongside Ship
  FOB: Free on Board
Main carriage paid by seller CFR: Cost and Freight
  CIF: Cost, Insurance and Freight
  CPT: Carriage Paid To
  CIP: Carriage and Insurance Paid To
Arrival DAF: Delivered at Frontier
  DES: Delivered Ex Ship
  DEQ: Delivered Ex Quay
  DDU: Delivered Duty Unpaid
  DDP: Delivered Duty Paid
What is a Harmonized System classification number, what’s the Schedule B number, and what’s the difference?
The Harmonized System (HS) Classification is a 6-digit standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. HS numbers are used by customs authorities around the world to identify products for the application of duties and taxes. Additional digits are added to the HS number by some governments to further distinguish products in certain categories.

In the U.S., the numbers used by the U.S. government to classify and monitor U.S. exported products are called “Schedule B” numbers. The Schedule B is a 10-digit code built upon the first 6 digits of the HS code. To find the Schedule B number for classifying your product, use the U.S. Census Bureau's Schedule B Search Engine at www.census.gov/scheduleb.
Is the NAFTA Certificate of Origin required for shipments to Mexico and Canada?
The NAFTA establishes special preferential tariff treatment for goods "originating" in and traded among NAFTA countries. However, the NAFTA Certificate of Origin is not a required entry document for shipments between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada and should only be prepared if the product qualifies under the NAFTA Rules of Origin for preferential tariff treatment. The exporter must first initiate a process to determine if the product qualifies and whether a Certificate of Origin is needed.

For additional information about this issue — as well as to learn more about cross-border trade, how your business can benefit from new markets in Canada and Mexico, and how FedEx® services and solutions can help — go to FedEx® Crossborder Solutions.
Can I ship internationally with both FedEx Express and FedEx Ground?
Yes, but to differing degrees. FedEx Express has a fleet that circles the globe every day to deliver to more than 220 countries and territories. By contrast, FedEx Ground specializes in delivery to the U.S. and Canada.
What are my service choices for FedEx Express® international delivery?
FedEx gives you flexibility to match the right service to your speed-to-market needs. Our premier service, FedEx International Priority®, gives you superior reliability and speed (typically 1, 2 or 3 business days) to points throughout the world. When you can afford a few extra days in transit, choose FedEx International Economy®. For a complete review of all international services offered by FedEx, check out the FedEx® international services chart.
What about global freight? How fast can you move the big stuff?
The FedEx Express fleet consists of 670 aircraft — which means lots of tonnage to handle your global air-freight needs. Two express services are designed for pieces (pallets) up to 2,200 lbs.: FedEx International Priority® Freight, with delivery in 1, 2 or 3 business days, and FedEx International Economy® Freight, with delivery within 5 business days. For a complete review of all international services offered by FedEx, check out the FedEx® international services chart.
What's the difference between international express freight services and your air cargo services?
Our air cargo services, known as FedEx International Express Freight® and FedEx International Airport-to-AirportSM, are separate from our express and ground services. These are airport-to-airport services with their own air waybill and booking procedures. And, unlike FedEx International Priority® Freight and FedEx International Economy® Freight, they do not offer a money-back guarantee, customs clearance, pickup or delivery. For a complete review of all international services offered by FedEx, check out the FedEx® international services chart.
How can I find out how long my international shipment will take?
Use the Get Rates and Transit Times tool at fedex.com.
How can I get an international rate quote?
Use the Get Rates and Transit Times tool at fedex.com or contact FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.
What documentation is required for international shipments?
Each country has different document requirements for inbound shipments. To learn about the most commonly required forms — as well as when and why you need them — go to the FedEx International Document Overview. Use the Find International Documents tool to determine and print the documents needed to accompany specific international shipments, both express and ground. Then save time by using the FedEx Document Preparation Center to prepare, store and reuse your export documentation.
How can I attempt to minimize customs and other delays on my international shipments?
Completing the required international documentation will help to ensure that your shipment is not held up by customs clearance delays. FedEx® Global Trade Manager can help you by providing quick access to the Find International Documents tool and to the Estimate Duties and Taxes tool to estimate the duties, taxes and other fees that may be imposed on your international shipments. Being able to calculate and communicate the landed cost upfront can often save you both time and money and reduce the chance of returns.

In addition, FedEx Trade Networks works with customers to help minimize customs delays and transit times. Establishing an account with FedEx Trade Networks in advance of moving shipments and providing all necessary documentation will help you streamline processes and potentially avoid unnecessary delays. Our trade advisors provide a thorough evaluation of your import and export operations. We help you prepare for customs audits, train personnel, define policies and procedures, classify all the products in your inventory, and much more.
Can I track the status of my international shipments?
Yes, you can track the status of your international shipments as quickly and easily as you can for your U.S. shipments. Here are some of the shipment-status tracking options available to you:

  • FedEx® Tracking. Whether it’s via tracking numbers, door tag numbers, account numbers or order numbers, you can track the status of up to 30 FedEx® shipments from origin to destination.

  • Advanced Tracking. Provides shipment-status updates in an easy-to-scan format, with powerful search and filtering capabilities that help you quickly find information about your shipments.

  • FedEx InSight®. A shipment-status tracking and management tool for shippers with a moderate-to-high volume of high-value shipments. It monitors your shipping activity and provides status updates for your shipments. It’s ideal for managing your shipments across multiple locations and accounts.

  • FedEx Desktop. Download this software to your desktop and actively monitor your shipments. Receive notifications, drag and drop important shipments to your desktop, and e-mail tracking results to your customers.

  • FedEx Mobile. When you’re on the go, you can still get instant shipment-status updates anytime, anywhere. Through FedEx Mobile, your cell phone, PDA, Apple® iPhoneTM or iPod® Touch can become an on-the-go shipping device.

  • Phone. Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say “track a package.”
To learn more about these options, click here.