Export Logistics: Processes, Jobs, and Documents for U.S. Exporters

Export logistics are the foundation of international trade. It's the process of moving goods from one country to another. However, it's not always easy. Lining up the people involved with the required processes is a challenge for even the most seasoned professionals. You've got to think about how to transport your products, necessary documents, and how to follow rules that change frequently.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce defines export logistics as the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient movement of goods across international borders. It covers transportation, documentation, and compliance with global trade regulations. It is essential for expanding markets.

Join us as we explore the elements of export logistics. We’ll show you how they work together in the practice of international commerce.

Roles and Responsibilities in Export Logistics

Exporting starts and ends with the people behind the process. The successful export of goods relies heavily on the individuals and teams managing the logistics behind the scenes.

There are several different roles in the export logistics supply chain. Each one handles a specific task as the goods leave the United States for their final destination.

Export Logistics Jobs

These are just a few of the jobs and roles that contribute to successful export logistics.

• Consignee: The party receiving the exported goods. They're often the buyer or an importer of record responsible for receiving the shipment.
• Export Logistics Coordinator: This role involves overseeing the logistics of sending goods abroad, including managing schedules, documentation, and compliance with export regulations.
• Export Logistics Manager: A step above the coordinator, the manager strategizes the export logistics process, working on optimizing routes and ensuring compliance.
• Export Broker: An expert in foreign markets who assists exporters in addressing compliance with international trade laws and regulations.
• Freight Forwarder: A sort of middle man between the exporter and transportation service providers. They make arrangements with carriers to get goods to international customers.

Of course, brokers and managers can only do so much before the rubber meets the road…or lifts off the tarmac. The physical transport of exported goods takes place via several methods, depending on the destination.

How Are Exports Transported?

Exported commodities, particularly those going overseas, usually employ a few transportation options to get where they’re going. In the following table, you can see what the most popular shipping methods for exported goods were in 2023.

Modes of Shipping Exported Goods in 2023

Source: data.bts.gov

The process of using different vehicles in the freight process is called intermodal transportation. It is a core practice of export logistics. 

Intermodal Transportation Definition

Intermodal transportation involves using multiple vehicles to complete the delivery process. Since exported goods often cross oceans while in transit, intermodal transportation is necessary to get the job done. 

Some examples of this form of international transportation include:

• Container Shipping: This method is widely used for its versatility and efficiency. Goods are loaded onto containers, then transported by truck to a rail terminal and onto a cargo ship. 
• Piggyback: Officially called TOFC (Trailer on Flat Car), this involves transporting truck semi-trailers on railway flatcars.
• Fishyback: Also known as COFC (Container on Flat Car), this method involves shipping containers via rail and then by ocean freight. It's effective for goods moving from inland manufacturers to overseas markets. 

Whether shipping via land, sea, or air, exporters have a lot of options for transporting their goods. It’s important to know which mode works best for a given commodity, shipment size, or destination.

Choosing the Right Mode of Transportation for Exported Goods

Picking the optimal mode of transportation for your exports affects every part of your shipping operations. The choice of shipping mode depends on several factors, including commodity types and the distance the shipment will travel. 

Use these guidelines to help you decide which method fits your scenario:

Piggyback

Ideal for: Domestic shipments where goods need to move quickly over long distances across land.

Scenarios

• Bulky Industrial Equipment: Large, heavy items that are expensive to ship solely by truck due to fuel costs and potential for road wear.
• Perishable Goods: Items that need faster delivery than sea transport can offer, but are not as time-sensitive to require air freight.
• High Volume Domestic Deliveries: When goods need to be transported in large quantities across the country, this mode is a cost-effective solution.

Fishyback (Container on Flat Car)

Ideal for: International shipping where goods need to be transported from inland points to a seaport before shipping by sea.

Scenarios

• International Bulk Shipments: Commodities like grains, metals, or textiles that need efficient, cost-effective transportation from an inland supplier to an international customer.
• Manufactured Goods: For businesses exporting large volumes of goods, combining rail and sea offers savings over long distances compared to air freight.
• Eco-friendly Shipping Needs: Companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint benefit from the lower emissions associated with rail transport compared to trucking alone.

Container Shipping

Ideal for: Global shipments that cover long distances across multiple transportation modes without needing to be opened.

Scenarios

• Electronics and High-Value Items: Products that require secure, sealed transport due to their value or theft risk. Container shipping offers a secure environment from factory to customer.
• Diverse Goods to Remote Locations: When exporting products to countries with less accessible destinations, container shipping’s ability to seamlessly transfer between ships, rails, and trucks makes it unparalleled for reaching remote areas.
• Large-scale International Shipments: For shipping large quantities of goods internationally, this is often the most cost-effective shipping choice.

By carefully assessing your shipping needs, you can choose the best mode of transportation to ensure your shipment arrives on time.

What is Logistics Export Documentation?

Whether it’s used for business reasons or to ensure safety and security, there is no shortage of paperwork associated with export logistics. Invoices, bills, and packing lists are just some of the required documents. Exporters need a solid understanding of these forms if they want to run a successful business.

Common Export Documents

In the list below, you’ll find some of the most common paperwork used to document the details of export transactions.

• Pro Forma Invoice: An initial bill of sale sent to buyers, detailing the products and terms of the transaction.
• Commercial Invoice: A detailed list of the shipment's contents, used for customs clearance. This will contain the schedule B number for the commodities being shipped.
• Bill of Lading: A contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier. 
• Air Waybill: This is basically a bill of lading for air freight.
• Export Packing List: More detailed than a standard packing list, it includes weights, measurements, and package contents.
• Export License: Required for certain goods that need government approval before being exported from the U.S.
• Certificate of Origin: Contains information regarding the country in which the goods were produced.

You may require other documents depending on the type of goods you’re exporting. Generally speaking, items with potential military applications will always require some form of additional licensure. 

There may also be import certificates that need to be obtained from the region or nation you plan on importing to.

The Export Logistics Process Explained

Now that we’ve addressed the most important elements in export logistics, let’s take a look at the overall process.

From purchase to delivery, every step in the export logistics process is designed to balance cost efficiency, national security, and timeliness. Illustrating the process via example is the easiest way to show how these steps come together to create the backbone of international trade.

The U.S. Export Process: From Manufacturer to Foreign Buyer

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of an export transaction, showing how each step moves the process along.

1. Export Documentation: Proper documentation is prepared, which is critical for clearing customs in the U.S. and the destination country. 
2. Product Packing and Labeling: Goods are packed and labeled, with special attention to the requirements of the destination country. Packaging needs to protect the goods in transit.
3. Arranging Transportation: The exporter, often with the help of a freight forwarder, arranges for the transportation of goods to the foreign buyer. This includes choosing the mode of transportation based on factors like speed and cost-efficiency.
4. Customs Clearance: The shipment must clear customs in the exporting and importing countries. 
5. Delivery and Receipt: After clearing customs in the destination country, the goods are delivered to the buyer. The consignee or import broker typically handles this final leg of the journey.
6. Payment: Upon receipt and acceptance of the goods, payment is processed. This may involve letters of credit, wire transfers, or other payment methods.

If you're not familiar with each aspect of export logistics, you could end up incurring fines and penalties. Partnering with experts in the USA export logistics process can prevent these issues and keep your business running smoothly.

Simplifying Export Logistics With Cargo Export USA

Between all the channels involved, exporting goods from the USA is a complicated venture. However, it’s not one you have to take alone.

At Cargo Export USA, we have the expertise and resources you need to arrange shipments, meet export control requirements, and avoid penalties. 

Our services include:

• Customized consulting sessions
• Export compliance manuals
• Certificates of origin
• And more

Don’t let the complex nature of export logistics stymie your business plans. Call our expert team at (866) 301-0635 or contact us online today. We’re ready to help you with every aspect of the export process.