Your First Export: What Problems Did You Face?
The four most common problems first-time exporters face are incomplete or mismatched export documents, delays at customs, freight costs higher than expected, and packing unsuitable for long-distance transport. Transpo Logistics recommends planning documents, costs and packing before agreeing on a price with the buyer.
Why First-Time Exports Often Run Into Problems
Selling domestically and exporting are very different. Once goods cross borders, many parties get involved: Thai customs, destination customs, shipping lines or airlines, banks and the buyer. Each needs different documents and information.
New exporters usually focus on closing the sale and producing goods on time, but have not yet planned how the goods will travel, who pays which costs, or which documents are required. Problems therefore tend to surface close to the shipping date.
Problem 1: Incomplete or Mismatched Export Documents
Beyond the Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Bill of Lading, some products or destinations require additional documents such as a Certificate of Origin, export permits or phytosanitary certificates. New exporters often find out only when the buyer or customs asks for them.
How to prevent it: Ask the buyer during negotiation which documents are required, check product regulations in the destination country, and make sure information matches across every document before shipping.
Problem 2: Delays at Customs
Delays often come from incorrect HS codes, export declarations that do not match the actual goods, or documents submitted after the shipping line's cut-off. Missing a vessel can mean waiting for the next sailing and delivering later than agreed.
How to prevent it: Check your product's HS code before shipping, know the document cut-off and CY cut-off for your vessel, and allow enough time for customs clearance.
Problem 3: Freight Costs Higher Than Expected
Many first-time exporters price their goods based only on ocean freight, but there are other costs: trucking from factory to port, terminal handling, documentation fees, customs clearance and insurance. Without understanding the Incoterms agreed with the buyer, exporters may end up paying costs not included in their selling price.
How to prevent it: Request an itemized freight quote before quoting the buyer, choose Incoterms whose responsibilities you clearly understand, such as FOB or CIF, and allow a buffer for freight rate fluctuations.
Problem 4: Packing Not Suited for Long-Distance Transport
Export goods go through lifting, handling and container humidity for weeks, so packing used for domestic delivery may not be enough. Some countries also require wooden packaging materials to be fumigated or heat-treated under the ISPM 15 standard.
How to prevent it: Use shock-absorbing and moisture-resistant materials, export-compliant pallets or wooden crates, clear shipping marks, and a stable loading plan inside the container.
Steps to Prepare for Your First Export
- Agree clearly on Incoterms and payment terms with the buyer
- Check the HS code and product regulations in the destination country
- Confirm the documents required by the buyer and destination country
- Get an itemized freight quote and calculate costs before setting your price
- Book vessel or air space early and note document and CY cut-off dates
- Prepare packing suitable for international transport
- Check that all documents match before filing for customs clearance
How a Full-Service Provider Reduces First-Export Risk
For a first export, working with a provider that handles documents, customs clearance, packing and transport means exporters do not have to coordinate many parties alone, and someone checks the full picture before goods leave Thailand.
With over 50 years of logistics experience, Transpo Logistics provides export documentation, customs clearance, packing and international freight, helping new exporters plan from before the quote so their first shipment runs smoothly.
What problems did you face on your first export? Share your story with us on the Transpo Logistics Facebook page. Your experience could help other exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting for the First Time
How do I prepare for my first export?
Agree on Incoterms and payment terms with the buyer, check the HS code and destination regulations, prepare export documents, calculate freight costs, book space and prepare packing suitable for international transport.
What are the most common problems for new exporters?
The most common problems are incomplete or mismatched export documents, delays at customs, freight costs higher than expected and packing unsuitable for long-distance transport.
What costs are involved in exporting?
Besides ocean or air freight, costs include trucking from factory to port, terminal handling, documentation fees, customs clearance and insurance. Which costs the exporter pays depends on the Incoterms agreed with the buyer.
What are Incoterms and why do they matter for exporting?
Incoterms are international rules that define where costs and risks transfer from seller to buyer, such as FOB or CIF. Choosing Incoterms you clearly understand helps you calculate costs and price your goods correctly.
Why does export packing differ from domestic packing?
Export goods are handled many times and stay in containers for weeks, so they need stronger shock and moisture protection, and wooden packaging may need to meet the ISPM 15 standard required by destination countries.
Planning your first export? Let Transpo Logistics help you plan from documents to destination. Free consultation: call 02 105 8651, email sales@transpologistics.com or visit www.transpologistics.com
Related service: Customs Clearance | Contact Transpo or call +66 2 105 8651
