A New Resource for Exporters

While the main focus of my job is to provide customer service for our Shipping Solutions export documentation software, I often get calls from customers who are looking for training on exporting.

I always compliment them on being smart enough to ask for help on a topic as complicated as exporting. Being knowledgable about U.S. export laws isn't just a good business practice, it's our duty as citizens to make sure goods don't fall into the wrong hands where they can harm us or our allies.

While Shipping Solutions does not provide consulting on exporting in general, our sister company, International Business Training, has just rolled out a new website with books, seminars and webinars on general export (and import) topics. And while the website has a new look, it offers the same access to knowlegable authors and trainers that it has for over a decade.

In honor of the new website, Shipping Solutions is offering a 25% discount on any book purchased by one of my blog readers. Just enter the code "LisaBlog" when ordering to get the discount. The discount will only be available until Thanksgiving, so act now!

Which book should you buy? Here are some recommendations based on different phone conversations I've had.

"Our company has been exporting for awhile, but I'm not sure we're doing everything correctly."

I'd suggest the book Exporting: Regulations, Documentation & Procedures. It's a comprehensive guide to exporting and is updated annually. You won't read it cover to cover (it's too big for that), but you can look up specific topics and use it as a resource for all your questions. We also have a full day seminar and webinar on export documentation and procedures.

"I'd like to start exporting a really cool product. How do I get started?"

Get the book A Basic Guide to Exporting. It's inexpensive, easy to read and touted as "The Official Government Resource for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses."

"I'm also an importer. What books might interest me?"

The book Import Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines is a comprehensive guide to importing. We also have a book on surviving an import audit called U.S. Import Audit Preparation and Customs Compliance. Lastly, as an importer you need to understand the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, so I'd recommend the book Doing Your Duty: Product Classification According to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. These books are updated annually and offer the latest information on everything related to importing. And if you need more, we have full-day seminars and webinars on import documentation and import audits.

"I need to know more about NAFTA and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)."

We have an excellent book called NAFTA: A Practical Guide to Regulations, Documentation & Procedures. Having a good understanding of NAFTA will help you with other FTAs as well because most are based on the NAFTA, and this book touches on other FTAs too.

To understand NAFTA you also need a good understanding of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, so I would also recommend the book Doing Your Duty: Product Classification According to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. There are also full day seminars and webinars on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and NAFTA.

"I need a good overview of logistics and the international supply chain."

Then the book Managing Forwarders, Brokers & Carriers in Your International Supply Chain is the book for you. It is comprehensive (meaning big!) and is updated annually with all the information you'll need to manage your international supply chain. We also offer a full day seminar and webinar on international logistics.

"What the heck are Incoterms?"

Incoterms are terms of sale for international orders. They are not the same as domestic terms of sale. You need the book Incoterms® 2010 and the UCC: A Guide to International and Domestic Terms of Sale. There is also a half day seminar and webinar available on Incoterms® 2010.

"Do you have any information on letters of credit?"

We have a book called Export Letters of Credit and Drafts. And if you need more information than the book can provide, we also offer a full day seminar and webinar on the topic.

If you have a question I didn't answer here, give me a call at (651) 905-1727 or send an email to help@shipsolutions.com.