Resources for Early-Stage Shippers (US)

Starting or scaling a business is a difficult and time-consuming process. This is just one reason why Flexport’s mission is to make global trade easy for everyone. This short guide answers the most frequently asked questions we receive from new and ramping shippers.

Finding a Freight Forwarder, NVOCC, or Customs Broker

Unfortunately, Flexport can’t service every upcoming shipment. This is usually due to the origin or destination country, unserviceable commodities, or temporary capacity constraints. However, you can find links to directories of alternative freight forwarders or customs brokers below.

The Federal Maritime Commission provides an extensive directory of licensed or registered ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Like Flexport, they can help ship your freight internationally. We recommend searching these directories to find a company that can help you with your upcoming shipment.

Federal Maritime Commission: NVOCC Directory

Federal Maritime Commission: Ocean Freight Forwarder Directory

If you are looking for assistance with customs brokerage services that we are unable to provide, the best place to continue your search is the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (NCBFAA). The NCBFAA lists hundreds of customs brokers with location and contact information.

NCBFAA - Customs Broker Search

Other Help Articles/Resources for Getting Started

Shipping Questions

• FCL vs LCL vs Air
  • Should I Ship by LCL or FCL?
  • How Much Cargo Fits in a Container?
  • What Is Chargeable Weight?
• Preparing your package:
  • Commercial Invoice Template
  • Commercial Invoice and Packing List: Customs Declaration Documents
• Label everything:
  • What Are Country of Origin Labeling Requirements?
  • How Should My Cartons Be Marked?
• Complete a bill of lading:
  • What Is the Purpose of a Bill of Lading?
  • What Are Some Common Bills of Lading by Transportation Mode?
• Incoterms guide:
  • Flexport Help Center Article | What Are Incoterms®?
• FDA questions, know your product: FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Customs / Quotes

• Find customs tips on your product:
  • Flexport Help Center | Customs and Compliance
• Customs duty costs
  • How to Estimate Customs Duties
• Know your codes
  • What's My Product's HTS Code?
• Your product needs to be examined:
  • Exams: What to Expect
• Wondering what your duties are?
  • Free US Import Duty Calculator | Freight Tools
• Customs import requirements
  • How to Import Products into the United States

Amazon FBA Questions

• Shipment plans:
  • How to Create a US/Canada Shipment Plan in Amazon Seller Central
• Labeling (Have supplier label at origin):
  • FBA Amazon Labeling Requirements
• Delivery Method (LTL vs SPD) and how long will it take:
  • Amazon US/Canada Delivery: Selecting Your Final Amazon Delivery Method
  • How Long Will It Take For My Shipment to Get to Amazon?
• What is the timeline of an Amazon shipment from destination?
  • Breakdown of an Amazon Shipment with Transit Times
• Delivering Amazon FCL vs LTL:
  • FCL to Amazon: How to Set Up Flexport FCL in Amazon Seller Central
  • SPD & LTL to Amazon: How to Estimate Prices for FedEx and Amazon LTL.
  • Sending One Shipment to Amazon FBA: How Do I Avoid a Split Amazon Shipment?
• Wondering about pallet specifications:
  • Pallet Requirements for FCL Shipments to Amazon
• You’ve got questions:
  • Frequently Asked Questions about FCL Deliveries to Amazon