Shippabo | First-Time Importer Toolkit: Set Your Import Business Up for Success

Getting set up as an importer and getting your first cargo shipment into the U.S. can be an overwhelming process. You have a whole list of documents to prepare, Customs rules to learn and follow, and the actual transportation to arrange.

If you’re feeling a bit lost, we’ve got your back. Our free First-Time Importer Toolkit contains everything you need to know to start your import business right. With these guides, document checklists and links to government and Shippabo resources, you’ll have everything you need to demystify the import process.

Importer Toolkit Contents

How to Get Set Up as a Brand-New Importer – a guide for properly registering your business with U.S. Customs so you can import your first shipment.
The Complete Guide to the U.S. Import Process – so you’ll know exactly what to expect as your first load makes its way into the U.S.
First-Time Importer Tips – our list of recommended actions to make registering as an importer and importing your first load as easy as possible.
Consolidated Shipping: Definition and Benefits – a guide to saving money and headaches on LCL shipments.
Checklist: Important Documents Required for U.S. Customs Clearance
Helpful Links: Government & Shippabo Resources

Still overwhelmed? Get true end-to-end shipping support with Shippabo.

Download the free guide!

Our platform can take over many of the tasks covered in the toolkit, allowing you to focus on what you do best: growing your business. Shippabo provides:

Shipment tracking

Document filing

Handling destination terminal fees

Working with Customs in case of intensive exam

Arranging pick-up or delivery from the port or airport

Notifying the delivery carrier of any requirements like special delivery times, lift gate requirements, etc.

Benefits of Modern Freight Forwarding

Secure capacity online - request and plan for container space in advance to better manage your costs
Gain SKU-level visibility - know what products are coming and when so you can quickly build your sales strategy
Go paperless - manage every shipment online and lessen your carbon footprint
Centralize communications - one place to communicate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners

A freight forwarding solution that puts you in control

Pre-book weeks in advance instead of days

Collaborate on documents securely on the cloud

Track SKU-level shipment locations in real-time

Simplify and automate business workflows

Improve purchasing forecast and efficiency

Lock-in costs and prevent unforeseen changes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Better and quicker supply chain visibility led us to save 10-15% in ocean cost and reduced the number of hours to send emails from four to two hours a day.”

Kevin Boeck | Value Vinyls

“Shippabo gave me space when my shipping contracts with the carriers refused to give me the space.”

Ken Eschmann | Golf Gifts and Gallery

Shippabo saved me $500K in ocean shipping through their contracts during the 2020 shipping market rate soar."

Connie Tang | JR286

200+ Customers rely on Shippabo