If you’re living in China and need to send packages abroad, GeeseNest offers a reliable and streamlined solution for international package shipping. Whether you’re shipping to friends and family overseas or managing cross-border e-commerce orders, understanding the full process and potential challenges is key to a smooth shipping experience.
This guide walks you through how to ship a package internationally using GeeseNest, along with important details on weight calculations, customs, and shipping categories.
1. Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Here’s what the international parcel forwarding process with GeeseNest looks like:
Contact Customer Service
Start by contacting a GeeseNest representative. They’ll provide you with shipping rates, estimated delivery timeframes, important shipping restrictions, and the warehouse address in China.
Ship Your Package to the Warehouse and Pre-Alert
Send your package to the designated warehouse. Once it’s en route, log in to the system and submit a shipment pre-alert so the warehouse can expect your package.
Submit Outbound Request and Enter Recipient’s Address
Once all your packages arrive, request dispatch and input the destination (international) address.
Package Consolidation and Payment
If needed, packages can be consolidated into a single shipment. Confirm the packaging and shipping fees before making payment.
Shipment Dispatch and Tracking Info
After dispatch, GeeseNest provides a tracking number that lets you monitor your package in real time through every leg of the journey.
After-Sales Service and Delivery Confirmation
GeeseNest tracks the delivery status and assists with any follow-up questions or concerns until the package is successfully received.
Begin Consolidation Today
Ready to shop from China and ship worldwide? Start your first shipment with GeeseNest today and enjoy smooth, affordable consolidation shipping.
2. Know the Difference: General Goods, Sensitive Items, and Prohibited Products
Before shipping, it’s important to know what type of items you’re sending:
- General Goods: Everyday items like clothes, books, and accessories.
- Sensitive Items: Includes items like batteries, powders, and liquids.
- Prohibited Goods: Flammable, explosive, toxic materials, weapons, and other items restricted by international laws.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether an item can be shipped, contact GeeseNest customer service to verify eligibility.
3. Understand Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
Actual Weight (Gross Weight)
This refers to the total real weight of the shipment including packaging.
Volumetric Weight
Volumetric or dimensional weight is calculated based on the package’s size, using the formula:
Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)
(This formula applies to the Australia shipping line.)
Why Does Volumetric Weight Matter?
Because international carriers consider both space and weight. If a package takes up a lot of room but doesn’t weigh much (think bean bags or furniture), it’s still using up valuable cargo space. So, carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight.
Common Volumetric Items Include:
- Recliner sofas
- Long metal racks
- Large furniture
- Storage bins
Understanding this helps avoid surprise costs during shipping.
4. Be Aware of Customs Risks
International package shipping always comes with the possibility of customs inspection. Here’s what you need to know:
Customs Inspections May Lead To:
- Import duties or taxes
- Package seizure
- Return to sender (domestic or international)
- Delivery delays
Inspections Are Uncontrollable Events
Customs inspections are outside the control of any logistics company. If delays, taxes, or confiscation occur, the customer must bear the risk unless they’ve chosen a tax-included (DDP) shipping line.
Non-DDP Channels
For non-DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) channels, the local customs office or delivery provider may contact the recipient for tax payments or to provide supporting documents. Local rules vary by country.
Send to Warehouse
Just bought from Taobao, JD, or 1688? Send your items to our warehouse and let us handle the rest.
GeeseNest’s Recommendation
GeeseNest always helps select the most cost-effective and compliant shipping channel for your package. If there’s a potential for taxes, they’ll notify you in advance and suggest using a tax-included line.
For example: With Australia Direct Line, shipments valued under AUD 1,000 qualify for duty-free shipping. If your package is below this threshold, regular shipping may be more affordable than the tax-included line.
Final Thoughts
Shipping internationally from China doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the correct steps, understanding how your package is charged, and being aware of customs protocols, you can ensure a smooth global delivery experience.
GeeseNest offers flexible logistics solutions and responsive customer support, making it an excellent choice for your international package shipping needs.
