Distribution and logistics continue to play a key role in facilitating global commerce. The checklist below is a starting point for your logistics and distribution planning.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and work through the list together to get help in successfully exporting your goods.

Logistics Checklist

• Are your goods hazardous to move? Do they require temperature control? Do your goods require special lifting equipment? Are your goods alive, fragile, particularly valuable, in liquid form? Ensure the mode of transport and packaging is best suited to your products.

• Transit packaging, marking and labeling - ensure your goods arrive at the premises of your overseas buyers in excellent condition. Packaging must withstand natural hazards, handling stresses, temperature changes, humidity and safeguard against theft.
• You need to insure your goods. Marine insurance covers sea, road, rail and air transportation.
• Bear in mind that shipping companies often seek to protect your goods and themselves by working together to maintain regular services and fix freight rates and general conditions covering the classification and carrying of cargo. This is commonly known as the "conference system".

• Establish the best combination of the total cost of "through" transport and the safe arrival of the shipment in the most appropriate transit time.
• Bear in mind your UK and EU legal constraints when moving goods around.
• Seek legal advice about EU agency law in each particular market where you intend to use agents as the laws governing agencies varies from country to country.

• What is the best combination of transport and types of container for your goods? Air, courier, rail, road and sea or a combination of all?
• Planning, organising and monitoring a distribution management system - everything from modes of transport to just-in-time delivery, service providers and the total transport service concept. If you are a first time exporters, you can go through your plan with your Chamber of Commerce to check for any points missed.
• Research thoroughly the best channels of distribution within the chosen market, selecting and the controlling of distributors.

• Can you track your packages?

• Check ahead to ensure you meet the customs requirements for the countries your goods pass through.

• Some importers require pre-shipment inspection by a third party prior to the dispatch of goods to check that they are in good condition, the correct quantity and meet the specification.
• Letters of credit are a method of payment that give the buyer and seller an additional level of security when doing transactions. Chambers of Commerce can advise you on the procedures for handling letters of credit whether your company needs one to export.