Exports

Exports are goods, services, or capital sent from one country to another for sale or use in a foreign market. Physical goods exports — finished products, raw materials, components — are the form most relevant to logistics and shipping. When goods leave a country’s borders for international destinations, they are subject to export regulations, customs documentation requirements, and potentially export licensing depending on the goods’ classification and the destination country.

Export Documentation Requirements

U.S. exports typically require: an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in the Automated Export System (AES) for shipments valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or requiring an export license, a commercial invoice, a packing list, and carrier-specific shipping documentation (air waybill, bill of lading). Certain goods require additional certificates — phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products, export licenses for controlled items.

Export Freight Management

High-volume exporters work with freight forwarders who specialize in export documentation, customs filing, and carrier coordination. Export shipments can move via parcel carriers for small packages, LTL/TL for domestic pre-carriage to ports, ocean containers (FCL or LCL) for large international shipments, or air freight for time-sensitive or high-value goods. Carrier selection for exports depends on destination, transit time requirements, and the nature of the goods.