As a full-service transportation and logistics provider, we partner with international freight forwarders to deliver seamless, customized solutions. Our experienced team handles the complexities of global shipping, ensuring a smooth process so you can focus on your business—not your freight.
From time-sensitive air cargo to cost-effective ocean shipments, FLI manages every mode of international freight with the same dedicated account management you expect.
Air Freight provides fast, secure, and efficient global delivery. From overnight express to standard air shipping, we offer flexible solutions.
Ocean freight is ideal for large or heavy cargo. FLI provides reliable sea transport with Full-Container Load (FCL), Less-Than-Container Load (LTC), and break-bulk shipment solutions.
FLI simplifies shipping to Canada and Mexico through expert guidance and reliable carriers specializing in USMCA-compliant transport.
FLI’s knowledge of Canadian LTL carrier integrations, GST/HST tax handling, billing process, and currency considerations simplifies your intra-Canadian freight shipping.
FLI provides customers with clearance support for inbound land, air, and ocean cargo. Our detailed analysis includes duties, taxes, bonds, and inspection fees.
Our expert international freight team’s knowledge and concierge-style work create a smooth process, allowing you to maintain focus on your core business, not freight.
From quote to delivery, FLI handles all the complexity of international shipments so you don’t have to.
Origin, destination, weight, dimensions, commodity, and any hazmat or special handling requirements.
View air and ocean carrier options side by side—pricing, transit times, and service levels in one screen.
Your account manager handles booking, export docs, and customs paperwork. You review and approve.
Monitor your shipment in real time through the FLI portal. We proactively communicate any delays or issues.
Our claims management clients range from small businesses navigating their first damaged shipment to established manufacturers and distributors managing ongoing loss-and-damage programs across multiple carriers. If your freight is moving regularly and you need a partner who fights for every dollar you’re owed, FLI is built for that.
Every international shipment needs a commercial invoice that contains the description of the commodity, the number of units, and the value prepared by the shipper. Depending on the value of the shipment, FLI will ask for a Letter of Instruction (SLI). A shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI) is generally recommended for all international shipments to ensure accuracy and liability, but it is required for U.S. exports when the shipment value exceeds $2,500 per schedule B number (HTS code).
A shipping document, generated by the shipper/exporter, that provides transportation and documentation instructions for a freight forwarder or carrier. It also usually authorizes the forwarder to act on behalf of the shipper and to transmit Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Automated Export System (AES).
When goods cross a border, the destination country charges import duty (a percentage of the goods' value) and often a local sales tax such as VAT or GST. Who pays depends on the agreement between you and your buyer.
If you ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), you cover the costs, and your buyer receives the goods with no surprise charges. If you ship DAP (Delivered at Place), your buyer pays the duties on arrival.
It depends on the destination and the service you choose. As a general guide, express air freight reaches most major markets in two to five business days; standard air freight takes five to 10 days; sea freight can range from 15 to 35 days.
These estimates cover transit only; customs clearance at the destination adds extra time, typically one to three days for straightforward shipments. Public holidays and peak seasons (October to January) can also cause delays.
Harmonized System (HS) code is standardized worldwide for classifying goods. These digits represent the chapter, heading, and subheading used to identify products in 98% of world trade, ensuring consistent classification across countries before the addition of country-specific digits.
The FLI International team can help you determine the proper HS code.
Some products cannot be shipped internationally at all, and others require special permits or carrier approval.
Common restrictions include lithium batteries (tight rules on air shipments), certain chemicals and aerosols, perishable food items, and goods subject to trade sanctions.
Restrictions vary by destination country. For example, something perfectly legal to export from the UK may be prohibited or heavily regulated in another market.
FLI’s International team can help screen your products before shipment and flag any items that need attention.
Air freight is faster (days rather than weeks) and better suited to smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments. It costs significantly more per kilogram. Sea freight is far more economical for large or heavy shipments, but takes considerably longer.
As a rough guide, if your shipment weighs less than 150kg or is urgently needed, air freight usually makes sense. For full pallets, machinery, or large wholesale orders where time is not critical, sea freight offers much better value.
It is not legally required, but it is strongly advisable.
Carrier liability (the compensation a shipping line or airline pays if goods are lost or damaged) is limited by international convention to a low fixed rate per kilogram. This is rarely enough to cover the actual value of your goods. All-risk cargo insurance covers the commercial invoice value of your shipment and can be arranged by your FLI Account Manager at the point of booking. The cost is typically a small percentage of the shipment value.
