Global Reach, Local Expertise
International shipping made simple
International freight forwarding is the coordination of shipping goods across international borders, managing the complex web of carriers, customs regulations, documentation, and logistics that global trade demands. As your freight forwarder, Continental TDS serves as the single point of contact that orchestrates every leg of the international journey—from your supplier's dock overseas to your warehouse door in the United States, or vice versa.
We offer both air freight for time-sensitive shipments and ocean freight for cost-effective bulk transport. Whether you need a single pallet shipped by air from Europe or a full container load arriving by sea from Asia, we handle the booking, documentation, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery so you can focus on your business.
Our global agent network covers major trade lanes across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with our domestic warehousing and distribution capabilities in Fredericksburg, VA, we provide true end-to-end international logistics for importers and exporters of all sizes.
International Freight Services
Air and ocean shipping with complete logistics support
Air Freight
Express and standard air cargo services for time-sensitive international shipments. Next-flight-out, consolidated, and charter options with transit times from 1-5 days worldwide.
Ocean Freight
Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) ocean shipping on all major trade lanes. Cost-effective for large or heavy shipments with 2-6 week transit times.
Documentation
Complete international shipping documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, shipper's export declarations, and letters of credit.
Customs Clearance
Import and export customs clearance at U.S. ports of entry. Tariff classification, duty calculation, and compliance with CBP and partner government agency requirements.
Incoterms Advisory
Expert guidance on Incoterms 2020 (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.) to clarify buyer and seller responsibilities, risk transfer points, and cost allocation for your international transactions.
Cargo Insurance
Comprehensive marine cargo insurance options to protect your goods against loss or damage during international transit by air or ocean. All-risk and named-perils coverage available.
How It Works
From origin country to your door
Quote & Book
Tell us where your goods are, where they need to go, and when. We provide competitive air and ocean rates and book space with the optimal carrier for your timeline and budget.
Pickup & Export
We coordinate cargo pickup at origin, handle export documentation and customs clearance, and load your goods onto the vessel or aircraft.
Transit & Tracking
Your shipment moves across the ocean or through the air while we monitor progress, manage documentation, and prepare for import clearance at the destination port.
Clear & Deliver
We clear your goods through U.S. Customs, arrange domestic transportation, and deliver to your warehouse, distribution center, or end customer.
International Freight FAQs
Air freight is best for time-sensitive, high-value, or lightweight shipments where speed justifies the higher cost—typically 3 to 10 times more expensive per kilogram than ocean. Ocean freight is ideal for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments where cost savings outweigh longer transit times (2-6 weeks). Many businesses use a combination: ocean for regular inventory replenishment and air for urgent orders or peak-season surges. We can help you determine the right balance.
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container (20-foot or 40-foot) exclusively for your cargo. It is more cost-effective per unit for large shipments and offers faster transit since there is no consolidation or deconsolidation. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shippers. LCL is ideal when you do not have enough volume to fill a container. It costs more per cubic meter but less in total for smaller shipments.
Standard international shipping documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), and certificate of origin. Depending on the product and destination, you may also need import/export licenses, phytosanitary certificates, FDA prior notice, or other regulatory documents. Our team handles all documentation preparation and ensures everything is accurate and complete before your shipment moves.
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardized trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions. They determine who pays for freight, insurance, customs, and at what point risk transfers from seller to buyer. Common terms include FOB (Free On Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Choosing the right Incoterm affects your total landed cost, risk exposure, and logistics responsibilities.
Ready to Get Started?
Get competitive international freight rates and expert logistics support from Continental TDS.