A trip or stay in Thailand almost certainly will necessitate at least one package shipped back to your home country. Whether it's a personal letter, a box for work, or extra belongings from a shopping splurge, you'll want the cheapest international shipping rates from a trusted carrier.
First, let's learn how to deliver packages to any country, including packing your items and filling out the necessary paperwork. Then we'll cover how to choose the most reliable shipping company and the standard shipping policies used by Thai authorities while transporting your shipment abroad.
Visit the Thai Customs website for detailed information on importing and exporting.
If you are looking to send a package TO Thailand, read this article.
More caution must be taken when sending a package internationally to prevent damage. Throughout the world, goods are subjected to various mistreatment by shipping firms, and international shipping from Thailand is no exception. Simply marking a package as fragile won't stop careless handling.
Water damage is one factor to think about, and it's one that's often overlooked. Wrapping objects with plastic before packaging them is an excellent habit. With this, your possession is less likely to get wet.
Another factor to consider is the heat. Shipping containers can get quite hot. You should plan on your stuff getting to a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. So, remember before sending perishables that extreme temperatures could damage.
There are scenarios where you may not be responsible for packing and shipping your item(s). In those cases, you should inquire who will handle your package preparation and how. That way, you can have them take a photo of the packaging method and the final result before shipping for your approval.
If you want to be confident your items are packed with the utmost care and arrive at their destination unscathed, you may consider hiring a shipping company to handle this task.
You will have to include a Customs Declaration form when sending packages from Thailand. Include the names and addresses of both the sender and the recipient and the item's description, quantity, and value on the shipping label. There are shippers out there who may offer assistance in completing the document.
Container shipping and freight forwarding are your best options if you're shipping a lot of stuff or moving a whole house's worth.
Container shipping uses freight containers on freighter ships. It's great for moving massive quantities of products or large items like vehicles, motorcycles, furniture, building supplies, etc.
Two options exist for container shipping:
FCL = Full Container Load
LCL = Less than Container Load
LCL means buying 1 m3 of container space, so you only pay for a small portion of a larger container. Therefore it's cheaper. This is ideal for people with substantial goods but not enough to require a whole container.
LCL shipping requires waiting until the container is full to ship. Therefore, you may have to wait months until the container is loaded and ready to ship.
FCL entails loading a 30-m3 container with products. You'll have more control over when and where the container is sent (and filled).
Shipping costs depend on how much you fill the container. For example, a 20-foot container from Bangkok to NYC costs approximately $800 and a 40-foot container between $3,500 and $4,000; add $50 to $100 for insurance per container type and taxes, which are determined by shipped items' value. Some shipping businesses offer all-inclusive services and let you choose between full personal container loads and shared consignments.
Those considering container transportation must choose a freight forwarder. Freight forwarders function as intermediaries between customers and commercial freight shipping companies. A freight forwarder will find a shipper, negotiate shipping charges, prepare the proper documentation, track the consignment, store it, and help with inland transportation. They have industry connections and shipping logistical expertise.
There are various private and government-funded shippers in Thailand. The services below are the most popular. However, these services only work for small international shipments.
Thailand Post is the principal delivery system. Most Thai sub-districts have branches, so finding a branch shouldn't be difficult.
Thailand Post offers International Registered, EMS, and LogisPost World. Registered is inexpensive but slow and offers limited tracking. EMS World is like other express carriers. LogisPost handles 20-200kg parcels.
You can opt for insured, tracked shipment; however, the coverage is limited. In addition, claims are hard to make without supplementary insurance.
DHL ships express globally, but it's more expensive and lacks offices outside Bangkok. Therefore, If a shipment is headed to territory without a DHL office, another provider delivers it, invalidating DHL's tracking feature.
DHL offers Express and Express Worldwide for international shipping. The only difference is delivery speed - Express is slower. It also provides insured shipping.
FedEx is in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima. It's reliable, fast, and provides numerous shipping alternatives. It ships ground, air, and sea. In addition, it has Customs Critical shipping, which speeds up customs clearance and has the option of temperature-controlled shipment.
FedEx packages are trackable and insurable.
You can find UPS in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Like FedEx, it's famous for international shipping and offers similar services.
Customs sometimes delay products sent from Thailand. Thailand is a significant source of drugs, contraband, and counterfeit; hence many countries detain packages from Thailand longer than usual. These parcels are searched more thoroughly than those from other countries like Germany. Your shipment will likely be held up at customs at the port of arrival, delaying when the receiver gets it.
Protect your belongings with shipping insurance. The cost will depend on the item types, CIF value, original and destination ports, and which carrier you choose.
Shipping insurance covers theft, water-damaged, weather-damaged, or accident-damaged goods. Professional packing is required for full coverage.
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