5 Common Issues That Can Disrupt International Shipments — and How to Prevent Them
In this article, we speak with Nelli Grzes, a Sales Manager at Anchor Express who has been working in the
In this article, we speak with Nelli Grzes, a Sales Manager at Anchor Express who has been working in the international logistics industry for the past five years. As an active member of the Anchor Express team, Nelli works closely with clients and internal teams to support ongoing partnerships and ensure smooth, reliable service across global shipments.
Through hands-on experience in international shipping, she has developed a strong understanding of the day-to-day challenges, common pitfalls, and key details that can impact global deliveries. In this interview, Nelli shares practical observations and lessons learned from her work in the field, offering insights that businesses may find helpful when navigating international logistics.
1. What are the most common mistakes U.S. companies make when shipping internationally, and how can they avoid them?
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the complexity of international shipping. Many U.S. companies assume global freight operates the same way as domestic transportation, which leads to issues such as incomplete documentation, incorrect Incoterms, misclassified Harmonized System codes, and unrealistic transit expectations.
Another frequent issue is focusing solely on freight cost rather than total landed cost. This can result in unexpected customs duties, demurrage, detention, or compliance penalties.
These mistakes can be avoided by working with an experienced freight forwarder early in the process—before contracts are signed or cargo is booked. Proper shipment planning, accurate classification, and clear responsibility alignment between shipper, consignee, and forwarder are critical to avoiding costly delays and compliance risks.
2. How do global regulations and customs requirements impact delivery timelines, and how do you help clients navigate them?
Global regulations and customs requirements have a direct impact on transit times. Customs clearance delays are often caused by inaccurate documentation, missing data, or lack of compliance with country-specific regulations such as import licenses, Food and Drug Administration requirements, or security filings.
We help clients navigate these challenges by taking a proactive compliance-first approach. This includes pre-reviewing documentation, validating Harmonized System codes and customs values, and coordinating closely with overseas agents and customs brokers before cargo arrives. By addressing regulatory requirements upfront rather than reactively, we significantly reduce clearance delays and protect clients from fines or shipment holds.
3. What factors should a business consider when choosing a logistics partner for international shipments?
Beyond pricing, businesses should evaluate a logistics partner’s expertise, reliability, and global network. Key considerations include regulatory knowledge, customs compliance capabilities, responsiveness, and the ability to provide consistent communication throughout the shipment lifecycle.
A strong logistics partner should act as an extension of the client’s supply chain—not just a service provider. This means offering strategic guidance, anticipating risks, and providing tailored solutions based on the client’s industry, cargo type, and shipping lanes. Transparency and accountability are just as important as competitive rates.
4. How has international logistics changed in the last few years, and what trends should businesses be prepared for 2026-2027?
Over the past few years, international shipping has shifted from being mainly about finding the lowest cost to becoming a critical part of managing risk in the supply chain. Political tensions, tighter government rules, crowded ports, and labor shortages have made global transportation more unpredictable and complex.
Looking ahead to 2026–2027, businesses should expect this uncertainty to continue, along with higher expectations for transparency and responsibility throughout the shipping process. Government requirements for security, customs paperwork, and trade compliance are likely to become stricter. At the same time, companies will need to focus not just on shipping prices, but on the total cost of getting goods delivered safely and on time.
Other important trends include sourcing products from multiple regions instead of relying on one country, using data and technology to plan shipments more effectively, and working more closely with trusted logistics partners. Businesses that build flexible shipping routes, stay ahead of compliance requirements, and develop strong relationships with experienced providers will be better prepared to handle disruptions and keep their operations running smoothly.
5. Can you share an example where the right logistics strategy helped a client save time or costs on international shipping?
One example that highlights the impact of the right logistics strategy involved an automotive manufacturer importing critical components from Asia to Mexico, with transit through the U.S. They faced a tight timeline, and delays could have disrupted production and caused significant costs.
We designed a tailored solution using a combination of expedited air and ocean freight, along with strategic transshipment through the U.S. We also coordinated with customs brokers in both countries and provided end-to-end monitoring to proactively manage potential delays.
As a result, the shipment arrived on time, customs clearance went smoothly, and the client avoided costly production downtime. This example shows how proactive planning, visibility, and expertise in international logistics can save both time and money for clients.
Finding a reliable partner in the logistics industry can be a complex task. Anchor Express takes that responsibility off your shoulders by caring for your cargo and offering the most efficient shipping solutions by land, sea, and air. With 24/7 customer support and deep expertise in international logistics, we ensure your goods are delivered safely, on time, and under the best possible conditions.
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