International logistics has become a strategic factor for any company that exports, imports or manages operations in different countries. It is no longer just about moving products from point A to point B: we are talking about coordinating multiple actors, complying with complex regulations, optimizing times and minimizing risks throughout the international supply chain.
Whether you are an SME just starting to expand beyond its borders or you manage global operations in an established company, understanding how international logistics works is essential to remain competitive, reduce costs and ensure efficient service to the end customer.
In this article we explain exactly what international logistics is, what processes it involves, what its main challenges are and how to outsource it efficiently. We will also look at a practical example and answer frequently asked questions that many companies have when making the leap into global trade.
What is international logistics and why is it key for companies?
International logistics is the set of processes, resources and strategies necessary to plan, execute and control the physical flow of goods, information and documentation between countries.
Its main objective is to ensure that products arrive at the right destination, at the right time, in optimal conditions and in compliance with all international regulations.
How does it differ from national logistics?
Unlike in-country logistics, international logistics involves:
🌍 Border crossing: requires managing customs, tariffs, taxes and regulations specific to the country of origin and destination.
📑 Specialized documentation: such as bill of lading (BL or AWB), commercial invoice, certificate of origin or packing list, among others.
🚢 Intermodality: usually involves a combination of transports (sea, air, land) coordinated at different stages.
🤝 Collaboration with multiple agents: freight forwarders, customs agents, logistics operators, shipping lines, airlines, etc.
Strategic importance of international logistics
International logistics is not just an operational function: it is a competitive advantage that can directly impact a company’s profitability and reputation. Some key reasons for its relevance are:
🌍 Access to global markets: Well-managed logistics enables companies to internationalize, sell in new markets and respond quickly to global demand.
💰 Cost and time reduction: Efficient planning avoids cost overruns due to delays, customs errors, stock-outs or inefficient transportation.
📑 Regulatory compliance and legal certainty: The international environment requires compliance with changing regulations, whether in trade, transportation, security or sustainability. Rigorous logistics minimizes legal risks and sanctions.
🤝 End customer experience: Delivering on time and without incident is vital, even when the customer is thousands of miles away. Logistics is part of the brand promise.
🌱 Sustainability and traceability: Today more than ever, companies need to demonstrate environmental responsibility and control over their global supply chain. This includes more efficient routes, reduced emissions and full shipment traceability.
Main challenges for international logistics in 2025
International logistics is constantly evolving. In 2025, companies operating globally face a particularly complex environment, where geopolitical, technological and regulatory factors require careful planning and a high capacity for adaptation. Below, we take a look at the main challenges affecting international logistics operations today.
1. Customs regulations and international documentation
One of the biggest challenges is regulatory compliance at origin, transit and destination. Each country establishes its own customs, tariff and sanitary requirements, which obliges companies to keep up to date and ensure proper document management.
Examples of critical documentation:
➤ Certificate of origin
➤ Bill of Lading – BL or Air Waybill – AWB
➤ Export/import licenses (when applicable)
➤ Customs declaration (SAD in the EU)
An error in these documents may cause withholdings, fines or even the return of the merchandise.
2. Logistics costs and transport price variability.
International freight rates are highly volatile, influenced by factors such as:
➤ Availability of containers (especially on maritime routes).
➤ Fuel price variations (bunker adjustment factor).
➤ Port congestion or strikes at key logistics nodes.
➤ Currency fluctuations in international markets.
This forces companies to work with flexible cost models and to negotiate rates in advance whenever possible, especially on long-haul contracts.
3. Coordination among multiple logistics agents
An international operation involves many players:
➤ Suppliers and distributors.
➤ Freight forwarders or freight forwarders.
➤ Multimodal transport operators.
➤ Customs brokers.
➤ Local warehousing and distribution companies.
Achieving seamless coordination among all of them is key to avoid inefficiencies, loss of traceability or delivery delays. Digitalization and the use of collaborative platforms are helping to mitigate this challenge, but not all companies still have these processes integrated.
4. Logistics risk management and traceability
Unexpected events such as pandemics, wars, natural disasters or blockages on key routes (such as the Suez Canal) highlight the need for logistics contingency plans and tools that enable real-time traceability.
Today it is required:
➤ Continuous monitoring of the state of charge.
➤ Alerts in case of deviations or incidents.
➤ Visibility of inventories in transit.
➤ Evaluation of logistics suppliers for performance and reliability.
Companies without a global vision of their logistics chain are more vulnerable to crises or operational disruptions.
What processes are involved in international logistics?
International logistics encompasses a set of interrelated processes that enable goods to leave their point of origin in one country and arrive safely, legally and efficiently at their destination in another. Each of these processes must be managed with precision to ensure operational continuity, regulatory compliance and cost-effectiveness of international transportation.
The following are the main processes involved in a typical international logistics operation:
International order planning and management
It all starts with strategic planning of the shipment, which includes:
➤ Validation of product availability.
➤ Determination of quantities and deadlines.
➤ Selection of destination country and optimal routes.
➤ Verification of legal and tariff requirements.
This stage is key to avoid subsequent logistical errors and to adjust the supply chain to the particularities of the destination (language, regulations, commercial preferences, etc.).
Packaging and preparation of goods
Packaging must be adapted to the type of transport, the product and the conditions it may suffer during transit. It is common to use:
➤ Primary and secondary packaging resistant to shock, humidity or temperature changes.
➤ Standardized palletizing (such as europallets or GMA).
➤ Marking with barcodes, shipping labels and international symbols (fragility, orientation, etc.).
Proper packaging not only protects the cargo, but also facilitates customs inspections and handling at origin and destination.
Contracting and execution of international transportation
This process includes the selection of the most efficient mode of transport depending on the type of goods, cost, time and destination:
🚢 Maritime transport: Ideal for large and non-urgent cargoes. Operates in containers (FCL or LCL).
✈️Air freight more expensive but fast, recommended for high value or urgent products.
🚛International land transport: essential on intra-community routes or as a port-to-destination connection.
The booking must be coordinated with the carrier, the issuance of the bill of lading (BL or AWB) and the confirmation of the itinerary.
Customs management and documentation
One of the most critical processes in international logistics is customs compliance. This requires:
Correct tariff classification (TARIC/HS code).
➤ Calculation of taxes, tariffs and duties.
➤ Submission of the documentation required by the authorities.
This process can be carried out by the company directly or through a customs broker. Poor management at this point can lead to delays, immobilization or penalties.
Storage and distribution at destination
Once cleared through customs, the goods can:
➤ Be delivered directly to the end customer.
➤ Temporarily stored in an international distribution center for redistribution at a later date.
This final leg is essential to ensure timely, traceable and efficient delivery, especially in B2B operations with customers who require compliance with deadlines and specific receiving conditions.
When to outsource international logistics and what to consider?
Outsourcing international logistics is a strategic decision that can bring efficiency, flexibility and cost savings to companies. However, not all organizations have the same needs or are at the same level of logistics maturity. Knowing when and how to delegate international logistics management to an external operator is key to ensuring the success of the global operation.
Indicators showing the need to outsource
The following situations are clear signs that a company should consider outsourcing its international logistics:
🔸 Lack of experience in foreign trade: errors in documentation, lack of knowledge of regulations or problems with customs.
🔸 Increased volume of international operations: logistics becomes too complex to manage in-house.
🔸 Increasing costs and lack of control: unforeseen expenses for transportation, storage or penalties.
🔸 Technological limitations: lack of traceability, planning or integration tools with logistics agents.
🔸 International customer service issues: delays, delivery errors, poor visibility of order status.
Benefits of working with a specialized logistics operator
An international logistics provider can add value on multiple levels:
✅ Optimization of routes and modes of transport: better balance between cost, time and safety.
✅ Global network of agents and warehouses: coverage in multiple countries with local knowledge.
✅ Assured customs compliance: expertise in regulations, tariff classification and documentation.
✅ Increased traceability and control: access to digital systems for real-time monitoring.
✅ Reduction of logistics risks: contingency plans, insurance, knowledge of changing regulations.
Key factors when choosing an international logistics provider
Before delegating, it is essential to analyze these aspects:
🔹 Sector specialization: some operators have expertise in specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food or technology.
🔹 Actual geographic coverage: verify whether the operator has its own or outsourced network in key countries.
🔹 Technological capacity: use of management platforms, traceability, integration with ERP or WMS/TMS systems.
🔹 Operational flexibility: possibility to adapt to demand peaks, partial loads or door-to-door services.
🔹 Transparency and reporting: access to logistics KPIs, service levels, detailed costs and proactive alerts.
Practical example: how an SME can optimize its international logistics
Imagine the case of a Spanish SME in the industrial sector that manufactures high-precision mechanical components. Until recently, its sales were domestic, but it has recently signed trade agreements with distributors in Germany, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. This international expansion has put its logistical capacity to the test.
Initial situation
The company managed its overseas shipments internally, but problems soon began to arise:
🚩 Errors in customs documentation, which caused detentions at entry points.
🚩 High transportation costs due to lack of negotiation with international operators.
🚩 Lack of traceability, which made it difficult to inform the customer about the status of the shipment.
🚩 Excessive time spent on administrative tasks, diverting resources from the commercial and financial team.
Solution: outsourcing of international logistics
The company decided to hire a logistics operator specialized in industrial exports. The new partner was in charge of:
📦 Coordinate appropriate packaging for intercontinental transport.
📄 Manage all customs documentation, including tariff classification and necessary certificates.
🚛 Select the optimal mode of transport (sea-air combination according to destination and urgency).
🌍 Ensure real-time traceability and automatic notification to the end customer.
📈 Provide monthly reports on logistics costs, incidents and average delivery times.
Results after 6 months
After half a year of collaboration, the benefits were evident:
✅ 18% reduction in total logisticscosts, thanks to shipment consolidation and better rates.
✅ Disappearance of customs incidents, which accelerated average delivery by 3-5 days depending on destination.
✅ Improved end-customer satisfaction through on-time delivery and proactive communication.
✅40% of the internal team’s time was freed up, allowing them to focus on business expansion.
This case demonstrates that, even for a medium-sized company, well-managed logistics outsourcing makes it possible to scale internationally without losing operational control, improving both efficiency and brand perception in international markets.
How can Across Logistics help you with your international logistics?
Managing international operations requires experience, global infrastructure and the ability to adapt to the complexities of each country, industry and client. At Across Logistics we offer comprehensive logistics solutions designed to support companies in every stage of their international expansion, from the first shipment to the establishment of global supply chains.
Global expertise, local support
With an operational presence in Europe, America and Asia, Across Logistics combines an international network of agents with a specialized local team, enabling it to offer a service adapted to the regulatory, cultural and logistical particularities of each region.
📍 Offices in strategic points of international trade.
🌍 Certified agent network in the main global logistics hubs.
🗣 Multilingual support and knowledge of local customs requirements.
Comprehensive international logistics services
We offer tailor-made logistics solutions, covering all phases of the process:
✈️ International transportation: sea (FCL/LCL), air, land and multimodal.
📦 Storage and distribution: at origin, destination or intermediate, with full traceability.
📄 Complete customs management: tariff classification, SAD, certificates and licenses.
🔄 Door-to-door solutions: from the supplier to the end customer, without unnecessary intermediaries.
📊 Logistics reporting and KPI control: operational visibility and informed decision making.
A strategic partner, not just a supplier
Our goal is not only to move goods, but to become an operational extension of your company, offering:
🔍 Personalized advice to optimize each shipment.
📈 Scalability as your operations grow.
🧘♂️ Operational peace of mind so you can focus on your business, not on logistics.
