When a package is shipped internationally, it goes through several milestones, which may vary depending on the shipping carrier, the destination country, and the type of package being shipped. However, some common milestones that a package may go through are:
- Package acceptance: This is the first milestone and occurs when the package is picked up by the shipping carrier or dropped off at a shipping location.
- Departure from country of origin: After the package is accepted, it will be transported to a shipping hub in the country of origin, where it will be prepared for international shipping.
- Arrival at destination country: Once the package leaves the country of origin, it will travel through various transportation modes until it reaches the destination country.
- Customs clearance: This is an essential milestone for all international shipments. The package will go through customs inspection, and the customs officials will assess the package's contents, value, and other relevant information.
- Duty/Tax Collection (if applicable): If duties and/or taxes are due the carrier will contact the recipient to collect payment prior to delivery. It is critical that a valid phone number and email address are provided on international shipments for this reason.
- Delivery to the local carrier (if applicable): After customs clearance, if the package was shipped with a consolidated carrier like Passport or UPS Mail Innovations, it will be handed over to the local carrier, typically the local postal authority, responsible for delivering it to the final destination.
- Final delivery: This is the last milestone, and it occurs when the package is delivered to the recipient.
It's important to note that these milestones are not set in stone and may vary depending on several factors, such as the shipping carrier's policies and procedures, the destination country's regulations, and the package's contents.