Starting to ship commercial goods from Israel? Begin with the sale and the receiving plan, then choose transport. The quote is only useful when the seller, buyer and freight providers agree who will prepare the goods, arrange each leg, handle export and import formalities, and pay the relevant charges.
1. Define the transaction and destination
Record the seller, buyer, final delivery address, receiving contact, goods description, value, ready date and target arrival window. Agree the delivery term and named place in the sales contract. ICC Incoterms® 2020 explain allocation of tasks, costs and risk between buyer and seller; the selected rule must be applied to a precise place and does not replace the sale contract. Confirm who will act as importer at destination rather than assuming that a transport quotation settles it.
2. Prepare the goods and documents
List the quantity, commodity, packed dimensions and gross weight for each piece. State whether the figures are estimates, and flag batteries, dangerous or controlled goods, fragile items, unusual dimensions or lifting needs. Check the destination’s import requirements and any applicable Israeli export controls for the actual product with the responsible parties before dispatch. The Israel Tax Authority’s export information is a starting point for official guidance; product-specific conditions need separate verification.
Make the commercial invoice, packing list and shipping instructions consistent about goods, parties, quantities and values. Decide who approves the final documents and who provides any certificate or licence required for the transaction.
3. Compare complete transport proposals
Ask for available courier, air freight and ocean freight options for the packed cargo and dates. For ocean freight, compare a shared-container LCL service with an FCL booking only when both are suitable for the load. For each proposal, identify collection, export handling, freight, destination handling, import coordination, storage, insurance and delivery. Distinguish confirmed prices from estimates and taxes that require a separate determination.
Compare the actual start and end points of the proposed transit time. A flight or vessel arrival estimate is not the same as delivery after release and inland transport. Confirm who will notify the parties if a booking, document or schedule changes.
4. Confirm the handovers before dispatch
Record when and where the packed goods are handed over, the transport reference, document release process, destination receiver and contact for exceptions. Keep one approved version of the instructions. If packing, address or receiving hours change, ask the provider to review the effect on cost and timing before cargo moves.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a freight quote before the goods are packed?
Yes. Mark sizes, weight and readiness as estimates, and ask which details must be final before a booking can be accepted.
Does the forwarder automatically become the exporter or importer?
No. Identify the legal parties and the professional scope separately. A forwarder can coordinate agreed transport tasks, while export, import and customs representation depend on the actual arrangements and applicable rules.
For a more detailed coordination checklist, see how to organise a shipment from Israel. To discuss a particular export, send the cargo, destination, packed details and agreed delivery scope; use an agreed secure channel for sensitive documents.
