Shipping into the USA continues to evolve with regulatory changes challenging even the most experienced importers. A case in point of the challenges faced by Fedex and UPS. The necessity of providing timely documentation -and in their case at scale - is a new demand being made for importers. As well as to those companies shipping to the United States.
Well, the discussion often centres on the rate of duty, the greatest challenge has been new strict regulations with respect to classification, a more complex, tariff code, and required documentation. Fedex and UPS have both updated their policies, reflecting both their challenges as well as the expectation from their customers. Let's start with UPS.
UPS has tightened their procedures when an shipment is missing information necessary to make entry. If the required information made available within 5 days of the import date, the shipment will be removed from the UPS network.
While UPS promises to reach the shipper or consignee, it is more critical than ever to track each shipment. When you see a clearance delay, document your attempts to contact UPS to if any additional information or documentation is required.
After the five day limit, UPS Global Business System systems (GBS) will provide the option to return the goods to origin (at the shippers expense) or abandonment. Note some exceptions to this policy may apply, for example, for healthcare shipments.
If UPS proves they made reasonable attempts to communicate what was needed for clearance, no refund will be issued. Both the original shipping cost and cost of return are therefore considered nonrefundable.
Even if you cancel a shipment prior to importing, UPS may charge a pre-clearance charge. UPS defends this charge as a way to cover the cost of "pre-clearance.” Basically, they argue there is a cost associated with reviewing, validating and preparing a shipment entry. And this cost is incurred even if entry itself is not made.
Note when shipping via UPS: If a shipment wascancelled after UPS has already begun pre-clearance work, you may be billed for the brokerage.
FedEx has announced an entry must be made within 10 days of a shipments arrival. If Fedex is unable to obtain the necessary documents within 10 days., the shipment will be returned. The shipper will be charged both for the shipment to the United States and for the return back to origin.
This change reduces the time available to resolve clearance issues, increasing the risk of costly returns.
In short, shipper beware. Missing an incomplete paperwork is simply too costly to overlook. A JetShip Worldwide we help our clients follow their shipments. We also advise that necessary paperwork that will likely be needed. And we follow up with the carrier to define if any paperwork is missing.
Honestly, it's really quite simple. But the new rules are catching both shippers and importers off guard. Many imports in 2025 and beyond require documentation that simply was not as strictly required beforehand. This is especially true for low value shipments.
Learn More: Import Guide to the United States
The best way to protect your business is to get documentation right the first time:
Shipping to the United States has never been more complex. Our team includes licensed US Customs brokers, logistics experts, and innovative import processes.
The landscape for cross-border shipping to the USA is shifting. Real time tracking of your shipments to the USA is more important the ever.