> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.tunl.to/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # How to Book a Shipment with TUNL Booking your first international shipment? You’re in the right place. This guide walks you through each step of the booking flow, so you can ship with confidence and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in. ### 🎥 Prefer to Watch Instead? For more visual learners, please check out our video guide here: 👉 [How to book shipments using TUNL’s platform](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/how-to-book-shipments-using-tunls-platform-z1eqyk/) --- ### 1. Sign up or sign in to your TUNL profile 🧾 It’s free and only takes 2 minutes. 👉 [Log in or create your account here](https://app.tunl.to/) --- ### 2. From Details: Who’s Shipping? ✈️ We pre-fill your **sender (from) information** using the details you provided when signing up. Double-check that: * Your **email address** is correct and actively monitored * Your **phone number** is reachable ||| 📣 *Why it matters:* If there's an issue with your shipment - customs delays, delivery questions, or anything else - this is how we’ll reach you. ###### 🔐 Note on Business Names & Exporter Codes If you signed up using your **ID** (not an exporter code), you won’t be able to ship under a business name. To ship as a business, you’ll need an **exporter code**. [Learn how to get an exporter code](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/why-getting-an-exporter-code-is-a-game-changer-for-south-african-smes-g9xog2/) → Want to update your business details? [Check this article on updating your sender info](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/how-to-update-your-business-details-on-the-tunl-app-ua9vgk/) → --- ### 3. To Details: Your Customer’s Info 📬 Enter the **recipient (to) details**, including: * Full name or business name * Accurate address * Correct contact number and email ||| 📣 *Why it matters:* Our carriers may contact your customer for delivery instructions, customs fees, or clearance. Wrong info = delays (and headaches). --- ### 4. Parcel Details 📦 Here’s where you tell us what you’re shipping. ###### Currency Choose the currency you want to use. | 💡 Pro tip: Choose the **destination country’s currency** to avoid conversion fees. ###### Contents Type * **Merchandise** – Selling goods internationally? This is your option. * **Samples** – Only choose this for **free** items. Misdeclaring commercial items as samples can lead to penalties. [More on shipping samples](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/shipping-samples-what-south-african-smes-need-to-know-5zpacb/) → * **Documents** – For non-sale items like passports. You can declare a value of R1. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/a/5/b/ea5b318969f4c800/screenshot-2025-06-26-at-16013_1y6wvou.png =644xauto) --- ### 5. Invoice and References 🧾 * **Invoice Number** – Use your sales invoice number. Shopify users often use the Shopify order number. * **Product Reference** – Add any custom reference. If you have an **IOSS number** or other customs ID, drop it here so it shows on your waybill/invoice. *(Psst—we’re working on adding a dedicated field for these.)* --- ### 6. Parcel Dimensions 📐 Here’s where you tell us **how your parcel is packed** and provide the weight and dimensions needed to calculate accurate shipping rates. ###### Product Type First, select the type of goods you are shipping: * **Soft materials / fabric / apparel** – Clothing, textiles, and other soft items. * **Hard edged / bulky goods** – Items with rigid shapes such as ceramics, electronics, or boxed products. Selecting the correct product type helps determine whether parcel **dimensions are required**. ###### Package Type Next, choose the packaging used for your shipment: * **Flyerbag ≤ 2.5kg** – Best for soft goods like apparel under 2.5kg. * **Flyerbag** – For larger soft goods shipments. * **Box** – For hard or bulky items packed in a box. 💡 **Pro tip:** Most apparel shipments use **Flyerbag ≤ 2.5kg**, where only the parcel weight is required. ###### Weight and Dimensions Enter the **parcel weight**, and add dimensions if required. Couriers calculate shipping costs based on either: * **Actual weight**, or * **Volumetric weight (parcel size)** ||| To avoid carrier adjustments after scanning, select the correct parcel type and provide accurate dimensions and weight where required. If the carrier records larger dimensions than entered, TUNL will invoice the difference based on the carrier’s scanned measurements. [Learn more →](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/why-you-might-get-rebilled-for-a-shipment-1xooaz2/) ###### When Only Weight Is Required You usually only need to enter **weight** when shipping: * Soft goods (apparel or textiles) * In a **Flyerbag ≤ 2.5kg** * Where the parcel is not bulky ###### When Dimensions Are Required You must provide **length, width, and height** when shipping: * **Boxes** * **Flyerbags over 2.5kg** * **Hard or bulky items** Providing accurate parcel details helps avoid **carrier adjustments after scanning.** ###### Multiple Parcels Click **Add Parcel** if your shipment contains more than one parcel. --- ### 7. Declare Your Items 📃 Now list what’s inside your parcel: ###### Customs Description Use a clear, specific description (e.g. “Mens Cotton t-shirts” instead of “Clothing”). [Tips on writing great customs descriptions](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/understanding-customs-descriptions-and-hs-codes-16khn4r/) → ###### HS Code Once you enter a description, we’ll auto-generate an HS Code. Copy and paste it into the HS Code field. | 💡 Pro Tip: Always read the short description beneath the generated HS Code to confirm it accurately describes your product. If it doesn’t look right, try being more specific in your product description (e.g. “bovine leather handbag” instead of just “bag”) to get a better match. [Learn more about HS Codes](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/what-is-an-hs-code-and-hts-code-sez7qh/) → ###### Product Details * **Weight** – Must be less than or the same as total parcel weight * **Value** – Be honest; misdeclaring value is illegal, and can lead to fines for you or your client * **Country of Origin** – Where your product was made ###### ⚠️ Shipping Consumables or Skincare Products? If you’re shipping **anything that can be eaten, ingested, or applied to the skin** (think supplements, food, cosmetics, etc.), many destination countries will require extra documentation, like an **MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)** or product safety certificate. 📄 These docs are often **mandatory for customs clearance**. ❓Not sure if your product qualifies? If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to our support team via Whatsapp [here](http://wa.link/gpiyz3) or on chat [here](https://tunl.to#crisp-open). 👉 [Read our helpdesk article on MSDS and required supporting docs](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/what-is-an-msds-a-must-have-for-international-shipping-from-south-africa-1ovc2o1/) → --- ### 8. Choose a Carrier 🚚 You’ll choose between: * **FedEx / UPS Express** – Door-to-door collection and delivery * **TUNL Economy** – Only for USA. You’ll send your parcel to us first. [Sending to us? Here’s how](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/where-and-how-to-drop-off-your-tunl-shipment-1qsck8g/) → --- ### 9. Optional Extras 🧳 ###### Signature on Delivery Add this if your parcel can’t be left unattended. Great for countries with higher theft risks. [Learn about signature-on-receipt →] ###### Shipment Protection Highly recommended for high-value items. It’s an affordable peace of mind, and if you don’t opt in, TUNL won’t cover losses. [See our shipment protection policy](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/tunl-shipment-protection-what-it-covers-and-how-to-claim-xm4b8d/) → --- ### 10. Incoterms (Customs Charges) 💰 Choose who pays customs: * **DAP (Delivered at Place)** – Your customer pays before delivery * **DDP (Delivered Duties Paid)** – You pay upfront at checkout You’ll see an estimated **breakdown of customs charges** before booking. [Incoterms explained →] [What affects customs fees? Learn about de minimis values](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/de-minimis-values-l5lw7j/) → --- ### 11. Review & Confirm ✅ 🚨 *Final step:* Check every detail before clicking “Buy Label”. We can try to correct small errors (like address tweaks) after booking, but there’s often an extra charge - and no guarantees. ✅ Tick the box to confirm everything’s correct 🎉 Click **Buy Label** - and you’re done! --- ### 12. After Booking 🖨️ You’ll now see your **booked shipment**. * **Download and print your waybill** * **Attach your waybill securely** to your parcel ###### Commercial Invoices: * **FedEx** – No need to print * **UPS** – Print **3 copies** to hand over to the driver. They do not need to be attached to your parcel. Customs will use your commercial invoice to clear the shipment out of South Africa, and into the destination country. --- ### Want TUNL Rates at Checkout? 🛍️ 🚀 **Selling on Shopify or WooCommerce?** You can display **TUNL shipping rates directly at checkout** so your customers know their international delivery options upfront. 👉 [Check out this helpdesk article on our integration options, their differences and benefits](https://help.tunl.to/en/article/which-integration-option-is-best-for-my-business-9u5257/) → --- ### 🦸‍♀️ Have more questions? We're here to help! If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to our support team via Whatsapp [here](http://wa.link/gpiyz3) or on chat [here](https://tunl.to#crisp-open). --- **Keywords:** book a shipment | how to book shipment TUNL | TUNL shipping guide | international shipping South Africa | ship parcels with TUNL | export from South Africa | import into South Africa | courier service South Africa | shipping steps TUNL | create shipment online | TUNL dashboard help | how to export goods SA | how to import goods into SA | step by step shipping | book international courier | online shipment booking | TUNL booking process | ship overseas from SA | ship overseas to SA | SA eCommerce shipping | affordable export shipping | affordable import shipping | shipping help TUNL | schedule shipment South Africa | sending parcel abroad SA | TUNL support booking | eCommerce shipping platform | export logistics platform | import logistics platform | shipping tutorial TUNL | guide to booking a parcel