5 Myths About International Logistics

Hi there! My name is Alexey Antonov, I’m the founder of an international logistics company called Time Saving Machine. Over the years, we’ve shipped thousands of items all around the globe — from small documents to massive industrial equipment. And every single time, we run into the same thing: people have a ton of myths about international logistics. Let’s clear things up and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1 — Logistics is just moving boxes
Many imagine it like this: a courier picks up the package, it gets loaded onto a plane — and that’s it. In reality, transportation is just the tip of the iceberg. Logistics is dozens of processes: paperwork, customs declarations, insurance, certifications, routing. One wrong line in a form can stop a shipment in its tracks. Sometimes the paperwork takes longer than the delivery itself. And these details decide whether a shipment arrives on time or gets stuck at the border.
Myth 2 — Planes are always faster
At first glance, it’s obvious: planes fly faster than ships. But logistics isn’t just about speed — it’s also about delays, layovers, inspections, and customs clearance. Picture this: your cargo is on a plane, but the flight is delayed for a day, then rerouted, then held at customs for a week. Meanwhile, the ship that left earlier arrives right on schedule. The right choice depends not only on speed but also on reliability and predictability.
Myth 3 — Just packing the goods is enough
This one can be really dangerous. Sure, packaging matters, but it’s not enough. For international shipping you need safety data sheets, customs declarations, certificates. Without them, your cargo can be delayed, returned, or even destroyed. We’ve seen companies lose money and reputation because they skipped the paperwork. For example: a shipment without a compliance certificate sat at the border for a week, spoiled, and became worthless. Total loss — and totally avoidable.
Myth 4 — Dangerous goods can’t be shipped
Quite the opposite. Dangerous goods are shipped all the time: batteries, chemicals, medicine, perfumes, paints, aerosols. This is a huge part of global trade. The rules are just strict: special packaging, triple protection, labeling, dedicated containers, sometimes even escorts. We once shipped a large batch of lithium batteries for industrial equipment — each box had three layers of protection, including a metal frame. All to make sure it arrived safe and sound.
Myth 5 — Delivery always costs more than the goods
Many clients assume international shipping will “eat” half their budget. That’s a myth. In most cases, transportation is just a small fraction of the product’s cost. And with the right route and logistics partner, you can save thousands of dollars. Sometimes optimized logistics even help businesses break into new markets — turning delivery from an expense into a growth tool.
That’s it: five myths that stop people from really understanding how logistics works. International delivery isn’t chaos or magic — it’s rules, experience, and the ability to solve problems even in tricky situations.
If you need reliable shipping — whether documents, samples, equipment, or even dangerous goods — the Time Saving Machine team is here to help. We know how to make sure your shipment arrives on time, intact, and without unnecessary costs. Reach out to us, and see for yourself that international logistics can actually be simple and clear.