How Grainger Exports

Shipping Direct
Grainger can ship direct to you using a small package service or express courier contracted by Grainger. In addition to our standard offering of shipping carriers, including USPS Priority, we offer several carrier options specializing in international delivery: Federal Express Air International Priority and Economy, UPS International Express and DHL International. Specific international carriers are offered online whenever your final shipping destination address does not include the USA, USA APO/FPO or Puerto Rico. We can also ship using your carrier with your account number upon request. These carriers pick up goods at a Grainger facility and ship directly to you. Typically, the carrier collects duties and other related import charges from you while Grainger invoices you for the cost of goods and shipping. Weight limits apply to small package carrier shipments (depending on carrier). For large shipments, we can work with you to arrange alternate shipping methods such as freight forwarding.

Freight Forwarding
For orders over $1,500 USD, Grainger pays for shipping to U.S. freight forwarder location. Using a freight forwarder logistics integrator, you can pre-arrange freight services and designate a forwarder and its corresponding location to where Grainger ships the goods (U.S. port or location). Freight forwarders use air and/or sea transportation and facilitate importation. We can use your preferred forwarder or help you find the most suitable forwarder based on your requirements. Typically, when using your preferred forwarder, all transportation, duties, and related import charges, are collected by the freight forwarder and Grainger invoices you only for the goods.

Total lead-time from order placement to receipt of goods varies depending on your time and budget requirements and your location. Expedited orders can be delivered in as few as two or three days to some locations, however, less expensive surface (ocean) shipments can take several weeks. Shipping lead-time for international trade includes documentation preparation (document requirements vary by country). Most orders for products in stock are filled within 48 hours (two business days). For hard-to-find items not stocked in a Grainger facility, time depends on manufacturer's delivery.

International trade requires additional documentation to allow product entry into many countries. Grainger provides you with the necessary documentation. Some of the common documents include:

 • Commercial Invoice
   Required by the buyer to arrange for payment and to prove ownership of goods.
 • Certificate of Origin
   Certifies the country of origin of goods. Often required to clear customs and for tariff purposes.
 • Packing List
   Contains number and specific contents of packages for all items packed.
 • Bill of Lading
   Contains port and shipper/consignee related information. Airway Bill is required for air shipments.
 • Other miscellaneous documents
   Additional documents may be required depending on the importing country, terms of sale, or specific order
   requirements.

Grainger provides many payment options. Payments are accepted in US Dollars.

 • Credit Card
   Major credit cards accepted are Visa, Master Card and American Express.
 • Wire Transfer
   Please provide proper account routing information.
 • Company Check
   Company checks are made payable to "Grainger."
 • Open Line of Credit
   Open credit lines for authorized accounts. Please contact us for details.
   See the Printable Credit Application.
 • Letter of Credit
   Irrevocable Letters of Credit drawn on a U.S. bank are accepted (allow additional time for processing).
 • Sight Draft

For large orders or multiple orders, upon your request, we work to ensure that goods are consolidated for delivery in a single shipment, saving you money.

Our standard export services include packaging of goods (at no additional cost) to travel long distances. Additional special packaging services are available (for corrosion protection, moisture protection, etc.) as needed. Please contact your Grainger Representative for additional packaging programs and costs. Special packaging may be required for hazardous materials (dangerous goods).

Grainger operates at the highest level of regulations compliance. Restrictions are placed on various goods, locations, and parties. Please understand if we cannot satisfy all requests due to government trade regulations and restrictions.

Grainger complies with U.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations (49CFR) for hazardous materials. We have services to package dangerous goods for international shipments (additional fees may apply). MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for OSHA defined hazardous substances are available online.