Use the calculator above to estimate the costs of international shipping from the United States with LCL freight. Just select your destination country.

What is the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) in international shipping from the USA?

If the total value of outbound goods from the United States exceeds $2,500, a U.S. Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing, formerly known as a Shipper's Export Declaration, must be submitted.

This regulatory requirement applies whether you're sending commercial freight, mailing personal items, or relocating household goods to an overseas destination.

With our online freight calculator, overseas shippers can choose to manage the AES filing and obtain the ITN themselves, or have our logistics team file it on their behalf for a $35 fee. Outsourcing this documentation ensures accuracy and compliance with federal trade laws.

The ITN is an Automated Export System (AES)-generated number assigned to a shipment, confirming that the export data has been accepted and is on file. This number should be included on any ocean bill of lading or carrier document to enable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to retrieve the shipment details if necessary.

If you request that we file your export documents, you must provide your EIN (U.S. tax ID) or a copy of the foreign shipper's passport (not a U.S. passport), which must include a clear photo and the passport number. This identification is mandatory for all AES submissions.

Please do not be confused by these CBP requirements. Years ago, U.S. Customs ceased accepting U.S. passports and Social Security numbers (SSNs) for international cargo transportation. All domestic entities must now use an EIN.

If you are a citizen of the United States without an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can immediately obtain one through the IRS website. It is a straightforward process without further obligations. Follow this link to see how to register for an EIN for your international cargo needs.

You can find more relevant information about SED.