How it works

The shipping process, step by step

Every stage answers four questions: what is happening, what it means, whether you need to do anything, and what happens next.

  1. Calculate or request a quote

    What is happening
    You describe the route, packages and goods, using the calculator or the quote form.
    What it means
    We learn enough about your shipment to choose a suitable service. An online estimate is not a confirmed price.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Give accurate weights, dimensions and a clear description of the goods.
    What happens next
    A coordinator reviews your request and replies by email, usually with a confirmed quote or a few questions.
  2. Confirm shipment details

    What is happening
    We check addresses, package details and any special requirements with you.
    What it means
    Accurate details prevent delays, re-weighing charges and customs problems.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Reply to any questions and confirm the sender and recipient contact details.
    What happens next
    You receive the service, price and conditions to review.
  3. Review the service, charges and conditions

    What is happening
    You see the itemised price, what is included and excluded, and the applicable terms.
    What it means
    This is the point to ask questions. Duties, taxes and some local charges may be billed separately.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Read the quote and terms carefully. Ask about anything that is unclear.
    What happens next
    If you accept, we proceed to booking.
  4. Complete the booking

    What is happening
    We book the shipment with the selected carrier or transport partner.
    What it means
    Your shipment now has a Crownline reference. Payment is arranged in writing with your coordinator.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Follow the booking instructions you receive, including any payment instructions.
    What happens next
    You receive your shipment reference and private tracking code.
  5. Receive your reference and tracking code

    What is happening
    Your coordinator sends a tracking code that starts with CL.
    What it means
    The code lets you, and anyone you share it with, see confirmed milestones. It does not reveal addresses or the value of the goods.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Keep the code private and share it only with people who need it.
    What happens next
    Prepare the shipment for collection or drop-off.
  6. Prepare the shipment and documents

    What is happening
    You pack the goods and gather any documents we have asked for, such as a commercial invoice for international shipments.
    What it means
    Good packaging prevents damage. Missing documents are the most common cause of customs delays.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Pack securely, attach labels as instructed and have documents ready at collection.
    What happens next
    The carrier collects the shipment or you drop it off.
  7. Follow collection, transit, customs and delivery

    What is happening
    Each confirmed milestone appears on the tracking page as it is reported.
    What it means
    Gaps between updates are normal on long legs. Problems are shown separately as issues, with an explanation.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Check the tracking page. Act on any request shown, for example to confirm an address or provide a document.
    What happens next
    The shipment goes out for delivery.
  8. Delivery confirmed

    What is happening
    The carrier or our team records delivery with evidence, such as a proof-of-delivery reference.
    What it means
    Only at this point does the tracking page show 100% and “Delivered”.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Check the goods on arrival and report any visible damage straight away.
    What happens next
    On request, we can provide a shipment summary for your records.
  9. Get help or report a problem

    What is happening
    If something goes wrong, our team investigates with the carrier.
    What it means
    Prompt reports give the best chance of a good outcome, especially for damage claims.
    Do you need to do anything?
    Contact us with your shipment reference, a description and photos if relevant.
    What happens next
    We confirm receipt and keep you updated on the investigation.

Ready to start?

Estimate your shipment or send us the details for a confirmed quote.