Frequently
Asked Questions
Getting Started
All you need to do is Sign Up online, fill in the required information and your account will be open. At that point, you will be contacted by a FlagShip sales representative in order to validate and finalize the account opening process.
Account setup is 100% free! You can create your shipping account in seconds, with zero obligations and no minimums – Sign Up now.
There are several benefits to working with FlagShip. First and foremost are the discounted rates with Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar, GLS and DHL. With FlagShip, you will have access to shipping rates that only the biggest of shippers have access to. At the same time, you are able to take advantage of FlagShip’s second-to-none customer service. As a small to medium sized company, when you call the courier directly with any shipping issue, sometimes you may be treated as “just another company”. With FlagShip, every time you call our customer service department, you speak to a friendly bilingual agent who will go the extra mile to answer all your questions and ensure that you are satisfied to the fullest because that is what we do best.
No. You must have a FlagShip account in order to access our online shipping system and see the rates. That being said, our sales team would be happy to do quotes with you over the phone in advance of opening an account. They can be reached at 1-866-320-8383 or sales@flagshipcompany.com.
You are able to add as many users to your company’s FlagShip account as you want. You can give individual users full access to everything within the system, or you can restrict users to just shipping or invoicing privileges.
FlagShip Online Shipping System
To create a new shipment with FlagShip you first need to login to our online shipping system.
Once you are in the system, here are the easy steps to creating a shipment:
STEP 1:
- Once you log in, you will be on the dashboard page. From here you can navigate to the new shipment page by clicking the New Shipment button. You will be brought to the new shipment page and your address is automatically defaulted as the shipper in the “Shipper” section.
- The next step is to enter the address of the receiver in the ‘Receiver’ section. By entering the postal code, the city and province will automatically populate for you.
- The next step is to enter the number of packages as well as the weight and dimensions of each package you are shipping. This is done in the Packages section.
STEP 2:
Once this information is complete you will be brought to the rates page. This is where you are able to rate shop and choose the best rate and service for your shipment among all the options provided by the couriers.
STEP 3:
When the shipment has been confirmed you can easily print the labels that need to be put on the package.
It’s that easy to create a shipment with FlagShip!
Yes. You can use the FlagShip online shipping system to ship anywhere in the world that any of our couriers deliver.
To create an international shipment, simply click on the drop down box for the receiver’s country in the “Receiver” section and choose the country that you want to ship to. If the country you are looking for is not on the list it means that the couriers do not offer services in that location.
The next step is to complete the rest of the address information. Many countries do not have postal codes or states/provinces like we do in North America. If that is the case, enter the number 1 in those fields.
Any shipment leaving Canada requires export documents. To create a commercial invoice on the FlagShip online shipping system, the following information is needed:
- Who will pay the duties/taxes
- The reason for export
- A detailed description of the product
- The value (in Canadian or U.S. dollars)
- The country of origin
- The HS code. If you do not have the HS code for the product, this can be left blank and the broker will find the correct code for you. Please note, for shipments destined to any country other than the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands exporters are required to submit the CERS document electronically with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for goods that are valued at $2000.00CDN and more, as well as any controlled, regulated, or prohibited goods of any value. For more information, please click here.
If you do not have your own customs broker, then UPS or FedEx Express will be able to clear the package. If you are shipping by air, the charge for this is included. If you are shipping ground, then the brokerage fees will be billed to your account.
Yes. You can use the FlagShip online shipping system to import a shipment from anywhere in the world.
To create an international import shipment, simply click on the drop down box for the shipper’s country in the “Shipper” section and choose the country that you want to ship to. If the country you are looking for is not on the list, it means that the couriers do not offer services to that location.
The next step is to complete the rest of the address information. Many countries do not have post codes or states/provinces like we do in North America. If that is the case, enter the number 1 in those fields.
Any shipment entering Canada requires export documents. To create a commercial invoice on the FlagShip online shipping system, the following information is needed:
- Who will pay the duties/taxes
- The reason for export
- A detailed description of the product
- The value (in Canada or U.S. dollars)
- The country of origin
- The HS code. If you do not have the HS code for the product, this can be left blank and the broker will find the correct code for you. Please note, for shipments destined to any country other than the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands exporters are required to submit the CERS document electronically with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for goods that are valued at $2000.00CDN and more, as well as any controlled, regulated, or prohibited goods of any value. For more information, please click here.
A pick-up can automatically be scheduled through the FlagShip online shipping system when a new shipment is created. If for any reason you do not want a pick up, you must click “Do not schedule an automatic pickup”.
If you would like to schedule a pickup at a different location, you can do so by clicking the pickup tab and schedule a pickup. If one of your pickups fail and you would like to try again for a new time or date, you can do so at the same place.
If at any time you need help to schedule a pickup, please call FlagShip customer support and we will be happy to help you.
Tracking your shipment is very simple. When you are inside the FlagShip online shipping system, simply click on the word “Shipping” in the menu bar on the left and click on “Manage Shipments” in the drop down.
In the upper right hand corner of the screen, you will find the “Search” button which will open up all the various search options. Enter in the proper filters to find your shipment and, once the shipment appears, click on the blue tracking number and you will be brought directly to the courier’s website where you can see all of the tracking information.
TIP: If your know the tracking number, you can enter it at the top of any page in the tracking number box.
The FlagShip online shipping system offers transit times for all shipments with the exception of FedEx shipments that are delivered outside of Canada. If you require assistance with this type of transit time, please contact FlagShip customer service.
You are able to customize your account preferences by clicking on the “Welcome” link in the upper right hand corner of the FlagShip online shipping system and then clicking on “company preferences”. There are many different ways you can customize your account, including language, default customs broker, pickup location and many more.
There are three ways to store addresses in your personal address book:
- When you create a new shipment and enter the receiver’s address – there is a button to click to save this address in your address book. This address will automatically be available the next time you want to ship to them
- Scroll over “Address, Product & Package Book” in the menu sidebar and click on “Address Book”. Choose shipping addresses and click on view addresses. Click on “Add New Address”. Enter the address information here and this address will also be automatically be available the next time you want to ship to them
- If you have multiple addresses that you want to upload as part of a large group, this can be done by using an excel spreadsheet that we provide. Simply contact FlagShip customer support for directions.
If your package is oversized or you are shipping a pallet or skid, please contact the FlagShip logistics department – dispatch@flagshipcompany.com. They can provide you with all the information that you need for shipping large packages or skids.
All the couriers offer insurance up to $100.00. Should you require additional coverage FlagShip offers in house insurance at a rate of $1.25 per $100 of insurance purchased. This can be requested at the time of creating the shipment. Please view our terms and conditions for more details on our in-house insurance program.
FlagShip’s insurance does not apply to all items. Here is a list of products that cannot be insured:
Glass, Liquids, Fresh food (including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, poultry), live plants, accounts, bills, deeds, evidences of debt, currency, bullion, securities, stamps, jewelry, furs, precious stones, fine arts, tobacco, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, live stocks or mobile phones.
You can easily find and print your shipping label after leaving the shipment confirmation screen. Here’s how:
- Go to the ‘Shipping’ tab
- Select ‘Manage shipments’
- Find the shipment you need to print or reprint the labels for, then click on ‘More’
- A drop-down menu will provide the option to download regular or thermal labels
Rate Shopping
FlagShip offers discount shipping with Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar, GLS and DHL.
With our established relationships with the couriers, we are able to obtain significant discounts due to our high volume of shipments with each courier and pass those savings onto our customers.
FlagShip’s online shipping system allows you to instantly compare discounted shipping rates. Once you enter your shipping details, our system will compare all of the courier rates on one screen. You choose the option you want based on a range of costs and shipping services – it’s as simple as that!
Invoicing
FlagShip invoices are generated and send out every Friday.
Invoices can be paid by credit card directly in your online FlagShip account. For any other forms of payment, you can always contact our Accounting Department at 1-866-320-8383 or invoicing@flagshipcompany.com.
We accept credit card payments, e-mail transfers, cheques, and bank transfers.
Yes. Automatic debits can be scheduled through your FlagShip account. For more information on credit card payments, check out our blog post on paying your FlagShip invoice by credit card.
Differences in price can be a result of a multitude of issues such as Special Handling charges and Address Correction fees. If you ever have any questions regarding your invoices, you can always contact our Customer Service Team who will always be more than happy to assist you or email our invoices department at invoicing@flagshipcompany.com.
SHIPMENT ISSUES
Any time you have an issue with any shipment, always call FlagShip customer service and not the couriers directly. Our representatives will be able to answer any questions that you may have as well as contact the couriers directly on your behalf if necessary.
If you have a shipment that is on hold at the border due to custom clearance, contact FlagShip customer service and we will help you determine what steps need to be taken for the package to clear customs. Often some additional information is required in order to resolve the situation.
If you require any type of courier supplies (i.e. envelopes or boxes) you can email support@flagshipcompany.com and we will place the order with the couriers for you.
In addition, there is a link from the FlagShip website to contact us. One of the options is to order supplies. A list of the available shipping supplies is provided for you. Please note that there is no cost to order supplies from any of the courier companies.
If a shipment is delayed due to bad weather it will be delivered at the next available time. Please note that express shipments are given priority over ground shipments if there is a backlog. The couriers do not credit the shipping costs for anything that is delayed due to natural causes.
If your shipment was not picked up for any reason, the driver does not automatically come back the next day. It is important to contact FlagShip customer service to let us know that you shipment was not picked up. If necessary, we can contact the courier to find out why. We will also be able to reschedule the pick-up for you.
If you have processed a shipment through FlagShip’s online shipping system and selected Purolator as the courier of choice, your shipment pick-up details are automatically sent to Purolator (unless of course you selected ‘do not schedule an automatic pickup’).
FlagShip has been advised that the Purolator driver making your pick up will see FlagShip as the shipper name on their hand held device, not your company name. Some driver’s may not be aware, most experienced drivers are, that if they select the view option on their hand held it will open another window to show the full information for the pick-up location. The full information will have your company details required for pick-up.
If you need further assistance please contact FlagShip at 1-866-320-8383.
FedEx Ground shipments are always picked up the day after the shipment is placed in the FlagShip online shipping system. If it is not the picked up the following day, contact FlagShip customer service and they will set up a pickup for you.
Contact FlagShip customer service and tell them who your custom broker is and it will be added.
Only if your shipment is shipped with a standard or Ground service. All Air shipments are automatically cleared by the selected courier to ensure express service.
PAPERLESS COMMERCIAL INVOICES
You should include key details like the buyer and seller’s information, shipment details, descriptions of the goods being shipped, and the total value of the shipment. It’s important to ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid any customs issues or delays.
You can create a paperless commercial invoice using our online shipping system. When you create your shipment, the system will generate an electronic version of the commercial invoice. The invoice will be submitted automatically to your courier when you confirm your shipment.
Yes, you can use paper-based commercial invoices if you prefer. However, paperless commercial invoices offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, faster processing times, and reduced errors.
Paperless commercial invoices are generally accepted globally, but there may be specific requirements or restrictions for certain countries or shipments.
It depends on the courier or shipping provider you are using and their ability to provide paperless commercial invoices for eligible shipments. Certain products may require additional documentation or permits for international shipping, such as hazardous materials or controlled substances, which may require additional paperwork.
There are specific countries that are eligible for using paperless commercial invoices. This depends on the courier or shipping provider you are using and their ability to accept electronic documents. Generally, major couriers such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS all offer paperless commercial invoices to eligible shipments. Click here to see the list
Yes, there is often a list of eligible sender and receiver countries available, depending on the courier or shipping provider you are using. This can vary, so it’s best to check with your provider for their specific list of eligible countries. Click here to see the list
If the ‘sold to’ address doesn’t match the receiver’s address, the shipment may be excluded from using paperless commercial invoices. This is because the details on the invoice would not match the receiver’s information, potentially causing issues with customs clearance or taxes.
Some shipments may require a physical copy of the commercial invoice due to specific country or product requirements. Certain countries may mandate commercial invoices to be translated into the local language. Additionally, some products may require additional documentation or permits for international shipping, such as hazardous materials or controlled substances.
It depends on the courier or shipping provider you are using and their ability to provide paperless commercial invoices for eligible shipments. However, if there are restrictions or requirements specific to the destination country or product, it’s important to confirm with your shipping provider if paperless commercial invoices are accepted. If not, a physical copy of the commercial invoice may be required.