Export Documents – Letter of Credit – Insurance

Export documents legalization, letters of credit, and cargo insurance provided by Texas Global Services give you peace of mind for successful international shipments. Led by Diana Stinson and her professional team, we guide Houston-based and international clients through the complexities of export documentation, payment guarantees, and cargo protection.

Whether you’re exporting from Houston to overseas markets or importing to the United States, we coordinate the paperwork and insurance coverage your shipment requires. Your freight is our number one priority.

Available 7 days a week. 

Why Choose Texas Global Services

Responsive Communication – We answer phones and emails seven days a week, including weekends.

22 Years of Experience – We have handled export documentation and coordinated cargo insurance for international shipments across the globe.

Global Agent Network – Trusted freight agents in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Asia, and Latin America who understand international documentation requirements.

Single Point of Contact – Work directly with Diana or Leslie throughout the entire process.

Export Documents Legalization

Legalization is the process of authenticating or certifying legal documents so that a foreign country’s legal system recognizes them with full legal effect. Authentication by legalization is widely used in international commerce.

When you export goods, certain countries require legalized documents such as commercial invoices, certificates of origin, or bills of lading. We guide you through the legalization process and coordinate with the appropriate authorities to ensure your documents are properly authenticated for the destination country.

What We Do: We identify which documents require legalization based on your destination country, coordinate with consulates or chambers of commerce, and ensure documents are properly certified before your shipment departs.

What You Provide: Original documents that need legalization, including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, or other required paperwork.

Letters of Credit

A letter of credit, also known as a documentary credit or bankers commercial credit, is a payment mechanism used in international trade. Letters of credit are one of the most versatile and secure instruments available to international traders.

A letter of credit is a commitment by a bank on behalf of the importer (foreign buyer) that payment will be made to the beneficiary (exporter), provided the terms and conditions stated in the letter of credit have been met, as evidenced by the presentation of specified export documents.

Confirmed vs. Advised Letters of Credit

A letter of credit issued by a foreign bank is sometimes confirmed by a U.S. bank. This confirmation means that the U.S. bank (the confirming bank) has added its promise to that of the foreign bank (the issuing bank) to pay the exporter.

If a letter of credit is not confirmed, it is advised through a U.S. bank, and the document is called an advised letter of credit. U.S. exporters may wish to have letters of credit confirmed through a U.S. bank if they are unfamiliar with the foreign bank or are concerned about political or economic risks associated with the country where the bank is located.

Irrevocable vs. Revocable Letters of Credit

A letter of credit may be irrevocable, which means it cannot be changed unless both parties agree. Alternatively, it can be revocable, in which case either party may unilaterally make changes. A revocable letter of credit is inadvisable because it carries many risks for the exporter.

How We Help: We review letters of credit to ensure terms match your shipment details, identify potential issues before you ship, coordinate with banks to present required documents, and guide you through the payment process.

Shipping Insurance

Cargo insurance provides coverage against physical damage or loss of goods during shipping, whether by land, sea, or air. Because of the many dangers inherent in shipping, most individuals and businesses insure their goods while they are in transit.

Land Cargo Insurance: Covers goods transported by truck or rail within the United States or internationally.

Marine Cargo Insurance: Covers goods shipped by ocean freight in containers or breakbulk. This is the most common type of insurance for international shipments.

Air Cargo Insurance: Covers goods shipped by air freight on cargo or passenger aircraft.

Carriers have limited liability. Even when damage is clearly the carrier’s fault, their liability is capped at a low per-pound amount. Without cargo insurance, you bear the financial loss if your goods are damaged, lost, or stolen during transit.

Many different types of cargo insurance are available. It is important that you know exactly what coverage you need before purchasing insurance, or you may not be covered for every situation.

What We Do: We guide you to cargo insurance providers, help you understand coverage options and exclusions, and coordinate with insurers when claims need to be filed.

What You Are Responsible For: Purchasing cargo insurance for your shipments. You are ultimately responsible for insuring your goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is export documents legalization? Legalization is the process of authenticating documents so that foreign governments recognize them as legally valid. Certain countries require legalized commercial invoices, certificates of origin, or other export paperwork.

Do I need a letter of credit? Letters of credit provide payment security for international transactions. They are common when dealing with new buyers or buyers in countries with payment risk. Your bank or international trade advisor can help you determine if a letter of credit is appropriate.

Should I get a confirmed or advised letter of credit? If you are unfamiliar with the foreign bank or concerned about risks in the buyer’s country, a confirmed letter of credit (confirmed by a U.S. bank) provides additional security. An advised letter of credit is acceptable when you trust the foreign bank.

Who is responsible for cargo insurance? You are. Carriers have limited liability, so you must purchase cargo insurance to protect your shipment. We strongly recommend cargo insurance for every international shipment.

What does cargo insurance cover? Coverage depends on the policy. Most cargo insurance covers physical loss or damage during transit due to accidents, rough handling, weather, or theft. Exclusions often include improper packing, delays, and certain high-risk situations. Review your policy carefully.

How much does cargo insurance cost? Cost depends on the value of your goods, the type of cargo, the origin and destination, and the coverage level. Typically, cargo insurance costs a small percentage of the shipment value.

Do you only serve Houston-area businesses? No. We’re Houston-based, but we serve clients across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond. We also work with international customers who need documentation and insurance coordination for U.S. shipments.

Conclusion

Export documents, legalization, letters of credit, and cargo insurance are critical components of successful international trade. At Texas Global Services, we guide you through these processes so your shipments move smoothly and securely.

Available 7 days a week for quotes and support.