Global freight forwarding can be defined as a process that is used worldwide for business as well as personal use. Such companies are in charge of coordinating the shipment of the goods from one destination to another. There are different types of carriers which include air, ocean, railway and air freight.
What should you know about freight forwarders?
Here are some of the things that you should know about the freight forwarder:
1. Who is a freight forwarder?
A freight forwarder is the one on whom the responsibility of goods transportation depends. These companies specialize in the arrangement of the whole process for their shippers. Everything from storage to shipping is managed by the company.
They are an intermediate between the transportation services and the merchant.
2. Choosing a global freight forwarder is a great way for importing and exporting goods
The freight forwarder company makes the process easy for everyone. The reputable international freight forwarding services are there for their customers at all times. They ensure to help in every level which includes packaging as well.
3. Freight forwarders offer different services
Choosing the services from global freight forwarders will help you in different things. Customs clearance, international export and import documentation, insurance, packing, storage, and the management of inventory are some of them.
4. International freight forwarders are an advantage to the business
Using a company for freight forwarding for transportation of the goods will give your business an economic advantage. With the use of their knowledge and expertise, the freight forwarders make sure that all of the work is done within the required timeline.
5. Forwarders aren’t responsible for the delay in shipping
Global freight forwarding companies aren’t liable for any kind of delay in shipping. There can be many reasons for the delay which include bad weather, breakdown and other things. The shipping delays can get frustrating, however, it’s important that you know that it is not the fault of the company.
6. Maintenance of a good relationship with your freight forwarder is necessary
Maintenance of a good relationship with your freight forwarder is required as they are in charge of your cargo. It’s necessary that you have a good relationship with them. If you want to use such services, then, ensure that you select a company that is trustworthy as well as reliable.
The company should provide you with excellent customer service. Doing a bit of research will help you to choose the right forwarder.
7. Ensure that the paperwork is up to date
Before providing the goods to the freight forwarder, ensure that the transportation paperwork is completed in the proper manner. Your freight company will help you in this case. As they are professionals, they have all the knowledge about this. It will decrease your risk.
It’s necessary that the paperwork is accurate. If the paperwork isn’t accurate, then, it will increase the risk of the items from the customs or the banks. It will not be beneficial to your business in this case.
8. There are some shipping restrictions applied to specific products
The international freight forwarding services have strict rules and they will not have some goods and substances restrictions. The list depends from country to country. Here are some of the things which are generally restricted:
- Alcohol
- Dangerous goods
- Batteries
- Sharp objects
- Perishable goods
These are a few products that are restricted by freight forwarding services.
9. Ask if they offer any services
There are chances that your freight forwarders might offer extra services, so, the expert freight forwarders Melbourne, Australia recommend that you ask about the details. These services can include everything from warehouse storage to the handling of dangerous goods.
10. There are basically six steps for freight forwarding
The freight forwarding process can seem complicated, but there are only six key steps involved. These steps include:
- Export haulage
- Export customs clearance
- Origin handling
- Import customs clearance
- Destination handling
- Import haulage
11. You should be provided documents
There are some of the essential documents which are provided by your freight forwarder. Here are some of the essential documents:
- Commercial invoices
- Inspection certificates
- Bill of Lading contract
- Export license
- Shipper’s export declaration documents
- Certificate of origin statement
- Export packing list
Ensure to check that you get all of these documents from your freight forwarder.
12. Choose the specialist
Find a freight forwarding service that is a specialist. Go for the ones who have a team of specialists on board to get quality care for your goods.
Searching for the right international freight forwarding servicesrequires lots of research. Your selected company should ensure that the goods reach the destination in a timely and economical manner.
