A freight forwarder works on behalf of you, the importer, to manage the shipment of products from one location to another.
Typically used for international freight transit, the job of a freight forwarder is to provide individuals and organizations with a safe, efficient, transparent, and cost-effective global import and export option.
Freight forwarders work with other contractors (ships, airlines, trains, and trucks) to expedite large and small freight shipments. Air freight forwarders specialize in air transportation, whereas NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers, sometimes known as NV) specialize in sea shipping.
Selecting the appropriate freight forwarder can make or break your shipment plans when shipping your goods across the country or internationally. Due to the critical nature of the role, you should be ultra-cautious when hiring the forwarder. To help you out, here are some of the factors you should consider when hiring:
Experience
Experience is one of the most crucial features you should look out for in freight forwarding companies. This is because expertise determines how your freight forwarding partner will handle shipment challenges such as:
- Dockworker strikes
- Port shutdowns.
- Cargo reroutes
- Customs
- Warehousing
These possible hazards are rather typical in international transportation. A freight forwarder such as Jori with years of expertise would know how to handle such situations, ensuring your goods arrive safely.
Provision of a wide range of services
Each industry has specific needs for overseas shipment. When selecting a freight forwarder, ensure they offer the required services. This will ensure that your foreign shipments run successfully.
A freight forwarder should provide the following services:
- Tracking Inland Transportation
- Preparation of import and export documentation
- Packing and Storage
- Inventory Management
- Booking cargo space
- Customs clearance
- Negotiating freight charges.
- Freight consolidation
- Insurance
When researching, become acquainted with the services your preferred freight forwarder offers. They should not only provide services that are consistent with your supply chain standards but also walk you through the paperwork required.
When working with a company that offers a wide range of services, you have peace of mind as you know that you don’t have to find another company to provide you with additional services when you need them.
A network of global agents
Your freight forwarder handles your international shipments at their origin and destination ports. Because international shipping necessitates extensive logistics, your firm’s ideal freight forwarder should have a strong network of global agents.
When selecting a freight forwarder for your business, ensure that their network and connections are operational in the destination country to which your goods will be delivered. This ensures that your products arrive on schedule and safely.
Excellent customer service
Customer service is vital in any industry. A freight forwarder with good customer service will help you expand abroad. This is especially important if this is your first venture into the international market.
Exceptional customer service ensures you always have direct access to the person handling your goods.
They will always maintain open lines of communication, which comes in handy if you have any concerns about a shipment. Furthermore, they will be highly responsive, warning you of any problems or delays with your shipment.
You can tell whether you will have communication and customer care issues with a company from the very start. If you call or send an email to the company and they take a day or two before responding, chances are that you will have issues with them later down the line, and you are better off simply avoiding them.
A competitive freight forwarding rate
A competitive freight forwarding pricing depends on two factors: Cargo volume and operational efficiency.
If the company you hire deals with a large volume, the shipping line will offer them special pricing. If the forwarding firm can work efficiently, they will likely provide a lower price.
The freight forwarder’s service quality may suffer if they offer their customer a lower price to gain more work. Thus, it is critical to maintain equilibrium.
While you want a company that offers a competitive price, you should be ultra-cautious of a company that provides a meager price because chances are that it’s new and doesn’t know what they are doing, which means that it is more than likely to give you a horrible experience.
As mentioned, when a company gives you an extremely low price, they will most likely provide low-quality services, and you don’t want this.
Take your time when researching and find a company that balances both the price and quality of services.
Certifications and credentials
When selecting a freight forwarder for your firm, request to examine their credentials and certificates. Certifications and credentials will tell you whether or not a freight forwarder has the necessary specialist training and security measures to handle your goods.
While you’re confirming the credentials, request references. A list of references that provide unsolicited praise for a freight forwarder indicates that they have the knowledge and expertise to handle your overseas shipping needs.
Excellent tracking capabilities
When moving freight from one country to another, having dependable online shipment monitoring can provide more peace of mind throughout your shipping.
With reliable tracking technology, you can set up live notifications, receive real-time tracking information, and do various other things, which gives you peace of mind that your package is on the correct route.
Parting shot
Research is essential when looking for a freight forwarder. Whether this is your first time shipping internationally or you are an experienced shipping professional, take your time and explore several freight forwarding companies and only consider working with the most skilled.
Remember that a freight forwarder can make or break your business because they manage your shipment, so take your time to research and only consider working with the most experienced.
You should never be in a hurry to hire. Ask plenty of questions, and only consider working with the forwarder after confirming they check out all the boxes mentioned above.
When you do the right things, you will find a freight forwarder who is trustworthy, dependable and has extensive experience handling your shipping needs. And this is what you want, right?
