Freight forwarding is a commercial activity that involves the transportation of goods from one point to another. Shippers often hire freight forwarders as it’s not easy to handle the nuances of shipments. Make a small mistake and it will cost you a heavy unbearable loss. That’s why people put so much effort into finding a service provider who can handle air cargo and freight shipping tasks without any hassle. But finding a good freight forwarding service is a daunting task, and that’s why we are here to help.
How to find the right freight forwarder
During this covid outbreak lots of shipping companies are facing the heat of sanitization policy. If you don’t meet them, your cargo will not be carried forward. In this regard, here are some tips to help you choose the best service provider to keep your business uninterrupted irrespective of tight covid policies.
1. Check out their experience
While dealing with import and export customs, make sure to find a freight forwarder who handles your shipment while staying within legal boundaries. For example, if you are moving an air cargo shipment from Australia to the USA, then ensure the freight forwarder knows how to navigate laws and regulations in both countries.
Plus, there are freight forwarding companies who have expertise in dealing with specific types of cargo. For example, if you want to export food items, ask them if they have proper containers to move perishable goods. A forwarder must follow the best practices for transporting.
2. Check their network and connection
Connections in freight forwarding are what dictates a shipment’s success and failure. Having quality connections allows forwarders to strike better deals with NVOCCs and carriers, allowing you to conduct the job at better rates. Moreover, they also help you handle the paperwork and local authorities more efficiently.
3. Check their Pricing Structure
This is where even a better deal can go sour at the end. Imagine you ask for a forwarder for a price quote. Even if they took around four days to respond, you decided to go with them, as their price seemed lucrative. However, at the last moment, you found out that the pricing is different from the price you agreed to. This usually happens due to adjustments in GRIs and PSS. In the end, it all boils down to lack of pricing structures.
Freight forwarders may charge you extra in brokerage fees, or fuel surcharges, etc. Ask the freight forwarder clearly about the final price and avoid these ambiguous charges at all cost.
4. Check if they Offer Cargo Insurance
Opting for cargo insurance can give you peace of mind. Always purchase cargo insurance that provides full shipping coverage for land, air and sea. Also, make sure, it reimburses you against all types of loss or damage to your shipment. You can also go for cargo insurance specialized on your shipping requirements. With so many cargo insurances available, it’s easy to go for the wrong one. It’s better if you do some basic ground research as well as consult a professional freight shipping service provider.
5. Choose whether they offer document and logistics services
Documenting and shipping logistics is the most critical parts in a cargo shipment. Make sure to find someone who knows what documents are required and prepare them beforehand.
The documenting works include
- Obtaining certificates for insurance, inspection, etc.
- Proactively prepare documents and review them
- Check documents for mistakes
- Notarize invoices
- Helps with custom clearance
Shipping logistics services include
- Offer better import and export rate quotes
- Negotiate freight rates for road, sea and air
- Find the right insurance for you
- Packing and loading arrangement
- Determine the faster, cheaper and safer shipping route
Use these above tips to select your ideal freight forwarder. If it takes time, consider choosing Willship International as your ideal service provider without giving any second thoughts.
