Learn what to consider when choosing a freight forwarding service for your business and common mistakes to avoid in order to ensure your supply chain remains efficient.
Freight forwarding plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of international trade. They handle the logistics services of transporting goods from one place to another, including customs clearance, cargo insurance, and documentation.
Choosing the right freight forwarder can significantly impact your supply chain’s efficiency and cost. In this blog post, we will explore key factors to consider when ranking the best freight forwarding services for your business.
Experience and expertise
Look for a freight forwarder with a proven track record in handling shipments to your destination countries. They should have a deep understanding of the local markets and customs regulations, especially if you are not well versed in this.
This helps avoid delays and additional port and customs fees. Your future freight forwarder should have a network of reliable partners, including carriers and agents, to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
A good freight forwarder should understand and communicate all documentation requirements for customs clearance and take this burden off your shoulders.
Range of services
Consider the range of services the freight forwarder offers.
- Do they offer digital forwarding services?
- Do they have 24/7 online support?
- Do they provide door-to-door services?
- Do you have to handle some part of the process yourself?
- Do they offer flexible payment terms?
The more services a freight forwarder offers, the better your supply chain management, especially if your business does not have the resources to manage multiple logistics vendors as a larger enterprise.
Door-to-door services, for example, save you the time of hiring a different service to move your cargo from the port of destination to your warehouse. A one-stop-shop freight forwarder ensures your goods are allocated per your geographic and delivery timeline requirements.
Technology and transparency
Technology and transparency are essential for building trust and ensuring a smooth process in an industry that can be very opaque. Confusing paperwork, industry jargon, and lack of visibility are some of the obstacles faced by businesses when handling their shipment.
Look for a freight forwarder that offers digital solutions, such as user-friendly platforms, and is responsive and transparent about shipment tracking, freight rates, and policies. A robust digital freight forwarding service means you will spend less time over the phone or waiting for e-mails to get a quote. They should also be able to provide regular updates on the status of your shipment and any potential issues that may arise.
Freight Charges
Freight charges, or freight costs, are a significant factor when ranking freight forwarding services. However, it is essential to consider the total cost of the service rather than just the upfront price. Look for forwarders that offer competitive freight rates but also have a reputation for delivering on time and without damage to the goods. On both delivery and customs clearance, poorly managed shipments can result in costly delays and damage, which can offset any initial savings.
Flexibility
The needs of your business may change over time, so it is essential to work with a shipping partner that is flexible and adaptable. They should be able to accommodate last-minute changes to your shipping schedule and offer alternative routing options if necessary. Furthermore, flexible payment terms can be a major barrier to small and midsize businesses. A freight forwarder that provides different payment options could be a game changer for your shipping arrangements.
Customer service
Good customer service is crucial when working with freight forwarding. Look for a company with a reputation for going above and beyond for its clients. They should be responsive and willing to help with any questions or issues that may arise, which is more than often the case. Another crucial point to consider is 24/7 customer support. You will want to reach your freight forwarder at any time instead of being dependent on a service representative that may be in a different time zone.
The most common example of a mismanaged shipment is when a freight forwarder tries to win your business by quoting the lowest possible quote without genuinely understanding the customs requirements for your product. Hence, they fail to communicate the documentation needed, such as commercial invoices, bill of lading, or a certificate of analysis/raw ingredients list.
In this case, once the product arrives at its destination port, it is quarantined by customs officials, and secondary investigations are launched since the clearance documents are not complete. This results in delays and extra dollars spent in demurrage charges – and ends up being a much more costly proposition to you than what was initially quoted by the freight forwarder.
To summarize, when ranking the best freight forwarding services for your business, consider the following factors: experience and expertise, range of services, technology and transparency, charges, flexibility, and customer service. By taking the time to research and compare different options, you can find a partner that meets your business’ needs and helps streamline your supply chain.
We at Ship4wd are dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses get the most out of their shipping processes. With our platform, businesses can quickly view and compare shipping quotes, find the best options that suit their needs and make a booking in just a few clicks. Throughout the booking process, small and midsize businesses will have our experts’ support. Regardless of their experience in logistics, business owners can count on us to get their shipments to where they need them.
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