What freight forwarding companies do is to arrange storage and shipping of goods on behalf of their clients. There are many services that freight forwarding companies offer to their clients including preparation of shipping and import/export documents, warehousing, tracking inland transportation, freight consolidation, booking cargo space, negotiating freight charges, shipment insurance, and filing of insurance claims.
These freight forwarding companies play a big role when it comes to ensuring the smooth and fast shipment of goods in a global scale. And this is why freight forwarding companies are indispensable in the import and export business. Because of this growing importance, there are many companies now offering freight forwarding services. With the increase of freight forwarding companies available, it then become difficult for the business owner to find the best and most reliable logistics partner.
If you truly want your shipment of goods to be smooth and successful , then you need to find a very reliable freight forwarder. The problem is in knowing how reliable a company is to trust them with your shipment. You should establish certain criteria in choosing the perfect logistics partner. Below are some of the qualities of a logistics partner that you should look for.
You should choose a company that is highly organized and adept in the documentation process especially if you are shipping goods in and out of the country. They should be able to provide accurate and efficient services to their clients because mistakes in this business can be very costly. You goods can get lost if documentation is inaccurate. Insurance can cover for the loss but processing and claiming insurance is such a hassle to do.
Choose a freight forwarding company that gives you a great packing service. Whatever mode of shipment you use, the conditions can be tough to your goods. Your shipment can be damaged in they are not packed properly. If you find a good freight forwarder, then will have an efficient and reliable packing system that will ensure that you products are packed accordingly especially if you are shipping fragile ones. You also need to find out if the company has proper knowledge and experience when it comes to the proper handling of different kinds of goods.
Check if the freight forwarding company has a reliable network of customs brokers and forwarding agents in the origin and country of destination. Good communication with the forwarder and their agents will ensure that they know what is happening and it can reduce the possibility of your shipment being held up in ports. It will be very expensive if there will be delays down the line.
A good level of communication and accurate tracking system should be found in a forwarding company. This will enable you tot rack your shipment in real time.