What to Look for in a Foreign Freight Forwarder?

Improved technology and transportation services have made it easier for businesses to enter foreign markets. The world has now been reduced to a single marketplace. However, a natural impact of globalization has been increased competition. More and more businesses are now competing with each other to deliver superior services. Superior services in turn include timely delivery of products. Dependable foreign freight forwarders companies can provide such assistance to business.

Businesses are now willing to sell their products to international clients, in a bid to expand their businesses overseas. The success of any business ultimately depends on whether it is able to stand true on its promises, though prompt delivery of products to the targeted market. Transportation of the goods through the country or on an international level requires extreme co-ordination, excellent network system and exceptional infrastructure. Only a reliable and advanced foreign freight forwarders company has the resources to provide such services.

Choosing a foreign freight forwarder is crucial to any business that imparts or exports cargo on an ongoing basis. After all, your success depends on shipments arriving on time, not getting lost or damaged or stuck in customs. You need to meet or exceed your customer’ expectations with every order while controlling your costs.

Roles of Foreign Freight Forwarder Company

• ·         Assistance with freight quotes and costs of international shipping
• ·         Providing a detailed itemized list of costs
• ·         Booking space for foreign on airlines. Ships, trucks and other modes of transportation
• ·         Providing shipper with all the foreign destination’s documentation requirements
• ·         Preparing shipper’s documents, banking and other paperwork necessary in the transaction
• ·   Processing shipping documents and handling all necessary certification and legalization procedures, as required
• ·         Arranging for insurance coverage
• ·         Providing facilities for a warehousing at foreign destinations
• ·         Providing information on hazardous materials, if needed

Key points to consider while selecting a foreign freight forwarder for your international shipments

·         What services does the company offer globally?

·         In which countries/regions are they strong?

·         Do they have agents or foreign owned facilities?

·         Can they provide bonded warehousing facilities?

·         What about administrative functions, such as invoicing?

·         Are the company’s foreign offices as dependable as their local office?

·         What is the company’s weekly tonnage to various foreign countries?

·         Do they have experience with temporary import bonds?

Freight forwarders: Carrying Responsibility & Trust since Years

The foreign freight forwarders are swamped with numerous responsibilities. The agent stands for clients with regards to all relevant functions in the industry. Forwarders facilitate the safe and most economical transportation of merchandise. It is important to choose most suitable means of transport. Transport alternatives consist of airline firms, shipping lines, trucking companies, and railroad operators.

The foreign freight forwarder must be familiar with relevant laws and political circumstances in different countries that can affect freight movement. The forwarder is expected to collaborate with clients and other parties to make sure that all deliveries arrive at the port destinations on time. Freight forwarders must maintain constant communications with those involved in the transport of goods during transportation cycle.

So, choosing a foreign freight forwarder is not an easy task as you think. As a business person you have to know and consider certain criteria before hiring a forwarder for your business. A clear understanding of needs and services are two factors contributing to a better international shipment.