By working with a freight forwarding company, you can keep costs down because they arrange for the transport of huge numbers of consignments to a single destination. In addition to their core transport services, a freight forwarding company typically offers other trade-related services as well. Additional services that a freight forwarding company may offer include the following:

• Storage
• Inventory management
• Preparation of documents
• Offshore loading
• Local drayage
• Insurance
• Customized track and trace

A major benefit of working with freight forwarding services is that they can be a helpful resource, particularly if you are new to international trade. Anytime you need specific information about the international trading process, you can consult your freight forwarder for advice.

Some freight forwarding companies specialize in a particular market, service area, or mode of transport, while others offer a broader range of freight forwarding services. Many transport and logistics operators also offer freight forwarding services.

Tips for Hiring a Freight Forwarding Service

Compare the service offerings and rates of several different freight forwarding companies prior to making a decision. Make sure that the staff of the freight forwarding company is willing to explain the costs of their solutions to you in detail before you place an order. Select a freight forwarding company with years of experience, access to a global network, and the ability to assist you with ocean, land, and air shipments. Find a company that can offer you a tailor made solution that meets your specific needs. To ensure that an optimal level of communication is maintained during the freight forwarding process, have the company you work with appoint a specific staff member to serve as your contact throughout the project.

A freight forwarding company can help you package and label goods properly for export, provide you with insurance coverage, and supply you with documents that the banks require before payment is released. Furthermore, a freight forwarding company can complete your customs paperwork for you and pay taxes and duties on your behalf. Simply put, a freight forwarding company can take the hassle out of the international trading process while saving you time and money.

Rather than attempting to arrange for the transport of goods by yourself, consider hiring a freight forwarding company to assist you throughout the entire process. A highly experienced freight forwarding specialist will have the expertise and global contacts necessary to ensure that your project’s needs are met, no matter how large or small your project may be.