If a freight forwarder has been in the business for a number of years then rest assured, you are making the right choice. The freight forwarder that you select must have the requisite ability, resources, and expertise to handle all kinds of products and ship them according to the choice you make in this regard i.e. land, sea, or air. Each organization has unique requirements when it comes to a freight forwarder. The tips listed above cater to the general needs of every organization when it comes to hiring the services of a freight forwarder.
A Good Communications Network
How fast can the freight forwarder get in touch with you and vice-versa? How soon can the freight forwarder give your information about the status of your shipment?
A Good Communicator
When it comes to the shipping of their products, not many people have the expertise. Your freight forwarder must have the patience and ability to explain the necessary procedure to you. The forwarder must be able to talk to you in a language that you understand.
The Stability of the Freight Forwarder
If a freight forwarder has been in the business for a number of years then rest assured, you are making the right choice. To be on the safe side, check the credentials of the freight forwarder through banks and trade references.
Ship Them the Way You Want To
The freight forwarder that you select must have the requisite expertise, ability, and resources to handle all kinds of products and ship them according to the choice you make in this regard i.e. land, sea, or air. It’s also advisable that the freight forwarder also be an import broker. If your client returns your goods for some reason, this comes handy in case you need to import some goods.
Good Networking
Go for freight forwarders who have a superior network of overseas agents. The better it is for you if your freight forwarder has a great network of agents in your target market. You must also be well aware of the handling capacity and capability of these agents.
A good network means that your shipment will reach its destination without any hassles and within the requisite deadline. If you want to deliver perishable products, then you want them to reach a particular country, in good time and before they perish. It might have some serious consequences for your reputation if you don’t.
Exercise caution while you select a freight forwarder and research thoroughly before you pick one.
The Size of the Freight Forwarder
The freight forwarder’s company must be big enough to accommodate all your requirements. Even if the freight forwarder is away on a tour or vacation, the services rendered, must not get affected.
Check the Antecedents
You must closely scrutinize the references of your freight forwarder. Another aspect of this is the overall customer satisfaction provided by the freight forwarder in the past dealings.
The Insurance Factor
Even if your freight forwarder is extremely conscientious, it is liable to make a mistake or an error. It’s important that the freight forwarder you choose has something called “omissions and errors insurance”.
Who is a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder is an individual or a company who is in the business of dispatching shipments through various carriers like airplanes, trucks, railroads, and shipping vessels. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, when it comes to choosing a freight forwarder.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind, when it comes to choosing a freight forwarder.
Certifications and licenses
Each organization has unique requirements when it comes to a freight forwarder. The tips listed above cater to the general needs of every organization when it comes to hiring the services of a freight forwarder.
Product Knowledge
Do choose a freight forwarder who has some kind of knowledge or comfort level with the product that you want shipped if you can. The freight forwarder that you pick must be able to recognize the special needs of your product, if any, and make the necessary preparations for shipping.