Freight forwarding is the high-efficiency method of shipping goods from one destination to another by way of various transport carriers, including sea, air, rail and road. A freight forwarder is the go-between representative who acts as an intermediary between a shipper and the shipper’s preferred transportation service carrier.
If you are a small or large business that manufactures products (or an individual with a load larger than what is permitted by standard parcel delivery companies) and you are in need of national or international shipping, it could benefit you greatly to learn more about the advantages of having a freight forwarder working behind you, as opposed to doing it alone. Hiring a forwarder to import and export goods on your behalf can make the process much less daunting and stressful.
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Freight forwarders assist on all levels of the shipping process, from the packing and storing stages, up to and including the intensive customs procedure. While forwarders do not physically move goods themselves, they are experts in the logistics of getting the goods in question from point A to point B, anticipating and avoiding any unnecessary pitfalls along the way.
Here are some of the major benefits offered by a professional freight forwarder:
As you might imagine, freight forwarding involves a lot of paperwork, especially when you are shipping goods to and from overseas. If you are shipping for the first time, your freight forwarder will be able to provide you with information regarding all of the relevant documents required for this and subsequent deliveries. These include:
Once you have the proper documentation ready, your forwarder will be able to manage the logistical movements of your shipment.
In order to get a sense of how long it will take to transport your cargo, you should be aware of the key stages of the freight forwarding process:
Step 1: Export haulage—the transfer of goods from its origin to the freight forwarder’s storehouse
Step 2: Export custom clearance—the goods in question obtain clearance to leave its country of origin
Step 3: Origin handling—the unloading and inspection of the goods against its written documentation
Step 4: Import customs clearance—customs paperwork for goods is reviewed by receiving authorities
Step 5: Destination handling—the handling of goods once it arrives at its destination (this includes transfer to any storehouse or depot)
Step 6: Import haulage—the transfer of goods from the storehouse or depot to its ultimate destination
So now you know the benefits of shipping with a trusted and reliable freight forwarder. But what happens when things don’t go according to plan? What if your business requires greater expertise? Here are some troubleshooting tips to know before you ship:
All reputable freight forwarding companies follow strict regulations. If you attempt to ship prohibited goods (knowingly or unknowingly), you may find yourself facing heavy fines and/or legal repercussions. While each country has its own list of prohibited import/export items, freight forwarders are generally restricted on:
If you legally produce any of the above, chances are you are already aware of the legalities surrounding transport—but always double-check, as international laws may change.
Freight forwarders are not responsible for shipping delays. Machinery can stall, overheat, breakdown; weather can be brutal and unforgiving; port entrances and/or exits can become choked with traffic and drastically affect schedules. As with any method of goods delivery, these events can spring up—unfortunately, they are not the fault of the forwarding company. Believe your forwarder when they voice their frustration to you: they don’t want your deliveries to take any longer than planned—their reputation, and repeat business, depends on it.
Prior to handing over your goods to a freight forwarder, it is very important that all documentation and transport paperwork is valid and up-to-date so as to avoid any unforeseen delays. The last thing you, or anyone, wants is to experience a delay at customs due to a missing signature.
Whilemost freight forwarders can ship just about anything, some companies are just a little better at handling certain, specialized goods. If your cargo happens to require extra care, it is best to be upfront about it. Finding a freight forwarding company that specializes in exactly what you are looking to ship is crucial. For example, a smaller operation might be able to commandeer a trawler and transport your scrap metal halfway around the world, but that does not necessarily mean that they are the best option. Do a little bit of research to ensure that your goods are in good hands.
In conclusion, freight forwarding is an essential business tool that offers efficiency and safeguards against traditional shipping processes. Establishing a relationship with a freight forwarding company that not only delivers on turnaround, but also recognizes your business needs and expectations is key to shipping success.
If you are planning to import or export goods to and from UAE, then don’t forget that with Qafila, a digital freight forwarder in the UAE, you can do it quickly and in a hassle-free manner all with the power of a click.
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