Companies that cater to customers worldwide need a sound freight delivery system to ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient delivery of goods. The process of shipping products internationally, as well as the logistics of such a procedure, isn’t widely known by many business leaders. Without a third-party freight shipper handling the process, companies may find management making poor choices that cost the business money, time, and even the trust of clients and customers. With the right partner such as Ship Network, such problems subside and company leaders and upper management relax.
Even domestic shipments need a fulfillment service that provides prompt, accurate deliveries. Construction companies are one of many industries dependent on freight forwarding services.
Benefits of using Freight Forwarding Services
Freight forwarding professionals make business operations simple and successful, two qualities every business leader values. Among the many benefits available with freight forwarding services:
Freight Shipping Options
Freight forwarding is available in several modes. Some goods require more unique shipping than others. Managers can pick from several shipping options, ensuring goods always arrive on time.
Available freight shipping options include:
- Air-Forwarding: The fastest mode of transport available, air forwarding uses an airplane to ensure prompt delivery of goods.
- Land-Forwarding: Land forwarding freight services work great for raw materials, tools, and other bulky items. It’s great for construction projects and back-and-forth transport.
Experience
The right freight forwarding company uses its experience and industry expertise to ease the sometimes strenuous task of relocating goods thousands of miles across the ocean. Not only do freight forwarders ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods, but the professionals also use a global network of partners to track the goods and ensure a straightforward process from start to finish.
Legal Compliance
International shipping requires an understanding of legal and regulatory standards across several states and possible countries. Understanding this information reduces the likelihood of making a mistake that can result in hefty fines and penalties along with delays in receipt of the goods at the proper location. Freight forwarders ensure compliance. The experts get things done right the first time, reducing risks while saving upper management time and money.
Cost Effective
We cannot stress enough how cost-effective it is to use freight forwarders to handle your international shipping needs. As mentioned above, using freight forwarders ensures compliance, which helps avoid fines and penalties. Hiring freight forwarding experts has other benefits to the wallet, including cost-effective shipping prices. Without using the generously discounted rates freight forwarders offer, international shipping could be too costly for small and mid-size businesses.
Freight forwarding is one of the most widely used methods of international transport for businesses. Freight forwarding companies provide an invaluable service coordinating and transporting goods from one destination to another using a variety of carriers, including land freight, air freight, road freight, and sometimes, railway freight.
Managers at most companies have full agendas. Learning the process of freight forwarding is too time-consuming for most. Managers find the shipping process daunting and often make critical errors that cost the company time and money. Freight forwarders, however, take the stress out of shipping goods.
What is the Role of a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder transports goods from one location to another but their job is far more extensive and they offer a variety of services including storage, price negotiations, and route tracking.
Using freight forwarders simplifies the transportation of goods, putting the items into the hands of experts available to assist on all levels of transportation. One of the most important services freight forwarders provide is customs processing. Each country has specific requirements and legal obligations that all packages and goods must adhere to. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in delays in delivery of the goods, fines, and penalties, and even distrust with clients and customers.
Freight forwarding experts understand customs processing and the legalities of shipping goods worldwide. They save you from plenty of potential headaches and unnecessary fees.
Choose Your Services
Freight forwarders provide many services. Pick the services you need, including:
- Packing
- Storage
- Customs Clearance
- Export and import documentation
- Insurance
- Inventory Management services
Some freight forwarders may offer additional specialized services not listed above. If you need specialized services, inquire about them before you hire. Each freight forwarder is unique and the services available vary.
Benefits of Freight Forwarding
Mid-size and large businesses greatly benefit from freight forwarding services. Not only does the service ease stress, but it also saves time, reduces errors, and saves cash.
Freight forwarders bring their knowledge and expertise to the job, ensuring goods arrive at the correct destination at the right time. Plus, saving money is simple since freight forwarders provide deeply discounted shipping rates.
Freight forwarders also bring their network to the shipping process. Managers always benefit from this network. This strong network of contacts, carriers, and shippers ensures you get the best prices and efficient services.
How to Choose a Freight Forwarding Company
Now that we’ve explained the importance and benefits of using a freight forwarding service, it is time to learn the most effective ways to discern the good shippers from the bad.
When you take time to research different shippers, finding a company worth the money and time is easy. Things to look for when choosing freight forwarding companies:
- Industry Experience: Consider the length of time the company has in your specialized industry. The more experience, the better. Although any freight forwarder can ship your cargo, companies with industry expertise add more value to the job.
- Reputation: Read online reviews and speak with other companies that depend on freight forwarding services to learn about companies worth your time and those better left behind.
- Services: Some freight forwarders offer limited services. Others offer a wide range of services. Ensure the company chosen provides the services you need.
- Cost: The cost of freight forwarding varies for each shipment. Factors like the weight, type of goods, and final destination influence the costs. Compare the costs to ensure you get the best rates.
- License, Insurance, Permits: Choosing freight forwarders that bring licenses, insurance, and permits forward ensures you’ve selected a legit and trustworthy company. Avoid freight forwarders lacking any of these pieces of information.
The Bottom Line
A freight forwarding service does much more than transport your goods. The service ensures your company maintains compliance, and efficiency, and otherwise maintains its trust and reliability. The benefits outlined above are among those you can expect when using the right freight forwarders.