5 Things You Need to Know About Freight Forwarding

Freight forwarding is one of the best and most popular methods of transporting goods internationally for both business and personal use. Freight forwarding companies (like Cargo Partners International Inc.) help coordinate the shipment of goods from one destination to another. 

A freight forwarding company will use a whole range of carriers, that include air freight, ocean freight, and ground freight logistics solutions.

Here are 5 things you need to know about the freight forwarding process and how they can help your supply chain.

What is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is responsible for transporting goods from one destination to another. A freight forwarding company will normally arrange the entire shipping process for their clients – from the storage of goods in a warehouse to shipping their merchandise internationally. 

Freight forwarding companies act as intermediaries between the shipper and transportation services. They will often work with various carriers to figure out the most reliable and fastest route of transport, while negotiating the best price for their clients.

Easy Way to Import and Export Goods

Importing and exporting goods can be a very stressful and difficult process. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Freight forwarding companies provide an easy and hassle-free way of importing and exporting goods. 

Freight forwarding companies are knowledgeable about moving goods through supply chains, and a freight forwarder can help you at all stages of the shipping process, from warehousing, to shipping and dealing with customs.

READ MORE: How to Import Goods Into Canada

Freight Forwarders Provide a Range of Services

Freight forwarding companies can help streamline your supply chain on several different levels, including:

• International Import and Export Documentation
• Insurance
• Customs Clearance
• Packing
• Storage and Warehousing
• Inventory Management

Freight forwarders are experts in all of these areas and can help consult you on the best way to accomplish your supply chain and shipping goals.

The Six Key Stages of Freight Forwarding

The process of freight forwarding can be complicated. Luckily, the best freight forwarding companies are able to navigate the process with ease. 

The entire process of freight forwarding from start to finish can be broken up into six key stages, including:

• Export Haulage: the transfer of goods from its original source to the freight forwarder’s warehouse.
• Export customs clearance: the goods receive clearance to leave its country of origin.
• Origin Handling: the unloading, inspection and validation of the cargo against its booking documents.
• Import Customs Clearance: the customs paperwork for your cargo will be checked by the authorities.
• Destination Handling: the handling of cargo once it reaches the destination office, including transfer to the import warehouse.
• Import Haulage: the transfer of cargo from the import warehouse to its final destination.

Your Freight Forwarder’s Network and Reputation are Paramount

When fFinal Thoughtsiguring out how to choose a freight forwarder, you should take several things into consideration:

• How long has the company been in business?
  • Find a company with a long track record of success.
• What kind of a reputation do they have?
  • Is the company well known for their excellent service and reliability?
• Do they have experience handling the same types of goods?
  • Are they familiar with shipping the same type of products you are shipping?
• What is their network of contacts like?
  • Are they limited to working with only a few carriers in one region, or are they an international company with contacts around the world?

All of these things are going to be important in figuring out the best freight forwarding company to choose for your needs. At the end of the day, you want to choose a freight forwarding company that has a reputation of excellent service with a large network of contacts around the world.

Final Thoughts

The freight forwarding process has many moving parts, which is why it’s best left to professional, reliable freight forwarding companies. 

For more information on how freight forwarding can help your supply chain, contact Cargo Partners today.

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