Do You Need an International Freight Forwarder?
Most of us don’t consider all that’s involved in international shipping. All the paperwork, regulations, and obstacle-solving are what freight forwarding agents do.
However, some business owners aren’t sure whether they need the services of an international freight forwarder. Perhaps their supplier has someone in mind, or they want to oversee and organise everything themselves. If you have a small- or medium-sized business, you might be on the fence about hiring a forwarder.
In this article, we’ll look at the situation objectively and tell you what you can expect whether you go solo or use forwarding services.
The DIY Approach to Shipping
Technological innovations have excluded the middleman from many industries. For example, most people don’t use travel agents anymore.
They book their flights and hotels online via various services and plan sightseeing by themselves. If you own a small retail business, you might be able to arrange the shipping of your goods from the supplier, too.
While theoretically, that is possible, and everyone has the right to try, it’s a perilous game. If you’re not a forwarding or shipping expert, you don’t know about the potential pitfalls involved. Plus, you’ll likely need to pay for the freight insurance.
Another way some businesses try to avoid the burden of partnering up with an international freight forwarder is to leave everything to their supplier. But they are likely not a freight expert and may hire a local forwarder without vetting them first.
Price vs. Service
If arranging a shipment already sounds like too much, that’s probably because it is. There is a great deal of coordination in moving freight. In all likelihood, it would take up a considerable amount of time and distract you from important tasks.
Understanding that a reliable freight forwarder is a solution is the first step. Naturally, freight forwarding services cost money, and you’ll want to get the best deal.
When you start shopping around for forwarders, it’s up to you to decide what is more important – price or service. No one is saying that you can’t get quality service for a fair price. On the contrary, you absolutely can.
But going with the lowest possible price may lead to a lack of transparency from the forwarding company. You might run into issues such as hidden charges, irregular shipping status updates, or unexplained delays in cargo shipping. All of which can be nerve-wracking and possibly no better than choosing to arrange the shipping on your own.
A Great Freight Forwarder Saves You Money
International shipping is complex and requires precise, regular, and transparent communication between numerous companies in the supply chain.
When a truck breaks down, or there’s a problem at the seaport, or perhaps a snowstorm that keeps planes grounded, your forwarder needs to know about it.
Every wasted moment costs a business owner money and can harm their credibility with customers. Your freight forwarder has the task of finding the quickest route out of any situation and handling any challenges along the way.
Keep in mind that when it comes to international shipping, documentation errors are a huge problem. One mistake with the paperwork may lead to customs seizing your cargo.
This is not something non-experts in freight forwarding can handle. The customs clearance process varies from country to country, and when your freight needs to move across continents, that involves a tremendous amount of documentation.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder for You?
In the shipping industry, reputation is crucial. Making sure that the forwarder you choose is reputable is imperative.
Always look for an international freight forwarder that has been in the business for years and has extensive experience. Just as importantly, ensure they have an excellent network of partners.
Connection in the shipping industry is what keeps you in the game for a long time. Finally, not all reliable and well-connected forwarders will be the right fit for every client. Check out their services and see if they cover everything your business needs.
Boosting Your Business With a Trustworthy Freight Forwarder
When you need goods shipped from across the world to the UK, it can be challenging to envisage all that it entails. A container is loaded onto a carrier or aeroplane, and it soon appears in front of your place of business, right?
Sounds great, but there are countless tasks to undertake to make that happen. A reliable international freight forwarder can be the best partner in your business endeavours.
Contact GenX Freight and ask about their services and shipping partners’ network. Your next shipment should be handled by the best in the business.