Freight forwarders are international shipping specialists who offer businesses advice, assistance and useful contacts when exporting. Their expertise and knowledge of distributing goods abroad will prove invaluable, and they will often save you time and money.
A forwarder offers the following services:
1. Preparing price quotations
Advice on freight costs, consular fees and costs of special documentation
Help in preparing the pro-forma invoice
2. Handling and transportation
Advice on different methods of shipping
Advice on the different types of packing, labelling and containers available
Arrange for the packing, labelling, and containerising of your goods at the port
Book shipments on vessels and aircraft
Arrange for loading and unloading of your shipment at the port
Issue delivery orders
Arrange for insurance
Track shipments
Arrange for customs clearance
Arrange for warehousing or delivery
Prepare documents for collection of payment under the letter of credit
3. Regulations
Help you understand the relevant regulations
Assist you in obtaining an import licence
4. Documentation
Assemble all required documents
Prepare export declaration documents
Prepare bill of lading
Review documentation for accuracy
Ensure that goods comply with customs export documentation regulations
Some freight forwarders specialise in arranging shipments to certain countries, while others focus on particular types of products.
Criteria for choosing a freight forwarder:
Location of the freight forwarder's office (in relation to your shipping port)
Experience in handling products similar to yours
Experience in similar modes of transport
Experience and knowledge of your export market
Credit rating
Shipping rates
Delivery schedules
Insurance provided
Recommendations from other companies
Membership in professional associations or organisations
Asking an experienced exporter in a similar sector to recommend a forwarder
Your responsibility
Even when using a freight forwarder, it is your company's ultimate responsibility to ensure correct documentation and procedures are adhered to. Export training in procedures and documentation is recommended for staff involved in the exporting process. Contact the Institute of Export for further details.
