Knowing how to choose a freight forwarder is extremely important, especially when venturing into international shipping. However, many shippers don’t know what to look for when searching for someone to facilitate transport for their load of cargo.
According to the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), finding a freight forwarder involves assessing:
Considering these factors will help exporters find a forwarding partner that is legitimate and can accommodate for a shipment of goods.
International transport operations go much more smoothly when you know what to look for in a freight forwarder. We’ll discuss what features you should identify to make this process easier.
When it comes to international trade, using a freight forwarder is one of the best decisions a shipper can make. They can help organize cargo and pick a mode of transport that fits the needs of their customers. That said, many shippers don’t know how to pick a freight forwarder. Fortunately, they’ll only need to consider a few different factors.
Choosing a freight forwarder with a strong reputation is important when shipping cargo to different countries. A good partner should be able to reflect a commitment to quality service in their operations. Shippers can use freight forwarder’s reputation to find out if they’re legitimate or not.
To determine this, exporters should look at the following:
Shippers should check if their freight forwarder has received any awards in their industry. This indicates the company they’re considering is committed to excellence. Exporters should also make sure their freight forwarder follows the correct regulations. Compliance with laws reflects responsibility and trustworthiness.
It’s also a good sign if the freight forwarder is part of a trade association like FIATA. Membership with an organization like this shows a commitment to industry standards and professional conduct. Organizations like FIATA have thousands of members across different logistics industries.
| Type of Members | Amount |
| Association Members | 109 |
| Individual Members | 5,500 |
| Freight Forwarding and Logistics Firms | 40,000 |
As represented by the data, many organizations like FIATA have numerous freight forwarders. By looking into such organizations, shippers will have an easier time finding a reliable partner.
Finally, exporters should consider how transparent the forwarder is with their business practices. . A reliable partner will clearly communicate their terms and conditions with customers. Forwarders that are vague should be avoided at all costs.
The experience of a freight forwarder is a key factor to look at. A seasoned forwarder has likely encountered various challenges and knows how to navigate them. There are a few indicators of experience that shippers can identify.
These include:
A forwarder with several years of experience in the industry often has the know-how to handle complex shipping needs. They’ll also be able to overcome unique challenges that occur.
The most experienced forwarders have knowledge about:
An experienced forwarder will have a vast network of connections with carriers, port authorities, and other logistics partners. These relationships create a balanced network. Freight forwarders use their connections to provide great services at competitive prices, while maintaining a high level of quality.
Things don’t always go as planned in the shipping world. Anything from bad weather to political upheavals in foreign countries can cause problems for a load of cargo. Therefore, a freight forwarder should be able to adjust and resolve issues promptly.
Some of the ways they can do this include:
There might be scenarios where a new route will have to be used to transport freight. A reliable forwarder should be able to adjust their shipping lanes as needed. Delays are another concern that impact the transportation industry.
An adaptable forwarder knows how to manage delays and minimize the impact on delivery times. This might mean using a different mode of transport or a different carrier. In cases where delays are unavoidable, freight forwarders must also communicate all shipment updateswith their customers. This keeps shippers informed and updated on the status of their cargo and the nature of the delay.
Finally, freight forwarders must be able to respond to technical issues. This can include glitches in tracking software or disputes with carriers. A reliable forwarder should be able to overcome these problems with ease.
A tech-savvy forwarder is a must in today’s digital age. Shippers require a partner that uses updated technology if they want to have a smooth and seamless experience.
Exporters should look for the following technological abilities in a freight forwarder:
Shippers should look for forwarders that can provide accurate tracking of their shipments. This allows exporters to check where their goods are at all times. Offering this information also provides peace of mind and enables proactive decision-making.
A forwarder with a robust inventory management system is essential if shippers require warehousing services. They should provide clear visibility of an exporter’s product levels and movements. Forwarders with automated systems for generating and managing shipping documents can save time and reduce errors. This makes clearing customs quicker as well.
A good freight forwarder should have technology that can facilitate communication. If a partner can’t communicate, exporters can’t stay informed. Therefore, shippers can find a good freight forwarder by looking for this criterion.
Before choosing a freight forwarder, exporters must identify their needs. This means considering a few different factors.
Factors impacting shipping needs include the:
When learning how to choose a freight forwarder, exporters should consider the type of cargo they need transported. Each type of product has different shipping requirements. Fragile, perishable, or hazardous materials may require special handling or storage conditions.
Exporters that know the size and weight of their shipment can identify the best mode of transport. They can then communicate their preferred form of shipping to a partner.
An exporter should consider how often they plan on shipping goods to another country. If a shipper plans on sending regular shipments, they should look for a partner that offers continuing contract rates for frequent transport.
The origin and destination of a load should also be considered. Based on the distance between the two, exporters can determine how long a shipment will take. They can compare this amount of time with how quickly a buyer wants their cargo. Exporters can then pick a mode of transport that works best for their load and budget.
Shippers should then consider other services they might require, such as:.
Considering these factors will help exporters identify their needs. Freight forwarders also use this information to provide the best service for their customers.
If you need to transport goods fast, then check out our 3 types of air freight shipping services.
Once an exporter has identified their needs and knows how to choose a freight forwarder, they can begin searching for one. While this might seem difficult, there are actually a few methods that shippers can use to locate a partner.
International shippers can find freight forwarders through online directories. These platforms have a large amount of information about different providers.
This can include:
This resource a convenient way to find forwarders for a shipment. However, online directories don’t offer a thorough rundown of a potential provider. Exporters should still investigate potential partners instead of going solely by the information on these platforms.
If you want to save time on research, then consider hiring USA Freight Forwarding. We’re a member of the International Freight Logistics Network (IFLN) and we can provide a variety of useful services that will fit your needs.
Another effective way to find a freight forwarder is through recommendations and reviews. Exporters can ask for referrals from their business network or check out online reviews to see what customers say about a partner’s performance. This information can give shippers a sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a forwarder.
Trade associations and industry networks are also excellent sources to find partners. They often have member directories, which usually consist of reputable and reliable forwarders. Checking these organizations can be a great starting point.
As mentioned before, USA Freight Forwarding is an active member of the IFLN. This means we’re a reliable partners that can offer useful services that are recognized by this organization.
Freight forwarding Incoterms® can help make shipping smoother. Read our article to find out more.
Online directories, recommendations and trade associations are all useful resources for finding freight forwarding services in foreign nations such as China. Chinese partners are particularly important if importers are sourcing goods from China or if exporters are shipping to the country.
It should be noted that shippers will need to conduct an exceptional amount of additional research when looking for a freight forwarder in this country. Partners in China are less known amongst U.S. exporters. Therefore, shippers should conduct a thorough investigation into a freight forwarder when they find one that seems promising.
When looking for a freight forwarder in China, it’s a good idea for exporters to consider a few unique factors.
This includes:
Clear communication is critical, especially considering the language differences. A forwarder who can communicate effectively in English and Mandarin can act as a bridge between a shipper and local partners.
A forwarder with local knowledge can navigate a variety of unique challenges that can occur in China, such as
For instance, during the Chinese New Year, many factories shut down, affecting shipping schedules. A forwarder with local knowledge can anticipate these challenges and plan accordingly.
USA Freight Forwarding can navigate you through the nuances of shipping goods internationally and can seamlessly guide you through the process. We have a team of professionals with extensive experience in the logistics industry.
With their knowledge, we’re able to provide the following services:
Choosing the right shipping method is crucial. With USA Freight Forwarding by your side, we’ll be able to help find a mode of transport that fits your needs. You can also schedule a consulting session with one of our professionals. They’ll be able to offer you advice and knowledge regarding international shipping.
Contact us today if you’re ready to use our services. Our team is also available at (866) 941-8081 if you require more information. Your business deserves nothing but the best, and we’re here to provide that for you.
