A freight forwarder is an agent that arranges logistics and organises the transport operations for the shipments of consignments globally for companies or individuals. A freight forwarder is often not directly responsible for the cargo itself, but instead uses their specialist knowledge to arrange several haulage or transport companies and global shipping lines to transport the freight from A to B. Typical modes of transport a freight forwarder may use include ship, plane, truck or train transport. When planning to use a freight forwarder, there are several factors you should take into consideration before making your choice.
Before you even ship your goods you will need to consider the way they will be packaged to ensure that they are kept secure and delivered safely with no damage. A good forwarder will be able to give you specialised assistance and advice on the most suitable method of transport for your cargo. The mode of transport recommended will make a difference to the packing process. For instance shipments via boat will probably be sent in a 20 or 40 foot shipping container (depending on the size of the cargo) whereas shipments via air would be sent in smaller consignments shaped/packed to fit into an aircraft.
It is important that you provide your freight forwarder with as much information about the consignment so they can provide adequate and suitable suggestions. You should also give them a desired collection and delivery date to help them plan the best route for your shipment. A forwarder who is unable or unwilling to help in this manner may not have enough experience on the job or just does not care enough. You would be better off to continue your search if this is what you find.
Most goods handled by shipping companies are shipped internationally as an import or an export. You should ensure that the forwarder you are considering is familiar with international legislation and the process of importing and exporting from your place of origin or destination. A freight forwarder with a comprehensive global network would be able to call on local agents in the original or destination country or city to ensure that the cargo was handled correctly.
This is especially important when dealing with hazardous or dangerous goods, and your forwarder should be knowledgeable of the required handling procedures and the legal requirements for shipping this type of cargo. Some freight forwarding companies provide training to their employees on handling hazardous cargo and it is a good idea to ask your freight forwarder if they do this.
Whilst price is important when making a choice on which freight forwarder use, you should always remember that in the long run experience always pays. It’s no good choosing the cheapest company only to find that your cargo is held up somewhere for weeks because your freight forwarder was not experienced enough to see a problem arising and then does not have the knowledge, experience or local contacts to resolve the situation promptly. Having a container load of goods held up for weeks could mean thousands of pounds of lost revenue or cash flow problems for your business, meaning the savings you made on choosing the cheapest company have been lost.
Bali Intercont Cargo is an experienced BALI based freight forwarder. Founded in 1989, Bali Intercont Cargo is backed by a global network. The superior benefits of using a company that is part of such a large network made it easy for Bali Intercont Cargo’s customers to choose them as their forwarder of choice.
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Posted by Aryputra Pande
Originally posted on September 23, 2017 @ 11:45 am
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