5 Key Things You Must Consider When Choosing The Right Freight Forwarder Partner
A freight forwarding company has the expertise, industry experience and a thorough understanding of all of the complex transport and logistics arrangements involved in global trade. It helps to streamline the freight movement and arranges the shipping and logistics of goods from the start to finish of the supply chain.
A company may specialize in ocean freight or air freight or both. On behalf of the shippers, their freight forwarder partner will arrange services ranging from export documentation, international sea freight charges, customs clearance procedures, import duties or taxes, port handling fees, local trucking and marine insurance.
There is a world of difference between any freight forwarder and a good one. For freight forwarding in UAE and around the world, choosing the right company is crucial. Read on to find out what are the five key things to consider when trying to find a freight forwarder.
- Reputation
For freight forwarding companies, their reputation is of utmost importance because that is what drives their business. Always make sure that you do business with a reputable company built on trust. Check if they are an approved member of the WCA (World Cargo Alliance). You can also check to see if a freight forwarder provided inadequate services by checking FreightDeadbeats. Another thing you could do is simply ask them for references.
- Industry Experience
Experience is a determining factor. It tells you how well the company is prepared to handle common issues in international shipping like dockworker strikes, port shutdowns, cargo reroutes, customs, warehousing, etc. Only a freight forwarder with experience can ensure that your goods reach their destination without any hindrances despite such issues or problems.
- Network
The industry relationships of a freight forwarder are of great significance and a factor you must consider while choosing one. Having the right connections in the shipping industry is vital as it is many-a-times the difference between success and failure. These connections let a freight forwarder leverage carriers and NVOCCs (or Non Vessel Owning Common Carriers) for better rates, and also to efficiently navigate the local authorities and paperwork.
- Transparency in Pricing
Find a freight forwarder with a transparent pricing structure. This is highly important as in several cases the costs tend to be combined and the freight forwarders charge you fuel surcharges or brokerage fees. You may not even know about these because of the ambiguous and non-transparent nature of the pricing.
- Customer Service
Like in all other industries, customer service is very important in ship and logistics as well. A good freight forwarder ensures that you have direct access to the agent who manages your cargo. Any questions you may have about your shipment should be answered promptly. Also, a high level of responsiveness on their part means regular alerts regarding delay or other issues related to your cargo.
When choosing a freight forwarding company, take your time and do proper research. The success of your business depends on the freight forwarder you choose. The ideal freight forwarder would understand your exact requirements and will provide you with the level of service that you require in your business.
Clarion Shipping Services LLC is an industry leader of Freight Forwarding in UAE. And also, the right partner for all your shipping needs. We have been offering the best logistics solutions for over two decades. As an expert in the industry, we are capable of providing personalized solutions for your business that is best suited to meet your goals.
To request a quote, www.clarionshipping.com.
