Finding a reliable freight forwarder is an important step for your business. Streamlining the processes of logistics keeps you one step ahead within the competition.
Here we provide you with some pointers to make note of, in order to confirm one most suitable for your requirements.
Experience and Reputability
Searching for an experienced freight forwarder will help guide you in the right direction depending on the nature of your goods. Freight forwarders are far more experienced with handling goods and may have a more well-structured approach to specialised handling of goods that could reduce damage and risks for a business, drastically. For example, they can act as an efficient intermediary when transporting sensitive or temperature-reliant goods from one place to another.
Competency and their level of expertise in the field is important but so is ensuring that the freight forwarder bears critical documents is equally important. Make sure that such companies provide information on the relevant licences and credentials on their end, so that you can make an informed decision. Accreditations are important as well because you need to understand this relationship you’re forging is one that is built on trust. Clarifying whether they comply with strict regulations without bypassing quality standards is significant.
Communicating Priorities
From the moment you narrow down a selection and commence communications, make a note to discuss your standpoint and priorities of the business so that the freight forwarder can accommodate those specifically. Discuss your company’s objectives and way forward for tackling new market opportunities so that both parties are on the same page.
Request quotations at the initial stage so that important details are not overlooked, including additional pricing for import-export or insurance charges and whether they’re included in the overall cost. Inquiring about potential additional costs is also important as demurrage or detention fees could come as unpleasant surprises, sometimes. If the costs are looking too good to be true, it actually might be.
Range of Services
There is no doubt that freight forwarders can provide several logistics and supply chain solutions leading from their personal best practices. Communicating effectively with the logistics company, thus, goes without saying.
Ask about follow-up or after-sale support and whether regular updates will be given in events of delays, etc. Some logistical companies offer 24/7 support which is a huge bonus as well. Additional services such as custom clearance, warehousing benefits and so on. Tracking information, real-time tracking along with automated service and predictive analytics are some of the other services these companies could offer.
Make the most out of the relationship and the bond you build with the freight forwarder to practise healthy habits that nurture both party’s purposes.
Contingency plans
A good company will always provide a backup Plan B in case of disruptions or delays. Unexpected circumstances and events should be thoroughly discussed ahead of time in order to draw up suitable contingency plans and solutions to avert such issues in future.
Inquire about their history on handling issues and disruptions, or steps taken to mitigate risks in times of crisis or bad weather conditions to get a better understanding of their approach and whether it aligns well with your company strategies and image you’re keen to set. If your goal is to encourage environmentally friendly solutions to ship your items, delivering that promise even at times of unforeseeable circumstances would be of top-relevance. Hence, from an initial stage this understanding within both parties must be properly established at the initial stages.
Reliable research is at the forefront of finding a suitable freight forwarder for your shipping needs. But ultimately, a smooth shipping experience is built on a good and steady relationship between both parties.
