Freight forwarding is one of the most popular means of delivering goods for commercial and private purposes. The transportation of goods between different destinations is coordinated by businesses specializing in this type of shipping method. They typically employ several carriers, including road, ocean, and air freight. These businesses are generally known as freight forwarders.
Even though the entire process can seem complicated, freight forwarding businesses are the ideal intermediaries to rely on, whether you are the shipper or the recipient. However, if you decide to use freight forwarding services, here are a few things you need to be aware of before putting pen to paper.
Freight Forwarding Companies are Not Responsible for Shipping Delays
While freight forwarding businesses ensure that your product arrives at the appropriate place and time, there are some shipping delays they have no control over. Inclement weather, transporter problems, port delays, or unanticipated route adjustments bring on some of these delays. Even though they can be very upsetting, you can relax knowing that your freight forwarding company is making every effort to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
You Should Remain Aware of Shipping Restrictions
You should know shipping restrictions for specific commodities because freight forwarding companies are subject to stringent rules and guidelines. There are some products they cannot send, especially via sea or air freight. The following are some of the most common items that are typically prohibited:
- Sharp object
- Perishable products
- Batteries
- Alcohol
- Prescription and recreational drugs
- Flammable and toxic items or chemicals
It’s Your Responsibility to Ensure Paperwork is Up-to-Date
Although your freight forwarding business will likely assist you with any document you require before shipping, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure everything is completed and up-to-date. This step is essential to your transportation process since it lowers the possibility that customs will not release your cargo or that the bank will not release your payments.
Your Freight Forwarding Company Must Provide Numerous Documents
Your shipping firm will give you a variety of paperwork when you use freight forwarding services for any form of goods shipment. This is especially the case when using a freight forwarding company to ship products internationally.
However, completing these customs and shipping documents is crucial since they will ensure that your products arrive at their destination without any problems. Typically, this paperwork consists of the following:
- Shipper export declaration paper
- Export packing list
- Export license
- Inspection certificate
- Certificate of origin statement
- Bill of Lading contract
- Commercial invoice
Freight Forwarding Companies Provide More than Just Shipping Services
Many freight forwarding businesses also provide other services besides their shipping services to make the shipping process easier for you. Hey are a few extra services they offer:
- Handling of dangerous items
- Cargo tracking
- Cargo insurance
- Warehousing services
Freight forwarders may help your company on various levels of the supply chain process, from inventory management to customs clearance and documentation.
Wrapping Up
The freight forwarding process has various components that, when they work together, ensure your products reach customers’ doorstep on time. However, freight forwarding should be left in the hands of reputable, competent freight forwarding businesses, especially if you want someone onboard who will help you in every way possible.
