GOT QUESTIONS?
We know you have some questions regarding our operations, and we have got the answers for you. Please browse our Frequently Asked Questions below to search for your answers.
However should you still have more questions, please feel free to contact us at anytime.
More Questions? Contact us Now
However should you still have more questions, please feel free to contact us at anytime.
More Questions? Contact us Now
General
Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international or multi-national import and export. While the freight forwarder doesn’t actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services. Sending products from one international destination to another can involve a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities.
A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.
Freight forwarding services guarantee that products will get to the proper destination by an agreed date and in good condition. The freight forwarding service utilizes established relationships with carriers of all kinds, from air freighters and trucking companies, to rail freighters and ocean liners. Fright forwarding services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route by working out various bids and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.
A freight forwarding service generally provides one or more estimates to the client along with advisement, when necessary. Considerations that effect price will range from origin and destination to special requirements, such as refrigeration or, for example, transport of potentially hazardous materials. Assuming the client accepts the forwarders bid, the freight is readied for shipping. The freight forwarding service then undertakes the responsibility of arranging the transport from point of origin to destination.
One of the many advantages of using freight forwarding is that it handles ancillary services what are a part of the international shipping business. Insurance and customs documentation and clearance are some examples. As a consolidator, a freight forwarding service might also provide Non-Vessel operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) documentation, or Bills of Lading. Warehousing, risk assessment and management and methods of International payment are also commonly proided to the client by the freight forwarding service.
A good freight forwarding service can save the client untold time and potential headaches while providing reliable transportation of products at competitive rates. A freight forwarding service is an asset to almost any company dealing in international transportation of goods ,and especially helpful when in-house resources are not versed in international shipping procedures.
We have 5 tips for you.
Tip #1: Save container transportation cost by preparing to load your container in less than 2 hours.
When the driver shows up to your site, the first 2 hours are included in your fees. We recommend staffing up and preparing in advance to load the container as quickly as possible to avoid overtime charges.
Tip #2: Prepare Shipping Container Contents for Extremes
Containers are subject to extreme conditions. There are wild swings in temperature and humidity inside the container – they go through the Panama Canal and sometimes around the Cape. Containers are subjected to triple digit heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures while in storage or in transport.
Tip #3: Carefully Declare ANY Organic Cargo
Plants, edible plants, vegetables and fruits are all treated differently depending on the origin and destination of the shipment. If customs finds any undeclared organic cargo, they can quarantine your container and charge you daily holding fees.
Tip #4: Properly Insure Your Cargo
Plan for ‘attrition’. All of the contents don’t always make it all of the time.
There will be some “attrition” – containers get inspected, sometimes by unscrupulous dock/deck hands…this isn’t REALLY considered stealing. As the items in transit, technically are the property of the shipping company company.
Tip #5: Understand that freight forwarding is both an art and a science.
Many companies and handlers are involved in moving your container, here are just a few possible examples. Trucking company(ies) outbound (your door to the port of origin or train yard), Crane Operators transferring container from truck to train, and train to ship. That’s just to get the container to the ship. Then the reverse happens on the other side….it’s a REALLY rough ride even in good weather.
