Relocating from one place to another or from a country to a whole different one could be a lot and one needs to be knowing almost everything about domestic and international freight. Well, there are many people who already know a lot about freight forwarding, yet end up choosing unsuitable or bad freight forwarding services.
Whether you are a company- exporting your goods from one place to another, or an individual who is relocating to another country for a wonderful job opportunity, you need to keep a few things and considerable factors in mind.
There are many freight forwarding companies that play a significant role in logistics and supply chain management. However, there are ways to differentiate a professional freight company or freight people and agents, from an unprofessional one.
Here we have mentioned some common factors to consider before hiring freight forwarder, for both domestic and international! Take a look.
6 Things to consider before finalizing freight forwarder
A professional and well-established company deals with a clear guarantee, and utmost professionalism that caters to the client and customer’s needs and requirements providing premium quality of services. Well, this goes for every type of company that you partner up with!
- Easy Access
Well, one of the foremost factors that you must consider ever before you hire a freight forwarder for your relocation or transportation of goods. Having easy and convenient access to transportation and boarding a vehicle is what we all prefer. Of course, if it’s shifting and relocation, then we probably do not have much time to keep a track on the goods. However, you cannot afford uncertain circumstances and lose vehicle accessibility, when you are relocating.
- Know the company’s experience
When you are picking or choosing a freight forwarder company for your relocation and transportation, you have to determine the company’s experience in the market, or the freight agent’s experience! Of course, you do not want to have a Suez Canal blockage experience, do you? However, you also have to figure out if the company also handles shipping issues such as port shutdowns, dock worker strikes, customs, warehousing, and cargo reroutes and goods protection and safety. Well, these issues are quite common, but your hired freight company must know how to handle these issues.
- A growing network of agents
It is important that your goods must be handled carefully at every port, whether domestic or international. However, proper handling of goods is the responsibility of the freight forwarder or the freight company. Always remember that once your goods are onboard or on freight, it’s completely the responsibility of the freight provider- and international shipping also demands for transparent logistics- and when your freight company has enough network of agents, it becomes easier. Hence, ensure that your freight company has enough connections that will help with smooth flow of information, goods arrival, and proper handling and maintenance.
- Does the freight forwarder have the required credentials?
Yes, the company is all good and they have got great experience, but they do not have enough credentials and certifications of their business, and neither do they have any feedback or reviews online- what do you do? You hold on! If I were you, I would still be skeptical about choosing that particular company! Your freight forwarder needs to have specialized training and enough security requirements to handle and maintain your goods. If the company has enough feedback and reviews online, then you can go ahead too.
- Reliable customer support and service
Whether it’s a shipping industry or a BFSI, customer service is important! Reliable and trust-worthy customer service plays a major role in acquiring clients and customers for shipping. Excellent customer support can provide you with all the help and service that you need with freight support and however, if you are still domestic, then they would also assist you to expand internationally. Good communication and instant level of responses can get you more clients if you want to step into an overseas market.
- Look for the services they provide
Every industry has specific requirements, especially when it comes to international shipping and freight. There are few additional services that you might want your freight provider to have. However, these services are quite basic and essential too, tracking transportation, packing and storage, booking cargo space, inventory management, customs clearance, negotiation, consolidation, and insurance too.
Conclusion
Research is the key, and you have to provide the ultimate research before you choose your freight provider. Yes, every freight company is different and hence it is recommended that you compare your freight forwarder and look into the services, charges, add-ons, and of course reliability, safety, and security to your goods.
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