Freight forwarding services act as intermediaries between customers and transport services, handling logistics, negotiating prices, and providing advice. They also handle ancillary services such as insurance, customs documentation, and storage. Using a freight forwarding service can save time and provide reliable transportation at competitive rates.
Shipping of goods is a service used by companies that deal with international or multinational import and export. Although the forwarder does not actually move the cargo, he acts as an intermediary between the customer and the various transport services. Shipping 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 customer, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.
Shipping services ensure that the products arrive at the correct destination by an agreed date and in good condition. The freight forwarding service makes use of consolidated relationships with carriers of all types, from air transport and road haulage companies, to rail freighters and transatlantic liners. Shipping services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the cheapest route by working out various offers and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.
A shipping service typically provides one or more quotes to the customer along with advice when needed. Considerations affecting price will range from origin and destination to special requirements, such as refrigeration or, for example, the transportation of potentially hazardous materials. Assuming the customer accepts the forwarder’s offer, the cargo is ready for shipment. The shipping service then assumes responsibility for arranging transportation from the point of origin to the destination.
One of the many benefits of using freight forwarding is that it handles the ancillary services that are part of the international shipping business. Insurance and customs documentation and customs 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. Storage, risk assessment and management, and international payment methods are also commonly provided to the customer by the freight forwarding service.
A good freight forwarding service can save the customer untold time and potential headaches while providing reliable transportation of products at competitive rates. A freight forwarding service is an asset to almost any business involved in international freight forwarding and is especially useful when in-house resources are not well versed in international shipping procedures.
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