The central responsibilities of any freight forwarder are shipping and storing goods to different parts of a country. By doing so, they play a definitive role in managing the supply chain; they will fulfill your logistics need and will also help your business to thrive. They will know whether to use ocean freight or air freight to export or import your cargo. That is why it is important for you to select the right freight forwarder. Since a lot of things might go wrong while selecting the best freight forwarder, here are 7 things to keep in mind before choosing freight forwarder.

1. Experience of the Freight Forwarder

This is the most important factor that you will have to consider, while you select a freight forwarder. The best international freight forwarders have a clear idea of how to ship cargos internationally, and how to deal with the problems arising during the shipment. An experienced freight forwarder will know how to handle

• Warehouse Issues
• Deal with Customs
• Dock Problems
• Port Problems
• Rerouting Cargos

These problems plague international shipping and only the most experienced, level-headed freight forwarder will know how to tackle them so that the cargos reach their destination on time.

2. Services They Offer

Not all industries have the same kind of requirements when they are shipping to international locations. So choose the freight forwarder, that you feel, gives services according to your business needs. Any good freight forwarder needs to give services like:

• Preparing the necessary documents
• Managing Inventories
• Packing the Cargo
• Storing the Cargo
• Present Documents Required to Clear Customs
• Reserving Space for the Cargos
• Consolidating the Cargos
• Settle the charges for the freight
• Insurance of the Freight

It is imperative that the freight forwarder you choose has provided the service that your goods need to get shipped. Along with the services they should also be able to provide you with information about the documents important for forwarding the freight.

3. Networking

The freight forwarder that you choose must have a strong network of operation in the country to which you are sending your goods. This will ensure that you have all the information about the trajectory of the goods. The forwarder is responsible for handling the shipment at the ports and also maintaining the logistics.

4. Managing the Operation

You will have to know to whom you will be submitting your documents; who will be responsible for the coordination of the shipment, and; with whom the responsibility of solving a problem lie. You will have to make sure that each person, who will be responsible for handling the various parts of the shipment, knows all about your account. You will also have to be clear about how you are to get updates on the shipment process; whether you will receive emails, receive calls, or can track it on the web.

5. Terms of Shipment

Never choose a freight forwarder who presents you with confusing terms and does not give you the actual price range for the cost of your shipment. You can expect an appropriate quotation from a freight forwarder that contains the company’s policies and terms and also tells you the total price that you will have to pay for their services. Peruse the document and if you agree with their terms, then only you should sign the contract.

6. Cost

You cannot discard your budget while trying to search for a good freight forwarder. Many companies provide such services; you will have to search for the one that provides the service you require and which fits your budget. Cost management is the most important aspect of the business, so look for the freight forwarder who will not be an economic burden.

7. Certification

Before you select the freight forwarder, ask for their certification. This will notify you whether they have the specific instruction and security requisite to look after your cargo. Look for references who could confirm the credentials of the freight forwarder. Getting more references for the freight forwarder will mean that they have experience and are experts in the international shipment of cargos.

A legitimate freight forwarder will give you relief from managing the goods and establish your business internationally. But you will have to spend hours before you select the one you feel is the most experienced. Keep these above-mentioned points in mind before you reach a decision.