When a company decides to export or import a product, it finds that it has to deal with several processes so that the product reaches the customer. The processes that involve an international business can seem intimidating if you are not involved in logistics, that is what a forwarder is for.
WHY HIRE A FREIGHT FORWARD AGENT?
The freight forwarder or cargo agent acts as an intermediary between the client who hires him and the various transportation and logistics services that are involved in the cargo reaching its destination.
Generally, a freight forwarder investigates and plans the best route, costs, transit times, etc., according to the merchandise to be transported, negotiates contracts with transporters, provides necessary documents for transportation, arranges payments and requirements for the release of the cargo, maintains communication and control throughout the entire cargo journey and provides total advice to the client.
A forwarder establishes relationships with its service providers to negotiate the best price and best route that result in better profitability, improving costs and times. Just as a travel agent takes care of the entire plan, forwarders take care of every detail to deliver your cargo.
DIVERSITY OF LOGISTICAL VARIABLES
Each industry has different expectations about the forwarder, depending on the industry, expectations can change, some simply need to move cargo from point A to point B without further complications, but some need more than a simple operation and need value-added services from their suppliers.
There are many companies that can handle the transportation part, however the forwarder has to take into consideration that each load is different, it depends on the product to be transported, and how important are the variables such as delivery times, costs, complexity of cargo handling, security and delivery requirements.
HOW TO CHOOSE A FREIGHT FORWARDER
These are some points that are important when considering working with a freight forwarder:
1. Do you have the ability to handle international business? It is important that you have several transport providers, as well as several contracts, as this ensures that your cargo has a better chance of being shipped on time or otherwise has more options and alternatives to do so.
2. Can it handle your product? Make sure that the forwarder always knows what your product is and takes its requirements into consideration.
3. Do you have a good network of agents? A good network of agents in the origin/destination port ensures that information and the process flow, it also allows additional services to be offered.
4. EXPERIENCE. The international shipping industry is not the easiest in the world, experience as a forwarder means they have had to deal with different situations and problems, experience means they can help you with any problem you may face. Your contacts, whether sales, operational or customer service, must be
capable of answering your questions and solving problems or unforeseen events, as well as having an experienced team that always supports you.
It is important to note that a forwarder does not move the cargo by itself, a forwarder is not the transportation itself, it is the one that provides you with the best option for the needs of your cargo, it is in charge of the logistics, but it is not the shipping company, nor the land transportation, nor the airline.
HELP US HELP YOU!
We are here to help you and facilitate your operations in terms of logistics. When you request a quote it is important that you take the following points into consideration:
1. Am I importing or exporting?
2. What is the term of sale/purchase? How far does my responsibility begin or end?
3. What type of service do I need? DOOR-DOOR, DOOR-PORT, PORT-DOOR, PORT-PORT
4. What is the source address and what is the final destination address?
5. What is the size/weight/dimensions/value of my cargo?
6. What merchandise is it? Is it dangerous? Do you have special requirements?
7. What Mode of Transportation do I need, Sea, Air, Land? Combined or intermodal services?
8. How is my merchandise packaged?
9. Do you need to make sure?
10. Do I need special services? Inspections at origin, cargo consolidation, certificates of origin, customs clearance?
Because each case has different circumstances, it is necessary to identify all the variables or requirements of your project in order to determine the appropriate measures, which is why our experts at APR Cargo will be able to support you in any logistics project, creating a distribution strategy and providing you with all the necessary support during each of the phases of your project. operation.