When shipping goods internationally, companies must decide whether to use the services of a freight forwarder or engage directly with a carrier.
Freight forwarding companies are responsible for arranging the move of goods from point A to point B, acting as a liaison between the shipper and the actual transportation carrier with important tasks such as selecting a suitable and dependable one for the service requested, securing the most cost-efficient rates available and preparing and providing to all parties the necessary documentation for the execution of the move.
What is the benefit of working with a Freight Forwarder?
The paramount benefit of working with a Freight Forwarder is that you have a wide array of services under one roof. In addition to the tasks mentioned above, there are a number of related services a freight forwarder provides that most carriers usually don’t.
- Consolidation of cargo from suppliers for further export
- Verifying accuracy and condition of the cargo received
- Choosing correct equipment for the shipping of the cargo
- Packing and Storage
- Cargo loading
- Prepare and submit documentation to the proper entities for the international export of the cargo
- Obtain cargo Insurance
- Inventory Control and much more
Challenges you might encounter when working directly with a Carrier
- Carriers’ rates might not be as competitive unless you have a relevant high volume of cargo that you can commit to move with them under contract
- Some carriers do not provide the filing of important and complex export documentation to government agencies (such as the EEI)
- It is easier to interact with a freight forwarder on a day-to-day basis than with a carrier
- Most carriers will not consolidate loose cargo to load in containers
Contact Promptus to learn more about working with a team that has 20 years of experience in the field. We’ll walk you through the advantages of using a freight forwarder over going direct – contact us today at 305-687-1405
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