When it comes to shipping cargo within the country or overseas, the freight forwarding company you choose could make or break the entire deal. While the number of containers lost at sea is steadily decreasing (with a 16% decrease from previous years), this is a scenario that many shipping companies are still struggling to control.
Before choosing a freight export company—who act like the suppliers or vendors of your business—you might want to ask the following questions to ensure you’re getting the best and most reliable services:
What Are My Requirements?
Before you even start looking for a freight forwarder, you might want to get familiar with your requirements are. What kind of cargo are you exporting? What is the size and weight of your cargo? Do you have the necessary licenses required to ship your product overseas? If not, do you know how to procure them? What kind of transport service do you require?
Do They Have Enough Experience?
Because there’s a number of freight shipping companies cropping up every day, it is wise to choose a company that has been in the business for a number of years.
While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a new vendor, when you choose an experienced shipping company, you are assured of excellent services and reliable delivery of your products.
Companies that have been in the business for a number of years also have the expertise required to handle different kinds of cargo.
Do They Have Accreditations?
The shipping company you hire should be a part of any of the national freight company organizations, including the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) or the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) among others. While accreditations aren’t necessary to become a freight forwarder, they indicate professionalism and reliability.
What Services Do They Offer?
Depending upon the type of cargo you want shipped, you will be in need of different containers. The most common containers include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO). Knowing your container requirements and whether your shipping company can meet them is important to get a better experience.
Will They Take Care of the Documentation and Licenses?
When you hire a general freight exporter to take care of your shipments, you expect it to be hassle-free. Experienced freight forwarders are aware of the laws and regulations of both the starting location and the destination. They can thus save you major effort spent upon the completion of import and export technicalities, and will also take care of any customs issues so you don’t have to.
About Quality One International Shipping Express
Offering exceptional and highly reliable local and international shipping services, Quality One International Shipping Express is fully licensed and insured. We strive to provide only the best shipping services, whether commercial or international.