Regardless of the size of your business, coordinating global shipping can be a complex and daunting process. It’s not just managing the various phases of transport or the most cost-effective routes. It’s understanding the differing local customs regulations, and getting to grips with what paperwork you need and when. So, even if you’re highly experienced in the field, it can still seem as if you don’t have enough hours in the day to stay on top of your international logistics requirements. And that’s where freight forwarders, like Plexus Freight, can step in to help.
Six Ways a Freight Forwarder Could Support Your Business
Shipping knowledge
Knowledge is key in any industry. Freight forwarders possess extensive knowledge of international shipping routes, transit times, and the best carriers to use for specific destinations. This means that they are not only able to recommend the most efficient shipping method for each shipment, but the most cost-effective. Helping to ensure that every load is delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with local laws, regulations, and customs requirements.
Paperwork
And speaking of customs requirements, all international shipments require extensive documentation to ensure compliance with various regulations. This will usually include:
- Commercial invoices
- Bills of lading
- Packing lists
- Certificates of origin
- Import/export permits
When you work with a freight forwarder, they can help to ensure that your shipments are never delayed due to administrative errors.
Varying freight solutions
If you don’t have a thorough knowledge of the freight industry, it’s easy to pay too much. A freight forwarder, on the other hand, can help you to find the best service for your needs at the best prices. That might be through groupage, and the consolidation of shipments. Or through multimodal shipping, whereby various modes of transportation are used to get your goods from A to B in the most cost-effective manner possible. There are multiple freight services available that can help you to either expedite your delivery, or reduce your costs. While you might not be aware of them all, a freight forwarder will help you to find the best solution every time.
Support with customs
Customs clearance can be one of the most complicated and time-consuming parts of international shipping. With different countries having different import/export requirements, it’s easy to make mistakes. But a failure to meet those requirements can lead to delays or penalties. A good freight forwarder will have the knowledge to guide you through regulatory compliance, and help ensure that all shipments pass through customs smoothly. Many freight forwarders will handle the required paperwork and ensure that tariffs, taxes, and duties are properly calculated and paid.
Visibility
One of the best ways to make your customer anxious is to keep them in the dark. Good freight forwarders will provide businesses with access to real-time tracking systems. This not only enables customers to monitor the status of their shipments from start to finish, but also allows you to put contingencies in place if things go wrong. So, you can keep your customers informed and happy.
Handling warehousing
With any international freight movement, warehousing can be required. Particularly with air freight. And this can be really difficult to arrange from a distance. Because freight forwarders have contacts in all of the territories in which they operate, they can arrange the storage of your goods at strategically located warehouses, where required.
International freight is complex. The role of the freight forwarder is to simplify it. Helping clients with compliance, transportation, and customer service, in the most cost-effective manner possible. So, if you’re looking to remove some of the strain from your global shipping, a freight forwarder could provide the solution you need.
Get in touch with Plexus Freight to find out how we could support your international freight needs.
