Selecting the right freight forwarder for your business is complex. There are many variables to take into consideration when selecting the right freight forwarder. You need assurance that the company you select will deliver freight on time, in optimal condition, at a competitive price. Deliveries are often time-sensitive so, you need leading freight forwarders who offer the best service and results.
Every business has different expectations from a freight forwarder. And, depending on what the shipment contains and its destination, expectations can change. When you use an established freight forwarder such as Stockwell, you trust them to move and track your freight while in transit.
With so many freight forwarders offering their services, how do you choose the right company to suit your needs? Here are some things to consider when choosing a freight forwarder to take care of your shipping needs.
Establishment
The most important thing you should look for is how experienced the company is. You want to choose one that has been in the industry for many years and has experience handling the complexities of the business. Ask each freight forwarding company questions such as
- Are you accredited?
- Do you specialize in my type of cargo?
- Who is responsible for organizing the relevant documentation?
- What’s included in the cost?
- How extensive is your network?
How much experience the company has will tell you if they can handle any problems when they arise. You need a company that will help you with any issues that can occur en route with customs, routes and warehousing. This will ensure there are minimal problems when shipping goods internationally.
Customs Experience
When you are importing from overseas, you need a company that can organize transport using air, land or sea and offers the right advice. They should understand U.S. customs and quarantine requirements to negate any potential issues that may arise.
It is impossible to control everything when shipping freight from across the world, so you need a company that designates a point of contact to help you comply with all the rules and regulations. A single point of contact means they can solve any problems before they escalate. This will minimize your costs and stress levels.
Tracking Capabilities
When sending freight across the country or overseas, you need to be able to track its progress. The freight forwarder you use should use advanced freight tracking tools. It is important they know where your goods are at all times.
Customer References
When looking into freight forwarding companies, ask for references. Well-established freight forwarders will be happy to provide you with customer references. It is one thing for a company to tell you about their customer service and how they will handle your freight but talking to their clients directly will provide assurance. You want to be able to talk with their customers to find out how they find that company’s services. It is important to find out if their customers are happy using each company you consider using.
In addition, ask for references from long-term customers, not just new ones. Customers that use a freight forwarding company all the time will give you a clear indication of their operations. How they treat others is how they will treat you and your company, and the freight you need them to move.
Some companies may have customer testimonials on their website or on review sites online. Always check out what others have to say about a company you want to use!
Insurance Coverage
When looking for a freight forwarder, ask what type of insurance they offer. Most companies insure your goods from the start of the voyage to the end.
Questions to ask:
- Is insurance included in the total cost of the contract or it is an add-on with an extra cost?
- How are goods insured for?
- Who is liable if anything goes wrong while goods are in transit?
Network of Partners
When picking a reputable freight forwarder, you want to know if they have a network of offices and partners in other states and countries. Depending on the type of freight and where it is going, you want to know if there are options.
Questions to ask:
- Do you offer a range of transport options such as by air, sea, land and rail?
- Do you have warehousing options to store freight before and after shipping?
- Do you have network partners?
- Do you have other international or national office locations?
You may need these to get your freight delivered on time to the right receiver anywhere in the world. When a company has these options, it is a sign they have a solid network. Good freight forwarders have a lot of connections to make moving freight a seamless operation for their clients. You need to know this before you hire a company to transport your goods.
Financial Background
You do not want to hand over your freight to a company that has a poor financial background. Check into the company’s financial stability. The last thing you need is to trust a company with financial problems to ship consignments of your goods. It can cause all sorts of problems such as delivery delays if the company cannot pay its bills on time. This has the potential to damage your own reputation and cost you more in extra costs as well as being a stressful situation.
Managing Crises
Consider how each freight forwarding company handles crisis situations. It is inevitable that something will go wrong at some stage. You want to deal with a company that provides solutions and cares about meeting its commitments as much as you do. Good freight companies notify you when problems arise to let you know how they will solve the situation. You need a company that will be proactive and efficient.
Customer Service
You want to partner with a company that delivers top customer service. The company you choose should deliver what they promise and be responsive and flexible whenever needed. They should also be prompt in their response to your emails and phone calls. Top freight forwarding companies will go out of their way to make sure they meet all your needs. Will they treat you as a valued client?
Reliability
One of your top priorities will be reliability. You need to rely on your freight forwarding company to deliver your goods on time, on budget and in good condition. There is nothing worse than a company that makes promises but fails to follow through. When they fail you, you may fail your own customers and potentially damage your business reputation.
Safety & Compliance
With your goods shipped via land, sea or air, you need to know the freight forwarder’s safety record. Look at the reliability of the transport used and their standard operating procedures.
Talk to the company about who they will use to ship your goods to the destination. Check their safety certifications and records over their years of operation.
Choose a company that complies with the regulations and laws for all countries they operate and do business in when exporting and importing goods. It is also important they follow all safety regulations. A company that ignores the importance of safety is unlikely to look after the goods they are shipping for you.
Industry Knowledge
Another important factor to consider in choosing your freight forwarder is their industry expertise. Do they keep up with current news and trade trends? Do they have measures in place for seasonal issues such as hurricanes, pests, or snow? Are they aware of and able to navigate and adapt in cases of border closures or wars? These are all things to keep in mind when deciding if your freight forwarder is trustworthy.
Double Check Price Quote
All shipping companies have different pricing structures. Where you have a cheaper quote, it could be because there will be extra costs added for things like insurance and tracking freight. More expensive quotes may have all costs factored into the total cost. Always check for hidden costs. Ask for a complete breakdown of what fees, costs and charges make up the total price before entering into a contract with any particular company.
Contact an Expert Freight Forwarder
There is so much to consider when choosing both national and international freight forwarders with so many companies to choose from. They will all offer something different and have varying company values. With this advice, you can choose the freight forwarding company that best suits your needs.
If you’re shipping freight or need a quote, contact our expert team at Stockwell. We’re a global company that has established our reputation over the last 51 years — trust us to handle your freight.