What are their core responsibilities?
The main job scope of an international freight forwarder is to assist importers and exporters to transport their goods across the globe. Importing or exporting of goods can be a time consuming and complicated process for most small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Hence, engaging an international freight forwarder, also known as a sea freight agent, can help to reduce confusion and delays that comes along with international trade logistics. With an extensive freight knowledge consisting of documentation requirements, regulations, transportation costs, these forwarders can advise on the most efficient route to move your goods from one place to another.
In summary, these are the core responsibilities of an international freight forwarder:
- Identity and arrange the best routes for your transport
- Reduce cost by consolidating loads going to a single destination
- Prepare and file necessary documentation such as bill of landing
- Reserve cargo space for your goods
- Ensure goods and documents comply with custom regulations
Secondary Responsibilities
International freight forwarder usually offer a wide range of other trade related services. This is inclusive of:
- Air Freight
- Sea Freight
- Trucking
- Warehousing
- Custom Clearance
- Cargo Insurance
- Shipping Container Purchase
- Shipping Container Rental
- Project Freight
Do note that you can also take this chance to engage your forwarder as a valuable source of information for any international trading related activities. It is always good to know what is going on and what your forwarder can help you, especially for those who are new to international trade.
How do I make sure I engage the right freight forwarder?
Do you own research
It is important to know your own roles and your freight forwarder roles to avoid miscommunication and unnecessary disputes in the future. Study the common freight forwarding industry terms people are using and prepare yourself.
Know your own internal requirements
Understand what you really need even before engaging a forwarder. These factors include:
- the volume you plan to transport
- the mode of transport
- the specific type of service you require at the end of the day
Can your potential freight forwarder deal with different type shipments?
It is crucial to bear in mind that apart from importing using sea freight from US today, you may need to import from China using air freight in future. Research and ask your freight forwarder if they are able to handle multiple types of shipments at all.
How reliable are your potential freight forwarders?
Do they have the appropriate licences or are they a member of any trade associations in the freight forwarding networks?
Do they have similar experience according to your needs?
Freight industry is a huge business. Forwarders have to deal with the different mode of transports, commodities and regulations. Make the effort to ask and find out if your potential freight forwarders have experience in your type of shipment. Having experienced service providers is always a plus point.
M&P International Freight Forwarding Services
International freight forwarding is one of our core service at M&P International Freights. Situated in Singapore, along with an extensive network across the globe and strong partnerships developed over the years with air, sea and road carriers, we offer the most reliable and competitive international freight forwarding solutions for our customers. Our ability to cope with trade disputes, quota issues and customs procedures provide us a strong competitive advantage when moving our customers’ freight internationally.
Founded in 2006, M&P has enjoyed huge success in recent 10 years, working together to forge extensive network of international commodities trading companies and suppliers.
We will love to explore how we can help you based on your own unique requirements. Feel free to give us a ring or drop us an email to request for a detailed quote.