If you are getting into the business of Amazon freight forwarding, it is your responsibility to choose the right forwarder. Your customers will judge you on the basis of your service, and when you are conducting business with freight forwarders, their services become synonymous with your services. So, choosing the right freight forwarder becomes important for your business.
Typically, a freight forwarder will take care of everything from logistics to the shipping on time at the agreed upon destination. There are numerous choices available for freight forwarding, but you can choose the right one for your business if you keep the following aspects in mind:
The Route
With international freight forwarding, you will mainly be offered two options, land and sea. You can choose either of them depending on the urgency and the quantity of the products. Sea route is comparatively cheaper but also takes longer, so if you are on a deadline, consider spending more but making the deadline.
The Transport
While you are deciding the route, also acquaint yourself with the transportation means of freight forwarding. Some forwarders might own their own planes, ships, and road vehicles. Others might be contracting private transportation means. While it does not cause problems regularly, with private contracting, some issues like strikes and bankruptcy tend to arise.
The Client base and the Network
Knowing the network of a potential freight forwarder will familiarize you with the kind of business they are in. Asking about their existing client base will help you get a clearer idea if the freight forwarder has experience with companies who work in a similar way to you. Experience and a good network of contacts in the business will be beneficial to you in the long run as it will help the forwarder to navigate the different rules and regulations in different countries.
The Insurance Options
Freight forwarding comes with its own insurance coverage. If you are opting for international freight forwarding like amazon shipping from china, getting insurance will be the best course of action. Many freight forwarders offer their customers standard insurance for their goods that will cover the cost of any damage.
If you are investing more money in shipment or air travel, ask about other insurance options available. If your products are especially expensive, it would be better if you sought a more premium insurance policy. In some cases, your products might not fall into the list of freight forwarder’s general liability insurance so make sure you read the fine print.
The Destination
Be aware of the extent of the services offered by the freight forwarder. Many freight forwarders offer international services but not all offer services to all countries around the world. Check to see if they provide services to and from certain countries that you might be doing business in.
While you are at it, also check if they can offer delivery service door to door rather than just delivering the products to the port of the respective country. To get your products to the residence of your client, you will have to book another delivery which will cost you more.
Check Verification and Membership
While you are researching for the best freight forwarder for business, see if they are a member of a trade association. If a freight forwarder is a member of a reputable trade association, they have probably passed verification tests which makes them reputable and reliable. It also stands as a testimony to their financial stability.
To check if they are verified, you can check their credentials online as well. You can get a detailed verification report online as well through various third party websites.
Ask about Added costs
The price quoted and negotiated can vary significantly from the billing amount that you get. This is so because of hidden charges and added costs. These can be taxes, shipping costs, weight levies, and customs charges. Make sure you ask outright about hidden charges and read the fine print before signing any contracts.
Available Tracking
While your shipment is en route, it is natural that you would want to know where it is and how long it will be till it reaches its destination. While many freight forwarders offer tracking facilities, others offer a cheaper package by eliminating the tracking service. Reliable freight forwarders like BeFBA let you track your package throughout the shipping process. Many freight forwarders now have real time tracking systems, and you should take advantage of it, especially if you are sending a big shipment on a deadline.
The Takeaway
You should always ask for proper documentation and verified credentials of any Amazon freight forwarder you will be stepping into business with. Ask for proof of delivery as physical and digital paperwork. Asking for references will also help you decide which is the best freight forwarder for you. Ask for a proper communication channel so that all your doubts can be dispelled without any extra hassle.
If you consider all the necessities that you will need fulfilled through a freight forwarder like the destination, the shipping time, the insurance coverage, and the services, you can easily pick the best freight forwarder for your business.
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