Freight forwarder services in Australia are a complex and ever-changing industry. Several factors, such as experience, reputation, specialisations, and, most importantly, level of customer service, must be considered when choosing a freight forwarder.
Here are some freight forwarding tips to help you find the most suitable freight forwarding company to work with.
Tip 1. Know what your specific freight forwarder requirements are.
Make a list of your requirements and preferences for freight forwarding companies. You can ask the following question as your checklist, which includes but is not limited to the following:
- Do you need a freight forwarder who offers door-to-door service?
- Do you require a specialised unpack and delivery of your cargo or container?
- Do you need additional advice/help because it’s your first time importing?
Ensure you are clear about your freight forwarding services needs when finding a company that can cater to them. Doing this allows your service provider to tailor their services to your needs.
Tip 2. Do your research on different freight forwarders.
Once you know what you need, it’s time to research different freight forwarding companies. An excellent place to start is online, where you can ask other industry professionals for referrals. Once you have a few options, take the time to read online reviews, compare pricing, and make sure they will be a good fit and that you feel comfortable with them handling your cargo.
Tip 3. Get quotes from various freight forwarders.
After narrowing down your options for freight forwarding companies, the next step is getting quotes from different freight forwarders. Compare pricing and services side by side with freight forwarding services. Ensure you ask about hidden fees or surcharges to understand the total cost accurately.
With Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) and Cost and Freight (CFR) shipments, many importers get caught up by the higher destination port charges. CIF and CFR result from the freight being arranged at the origin. Always use a local customs broker in Australia to receive unbiased and accurate advice about the additional charges you will receive for CIF and CFR shipments.
Tip 4. Ensure your freight forwarder has an excellent reputation from previous clients.
Before you make your final choice on a freight forwarder, you will want to ensure that they are reputable and have good reviews. The most crucial factor is how you feel when speaking or emailing with the forwarder.
Good freight forwarding tips are if you can trust them, they have offered you good advice and service, and they seem knowledgeable, then they are generally the best. The best freight forwarders are only sometimes the cheapest, so be aware of pricing that seems too good to be true. Also, ensure they are appropriately licensed and have the necessary insurance.
Tip 5. Choose the freight forwarder that meets your needs.
Once you have all the information you need, it’s time to decide. Choose the freight forwarder that offers the best combination of price, services and terms for your needs. Then, you can start shipping your products confidently, knowing that your freight forwarder is one you trust and can rely on freight forwarding tips.
The Bottom Line
You can discover the best freight forwarder to collaborate with if you follow these guidelines and perform comprehensive research. Follow industry experts’ advice to find the right freight forwarding partner.
Give Us A Call
Australian Customs Brokers has global freight forwarding and logistics networks, and we ensure our customers can access dependable and cost-effective freight forwarding services. Contact us today to see how we can help your business save time and money on shipping.