Freight forwarding is a service used by companies or individuals that deal in international or multi-national imports and exports. Freight forwarders are used to manage the logistics of transporting goods by acting as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services. They take into account the type of goods and the client’s delivery requirements, then arrange the best means of transport. They use the services of shipping lines, airlines, and road and rail freight operators. The freight forwarding company provides the service itself in some cases.
A freight forwarding service ensures that consignments reach their destinations by a specific date, and that they remain in good condition. This involves planning the best route for a shipment, arranging appropriate packaging, and the delivery and warehousing of goods at their destination. They use established relationships with transport providers to negotiate the best prices. International freight forwarding companies specialise in balancing speed, reliability and cost by comparing bids and choosing the most economical options.
Freight forwarders also manage the additional requirements for international shipping. They obtain, check and prepare documentation to meet customs and insurance regulations, and make sure the delivery complies with other countries’ regulations. They also use online technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods. Risk assessment and management, plus methods of international payment, are also commonly provided to the client by freight forwarders.
Many companies and individuals use online marketplaces to compare multiple quotes from freight forwarders. If you require a freight forwarding service, you can create a free listing on DeliveryQuoteCompare.com to notify freight forwarding companies of your requirements. International freight forwarders will then compete for the work, using a reverse auction format. This can result in savings of up to 60% for clients. For more details, check out our ‘How it works’ page.
