| As the Internet opens up global markets, more and | | | | draw up your shortlist, look for freight services |
| more people are considering starting an import or | | | | companies with experience of the particular routes |
| export business and are looking into selecting a | | | | and goods your business is dealing in. Ask for |
| freight company for the first time. | | | | references from businesses with similar freight |
| This can be baffling as the world of international | | | | transport needs. It is particularly important that the |
| freight is highly complex and the newcomer needs to | | | | shipping company you select has good experience of |
| be aware of some of the pitfalls associated with | | | | the routes you need and a good network of |
| freight forwarding. | | | | overseas agents. Also check whether your freight |
| The main role of all freight services companies is, of | | | | services company understands the specific needs of |
| course, to help importers and exporters transport | | | | your product type, such as whether it requires |
| their goods. But with varying requirements in each | | | | refrigeration. This is obviously very important for |
| country and with many different transport options | | | | perishables and food, for example, but also bear in |
| and routes to choose from, it is vital that you | | | | mind the potential impact on your product of |
| choose the right freight company to suit the specific | | | | different climates. For example, if you are exporting |
| needs of your business. | | | | to Scandinavia, have you thought about the possible |
| To get the most out of your freight forwarding | | | | effect of frost? And if you are involved in China |
| company, there are some simple tips and strategies | | | | import, do you know what specific paperwork your |
| to remember. | | | | import products will need? |
| Firstly, avoid the common mistake of selecting your | | | | Take advantage of secondary services from shipping |
| shipping company on price alone: Using a freight | | | | companies: Many freight services companies offer a |
| company can cut your costs because as they | | | | wide range of additional services and logistics, |
| arrange for the transport of large numbers of | | | | including completing customs clearance paperwork on |
| consignments, they can consolidate loads going to a | | | | your behalf, and paying any taxes and duties owed. |
| single destination. A freight forwarder will be able to | | | | They also cover off any other documentation issues, |
| offer lower freight rates than you can negotiate with | | | | such as Bills of Lading and insurance. Many freight |
| carriers yourself. Of course, you should get quotes | | | | forwarding companies also offer help with inventory |
| and compare costs from a number of freight | | | | management or supply chain management. |
| forwarding suppliers to find the best level of cost and | | | | Some freight transport companies can also help with |
| service for you - but do be aware that that the | | | | collecting products from multiple locations or updating |
| lowest quote may not be the best option. Check out | | | | your customer about the status on the freight |
| the level of service carefully too. And watch out for | | | | delivery. |
| any surcharges and additional fees that may not be | | | | These extra services from your freight services |
| immediately obvious. If you are new to the world of | | | | company can help save your business time and |
| international freight, it will also be important that you | | | | money so do check out what is available. |
| feel that the shipping company will provide a guiding | | | | Provide full and accurate information: When you |
| hand. | | | | choose to use a freight forwarding company, make |
| Make sure you use a freight services company that | | | | sure you provide them with full and accurate |
| is a member of BIFA: There are thousands of freight | | | | information. The key thing to provide to your shipping |
| forwarding companies, so to sort the wheat from | | | | company is a copy of the commercial invoice and the |
| the chaff, use the freight forwarding trade | | | | tariff classification for your goods (unless you've |
| associations and in particular the British International | | | | asked your freight services company to classify the |
| Freight Association (BIFA) to draw up a shortlist. This | | | | goods for you.) If you get it right first time, it will |
| is a membership body representing 1200 UK freight | | | | make your freight transport go more smoothly. |
| forwarding companies in the UK. BIFA and the | | | | Check document turnaround time from the freight |
| International Freight Forwarders Association (to which | | | | services company: How long will it take the shipping |
| BIFA belongs) have codes of practice to which all | | | | company to turn around key documents? It is |
| member freight forwarding companies must comply, | | | | important that this is fast and streamlined, as time is |
| so this can help avoid problems and provide | | | | money - your money! |
| reassurance that the shipping company you select is | | | | Use your shipping company for advice: You can use |
| of high quality. The freight transport trade | | | | your freight services company as a source of |
| associations can also help ensure that any disputes | | | | information and advice about international trade. Many |
| between freight companies and their customers are | | | | shipping companies have a wealth of experience, so |
| quickly resolved. | | | | tap into this valuable resource and make your freight |
| Check relevant experience of shipping companies: To | | | | company a true business partner. |