
Freight Forwarders are companies that ship cargo from one place to another. They are categorized into two, international and domestic companies. International companies are the ones that transport cargo across the borders of a country while domestic companies transport goods within the borders of a country. Examples of freight forwarders include couriers, third-party logistics and truck transporters.
In transports, the cargo is usually transported via the four modes of transport which are rail, air, water, and road. Therefore, the mode of transport that a business will choose will depend on the cost, the time is taken during transport and the nature of the goods being transported. Every company has its own preferred criteria for selecting a freight company. The following are some of the factors that you should consider when selecting freight international services:
You should ensure that you get a copy of the terms and conditions of the contract. This ensures that you are aware of every aspect of the contract so that you avoid getting surprised when your good are on transit or when you want to pay for the transportation costs. Such information is vital so that you ascertain whether the forwarder is liable to compensate you if your products might get damaged while they are being handled by the forwarder. Because the transporter has already given you a price catalog, you can be able to plan your budget easily.
You should get credible information about the likely estimated day and time that your cargo will be delivered. This will ensure that you plan in advance the distribution of the goods once they reach the intended destination. It also assists you to know if your products will arrive in good condition, if not you will need to get specialized transportation, for example, refrigeration. A good company should deliver the cargo in good time, if it is too slow then it is likely to hurt your business sales.
Select a company that is less costly. With the increase of freight forwarding companies, you have a variety to select from who will ensure that you do not pay too much for the service. New companies tend to give discounted prices. This is very advantageous for you since your company will save more. Check it out!
A freight forwarder should have the proper equipment to ensure the right and safe placement of goods on trucks and containers. They should be in possession of cranes especially for international companies and forklifts to lift up heavy loads.
Read here to understand about freight services: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_rate.