Last Updated on December 23, 2022 by
Import and export are a part of the functions of many businesses. For them, freight forwarders can prove very useful. So what is freight forwarder? A firm that takes on arranging the storage and shipping of merchandise on the behalf of other organizations is a freight forwarder.
Such a firm will take on many services that have to do with shipping and logistics so that the organizations which hire them don’t have to deal with them.
Let’s look at some of the functions that a freight forwarder on Alibaba performs.
Arranging the Means of Transportation of Shipments
The main job of a freight forwarder is to arrange the transportation required to ship products and wares across the globe.
Depending on the kind of goods a customer organization wants to ship, the freight forwarder decides on a means of transportation that would be right for it.
The mode of transportation may be by ship, railways, road, or by the airline. Such a firm takes on the onus of making sure the shipments reach the desired location on time and safely.
Packaging and Labeling
Sending shipments of a commercial nature across country lines involves quite a bit of paperwork.
For businesses that depend on export and import or both, a good amount of manpower has to be involved to take care of this aspect of the business. With a freight forwarding firm though, there is no need to worry because everything from the packaging and labeling is handled by them.
Proper packaging and labeling are crucial. Without them, it is not possible to get the shipments delivered to their proper destinations. Labeling is also important to go through customs at different ports to reach the destination.
Shipping Fragile Goods
Many organizations have to ship fragile goods and it becomes extremely complicated to do it without proper support.
A freight forwarding firm will look into this aspect as well by arranging proper shipping for fragile goods such as medical supplies and perishable food items.
Deciding the Itinerary
The firm will also decide the itinerary, meaning, the route the shipments are going to go through to reach the destination.
It may involve multiple means of transportation. Dates and schedules are set by the firm.
Documentation
For international freight shipment, documents such as the invoice of the exporter, certificate of origin, inspection certificate, customs invoice, and insurance certificate are provided.
Also, the warehouse receipts, dock receipts, and lading bills are collected. This kept to make sure they are handed over to the relevant authorities.
Proper records are also kept by the freight forwarder of goods dispatched and goods received.
Good knowledge of the political structure of countries. Is also necessary to make sure shipments reach properly and without any hassles.
As you can see, there are a lot of functions a firm has to perform for each. The every one of its customer organizations.
Exporting involves a complicated set of rules to be followed. A reputed professional firm knows the ins and outs involved.
So if your business has an export or import aspect. Hiring a freight forwarder may just be what you needed to take off your plate.
For international freight shipment, documents such as the invoice of the exporter, certificate of origin, inspection certificate.
customs invoice, and insurance certificate are provided. Also, the warehouse receipts, dock receipts. and lading bills are collected and kept to make sure they are handed over to the relevant authorities.
Proper records are also kept by the freight forwarder of goods dispatched and goods received.
Good knowledge of the political structure of countries. Is also necessary to make sure shipments reach properly and without any hassles.
As you can see, there are a lot of functions. The firm has to perform for each and every one of its customer organizations.
Exporting involves a complicated set of rules to be followed. A reputed professional firm knows the ins and outs involved.
So if your business has an export or import aspect. Hiring a freight forwarder may just be what you needed to take off your plate.
Apart from this if you are interested to know more about A Checklist For Online Household Appliance then visit our Business category
