Important Questions to Ask Any Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder is a company that arranges for your cargo to be forwarded from one point to another. This might be when a trucking company delivers freight across a country's border and then a local trucking company picks it up and takes it to its end destination, or when freight is delivered by air or water transport and then needs to be trucked from the airport or docks.
A freight forwarder can make delivery of your items easier on you, as they may be more familiar with local transport companies in certain areas. Before working with any freight forwarder though, note a few questions you need to ask first.
1. Do you have contingent cargo insurance?
Cargo insurance itself is usually held by the transport company and not by a freight forwarder, as the forwarder is merely arranging transport, not actually providing it. However, contingent cargo insurance gives you additional coverage for your shipment. If your product is lost, damaged, or stolen during delivery and the actual transport company does not make good on your claim, the contingent cargo insurance held by your freight forwarder can reimburse you for your goods.
2. How many modes of transport do you arrange?
This is important because the more modes of transport they can arrange, the less likely it is that your shipment will get delayed. For example, if weather conditions have closed down certain roadways, your shipment may be able to be delivered by a rail system that goes around that area. If you need to rush your shipment, being able to have it flown to its destination rather than trucked there can ensure that it arrives on time.
3. Can they assist with paperwork and other legal requirements?
Transporting freight across international borders can be complicated, as each country will have their own requirements as to necessary paperwork, labeling of containers, and so on. Trying to educate yourself on these requirements and keep up with any changes to laws can be a fulltime job for yourself or anyone in your shipping department.
This is something to consider when working with a freight forwarder, as they should be able to assist you with paperwork and necessary labeling of your freight as it's transported. In some cases, they may simply handle the paperwork for you. Be sure you ask about this service and assistance when choosing a freight forwarder so you know your paperwork is in order for your freight and don't need to familiarize yourself with all the requirements regarding international shipping.
For more information, contact local freight companies like Star Freightlines.
Share