5 Key Points to Consider Before Selecting a Freight Forwarder

1. Once you decide to invest in a freight forwarder, the next step is to identify which one. A general keyword search will quickly confirm this is much easier said than done. What should you consider first before committing to a freight shipping company? Here are a few key points to look for along your journey: Examine Range of Services Closely One of the first things you should consider closely and carefully before selecting a freight forwarder is the list of services offered. Focus on the specific services that you will need to fulfill your short-term and long-term needs. Doing so will help you ensure that your international shipments will flow smoothly around the world. Whether you are shipping to Nigeria or the United States, confirm that your selected freight forwarder tracks inland transportation options, specializes in inventory management, and offers freight consolidation to start. These will help you to narrow down your list of unqualified vs qualified candidates.

2. Study the Track Record of Past Experience A major perk of outsourcing and delegating these tasks to freight forwarders is the access to experts and well-trained industry professionals. Instead of relying on the limited experience and reputation of yourworkers, you can bring a team of experts onboard to assist. This will come in handy when you must encounter such obstacles as customs, cargo redirects, port shutdowns/downtime, and warehouse management. Focus on the Broad Network of Other Agents Studying past track records and offered services is a great start. However, check to make sure the candidate has a network working behind the scenes of other agents and industry professionals. Your freight forwarder is responsible for handling your international shipments at your point of origin in addition to your desired destination port. The most qualified candidate is likely the one with a structured and broad network of agencies from around the world. For instance, if you are shipping to Nigeria, chances are you do not want to hire a company that never goes to Africa.

3. Pay Attention to Certifications & Credentials Training is essential to a successful search for freight forwarding companies. When you find a candidate that interests you, check for any documentation of specialized training and/or security credentials. Align these accolades with the expectations and job descriptions available within your team to find the most practical yet productive option. It is imperative to remember that credentials and certifications typically require renewals and continuing education. These resources and classes are used to keep you informed on all the recent changes that will keep you updated on industry changes and amended procedures. Conduct Quality Research, No Rushed Decisions The last thing you want to do is run into making a bad decision. As referenced above, a typical keyword search for “freight forwarder” will create a seemingly endless list of options. Consider the above-referenced points and conduct thorough research on the candidates that make it. By doing so, you can rest assured in knowing that your investment will pay off in a major way in the future. Thank You