Pack n Send Blog

Choosing the Best Freight Forwarder: Ask These Questions!

Posted on Tue, Mar 04, 2014

Managing the logistics of shifting an order from point A to point B can be confusing--even frustrating if you try to go it alone. Understanding import and export laws, finding carriers and meeting shipping requirements is enough to leave even a savvy businessman scratching his head. Enter the professional freight forwarder!


 A reliable, freight forwarding service manages those logistics on behalf of the client, taking all the guesswork--and legwork out of these necessary transactions. If you've considered using a freight forwarder, you may be wondering how to choose one. Ask these questions before you get started!


What is the origin and destination of the shipment? The freight forwarding company will need this information.
How should my commodity be packaged for shipping?  Will it need to be placed on a pallet, or will it need to go inside of a container.


If it is an automobile, will it fit into a container or will it need to go roll on/roll off?


How should my cargo be packaged and shipped? Do you have special requirements for shipping? If you're shipping frozen items, liquids or oddly shaped goods, you may need some special attention. Maybe you need a custom crate built for shipping. Is your cargo considered hazardous or controlled? When choosing a freight forwarder, you need to bring this information with you.


Can the freight forwarder handle multiple shipments? How big is their company and can they handle the amount of shipments you have in mind?

 

A large truck drives over the bridge. <br>See more <a href="http://www.pbase.com/hull_m">photos by Matthew Hull</a> at PBase. <br>See my portfolio at <a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/matthew_hull"&...
See more photos by Matthew Hull at PBase.
See my portfolio at


What kind of experience does the company have shipping items like yours? Experience should be a factor in your freight forwarding company. This may be a good time to ask your competitors or vendors who they might suggest as a freight forwarder.


Can the freight forwarder offer deliveries both to businesses and residences?  Can they offer white glove inside delivery?
Asking these questions is a good way to narrow down the possibilities! If you have more concerns, contact us. We will be happy to share our knowledge about freight forwarding.

Tags: freight, White Glove Delivery