5 ways to recognize a professional forwarder

The freight forwarder is called “the architecht” of the transportation process. He/she might choose the best suitable means of transport or subcontractor. Thus often providing door to door delivery. Re-loading operations as well as warehousing services often are a part of the logistic processes needed by the client.

The freight forwarder may play different roles in order to keep the client happy: organizing business meetings; overseeing documentation; issuing contracts; negotiating the best suitable prices with the subcontractors; always providing information about the transportation process.

If you need your cargo to be delivered safely, on time and at a proper price, then you need a freight forwarder. Here are 5 ways to recognize the professional forwarder:

1.Transporting cargo needs a great deal of planning. The shipper and consignee need to be “on the same frequency” so there are no mistakes. A freight forwarder would save you time and energy in making sure the documents are correct and the partner abroad has loaded the correct shipment.

2. A professional forwarder doesn`t “work piece by piece”, each shipment on its own. Combining groupage goods the agent is able to provide a better price finding the most suitable transport vehicle and route.

3. A freight forwarder with experience has a wide range of contacts and partners. Thanks to his good connections with international speditions the transporting process may be “a piece of cake”. Groupage lines start every week on certain destinations, which is providing regularity and expected high quality of service.

4. A good spedition company always has plan B. For example the transportation of machinery or equipment has to be handled with care. Upon the time of unloading, might appear the need of warehousing or unloading with a crane. This way is saved a lot of waiting time and demurrages.

5. Low prices at any cost? A forwarding agency that has developed a certain destination knows how to provide great service at a good price. By combining groupage cargo, the price per shipment meets the need of every client. Trying to lower the price on the back of the subcontractor isn`t the best solution. Sooner or later the low price will cause a low level of service. And we all know that at a moment of global financial crisis, everyone needs a reliable logistics partner.