Finding the Right Freight Forwarding Company

If you need the services of a freight forwarding company, you would want to avoid things like delayed, damaged, or worse lost cargo. Making an educated decision and relying on a trusted freight forwarding company are essential for successful shipment.

Below are some points to consider when choosing an international freight forwarding company:

1. Registration & Licensing

It's very important that the freight forwarders you work with are completely compliant within the shipping industry and that they are transparent about their licensing and registration. A freight forwarding company that's cetified, reputable, and professional will be able to give their NVOCC number with the Department of Maritime commission.

Internatiosnal shipping comanies may be affiliated with RIM, FIDI, or AMSA which are some of the trusted associations that high-end shippers want to be associated with and then to have an excellent customer service level.

2. Cargo Loading Services

There are many different cargo loading services a shipping company provides. When looking for the best forwarders to ship your items, inquire about their loading services.

Warehouse loading is one type, where a freight forwarder will pack and then load your items into a shipping container after you've packed and delivered them to the warehouse of the shipping company.

Another type is a live load, where a container is dropped off to your home or office address, and you have a certain period of time, often several hours for alive load to pack all your things yourself before the container is sealed and delivered back to the port for loading on the vessel for shipment. This loading service is time sensitive and often you are not given much time for packing.

The "drop and pull service" is another loading service. This service is more costly but significantly less stressful. Your container is dropped off to your home and you're given several days to load and pack your items. The freight forwarding company will pick up the container at a later time which you agree upon during the booking process.

3. Variety of Container, Capacity, & Size

Most freight forwarders offet the standard sized 20 feet or 40 feet shipping container. Vehicles and household goods are often shipped in such containers. If you have perishable items, a temperature controlled container may be necessary. These are referred to as "refeers" in the shipping industry. Rare, valuable, or expensive items that might be affected or damaged by geat, might need to be shipped in reefer containers that are refrigerated and will keep them in excellent condition.

4. Shipment Tracking Tools

With the advancement in technology, shipment tracking tools are readily available to customers. Whether you've received an online code to check where your cargo is while in transit, or you get emails updating you on the travel of your items, you'll want to ask about such tracking option. Some freight forwarders may charge an extra fee for such service, while others include it in the total shipping cost. Make sure sto ask many questions about their tracking tools, methods, and system.


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If you are looking for certified, reliable, and trusted freight forwarders, contact the team at SeaTransport Management by following these links:

http://seatram.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/points-to-think-about-international.html

http://seatram.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/a-guide-to-shipping-fcl.html