Finding the right shipping partner for your business is not an easy task and with so much choice available, where do you start?
A quick search on Google will display thousands of possible freight shipping companies’ but whilst many will provide you with a solution, how do you ensure you are going to choose the right shipping company for your business. One that will offer good pricing, excellent service levels and actually value your business?
Without doubt overseas shipping can be a complex matter, especially if you are new to shipping goods around the world and uncertain as to exact procedures. Finding a partner that will offer you free help, assistance and guidance is without doubt a good start.
If you are shipping goods for commercial purposes (business to business) then you should seek to use the services of a freight forwarder that is familiar with assisting business clients. Some shipping companies will mainly deal with private individuals, such as handling overseas removals or consignments of personal effects.
Any decent shipping company will be able to offer you a written quotation, giving a breakdown of charges – clearly detailing what is included and what is excluded from the shipping quote. Make sure you always request a written quotation and note any special remarks or restrictions – such as the validity period of the quotation or any special terms associated to the quote. Is the quote based on a certain airline or shipping line, because they are offering a cheap discounted price? What if that particular airline or shipping line has no capacity or availability when you come to book the shipment, how much more will it cost to utilise an alternative carrier?
You should always ensure the quotation includes estimated transit time from origin to destination. After all you want to know how long a shipping company will take to move your goods from A to B, so that you can inform your client at destination. You wouldn’t purchase any other service, without first checking how long it would take to complete the job – and there is no difference when it comes to shipping or freight forwarding.
If you are sending your goods on a door to door service, regardless of whether the mode of transport is air freight or sea freight – always check whether customs clearance is included within the quotation you have been provided. Most door to door services offered by a shipping company or freight forwarder, will include this service – and usually exclude any import duties and taxes. However be cautious as some companies will quote you a door to door price, but in small print within the terms and conditions, it will state that customs clearance is excluded.
Remember that shipping goods overseas can be a complex process, but by taking your time to consider the options available to you and asking the right questions, will generally mean you will receive better service levels, a competitive price and total peace of mind.
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