5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Freight Forwarder for International Shipping

If you own a business that relies on freight forwarders for your air and ocean cargo shipping needs, then you want to make sure that the company you choose to work with is a good one. Here are some criteria to look for in a freight forwarder that help you know they are a good choice.

They provide the services you need
Before you start looking for a freight forwarder, you need to determine what exactly it is you need in terms of services. After that, do your research and see if that forwarder provides them. Do they have the necessary resources to complete the job you need? Talk to their customer service representatives to find out.

They have good customer services
Speaking of customer service, the freight forwarder you work with should excel in this. They should be able to get back to you quickly, no matter what mode of communication they use. They also should be responsible and proactive to make sure all your needs are taken care of.

They have good references
With any kind of service, the feedback from their previous customers is a very telling sign of their business quality. Take the time to read their reviews and references and make sure their previous customers have good things to say about them.

Check out their network
Most freight forwarders have partners they work with around the world so they can deliver the services you need. They are connected world-wide so your cargo can make it to its final destination easily. The freight forwarder you choose should have a well-established network.

They have good crisis management
Unfortunately, the possibility of something going wrong is always present. Although this is a true concern for everyone, the concern will not be so great if your freight forwarder can handle a crisis well. They should provide solutions and show a sense of urgency to fix whatever problem may arise.

The global aviation industry transported an estimated $6.4 trillion worth of cargo in 2012 alone, and all that cargo needs to be properly handled. There are many freight forwarding companies out there, and you want to make sure the one you choose is reputable. Use these as a sort of checklist to make sure your freight forwarder deserves your business.