Are you a shipping manager who is looking for ways to streamline your process and save on costs? If so, then you may want to consider partnering with a freight forwarding company. A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in facilitating the movement of goods from one point to another.
In other words, they can take care of all the logistics involved in getting your shipment from Point A to Point B. There are many benefits to partnering with a freight forwarder, including access to a global network of carriers, improved tracking and visibility, and decreased shipping costs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at five of the most important benefits of working with a freight forwarder.
1. Access to a Global Network of Carriers
When you partner with a freight forwarder, you gain access to their extensive network of global carriers. This means that you don’t have to spend time researching different carriers or negotiating rates – your freight forwarder will take care of all that for you. And because they have established relationships with these carriers, they can often get discounts that you wouldn’t be able to get on your own.
2. Improved Tracking and Visibility
Another benefit of partnering with a freight forwarder is that you will have improved tracking and visibility throughout the shipping process. This is because your freight forwarder will provide you with real-time updates on the status of your shipment. This information can be critical in ensuring that your goods arrive at their destination on time and in good condition.
3. Decreased Shipping Costs
Working with a freight forwarder can also help you reduce your overall shipping costs. This is because they will work with you to find the most cost-effective shipping solution based on your specific needs. They may also be able to negotiate reduced rates with carriers based on their volume of business.
4. Reduced Risk of Shipments Going Missing or Being Damaged
When you ship goods, there is always a risk that they could get lost or damaged in transit. However, when you partner with a reputable freight forwarder, they will take responsibility for ensuring that your goods arrive at their destination. In the event that something does go wrong, they will work quickly to resolve the issue and minimize any financial losses incurred by you.
5. You’ll Get Help With Customs Clearance
A great benefit of partnering with a freight forwarding company is that they can help you with customs clearance. If you’re shipping internationally, there’s a lot of paperwork involved in customs clearance. A good freight forwarder will handle all the paperwork for you and make sure that your shipment clears customs without any problems.
Who Benefits From Using a Freight Forwarder?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits of working with a freight forwarder, you may be wondering who can benefit from using their services. Typically, companies that ship large volumes of goods or that ship internationally will benefit the most from using a freight forwarder.
However, even if you only ship domestically, you may still find that partnering with a freight forwarder is a good solution for you. This is because they can provide you with access to a network of nationwide logistics carriers, which can save you time and money.
If you’re not sure whether or not working with a freight forwarder is right for your business, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with a few different companies and compare their services. This will help you find the best solution for your specific shipping needs.
How to Choose a Good Freight Forwarder
There are many different freight forwarders to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for your business? Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a freight forwarder:
1. Make Sure They Have Experience Shipping to Your Destination
If you’re shipping to international ports, it’s important to make sure that your freight forwarder has experience shipping to your destination country. This is because each country has its own unique customs regulations that must be followed. A good freight forwarder will be familiar with these regulations and will be able to ensure that your shipment clears customs without any problems.
2. Read Online Reviews
When you’re considering working with a particular freight forwarder, it’s a good idea to read some online reviews. This will give you an idea of what other customers have thought about their experience with the company. You can find reviews on sites like Google and Yelp.
3. Get a Quote
When you contact a freight forwarder, be sure to get a quote for their trucking services. This will help you compare the cost of working with different companies and ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
4. Ask for References
A good freight forwarder should be able to provide you with references from some of their past clients. This is a great way to get an idea of the level of service you can expect from the company.
5. Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
When you’re shipping goods, you want to make sure that your freight forwarder is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event that something goes wrong during the shipping process.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a freight forwarder. By taking the time to find the right company, you can ensure that your goods are shipped safely.
Partner with the Right Freight Forwarding Company
Picking the right freight forwarding company is an important decision for any shipping manager. There are many factors to consider, but if you keep the benefits we’ve listed above in mind, you should be able to find a partner that’s a good fit for your business.
And if you’re in the oil & gas, construction, or frozen food industry, you want to make sure you’re partnering with the best in the business. Request a quote from us at the Patriot Freight Group today. We have the experience and expertise you need to ensure that your goods are shipped safely and on time.
