The success of your business is directly linked to the partnerships you make. And there’s none as important as your choice of freight forwarding company. If you’re trusting your logistics to a shipping company, you should expect a reliable, high-quality service.
Getting it right can be daunting, but we’ve put together some essential tips to help you feel confident about choosing your sea and air freight service.
Analyse your needs
Before you shortlist any shipping company, first do your homework. You need to be clear on the services you need, the type of transportation, and the volumes you intend to ship.
Check that the freight forwarding company you choose has the reach you need, from national to international. Finally, check that their services encompass everything from transportation choices to documentation and customs clearance.
Assess experience
So you think you’ve found the right freight forwarding company. First, you’ll want to check whether they live up to their claims and deliver the sea and air freight services you need.
Start by assessing that their licenses, permits and certifications are current and cover the cargo and products you need to ship. And check they have specific expertise in your chosen markets to make shipping as seamless as possible.
Finally, look for a shipping company with an established track record, and get multiple quotes with references.
Think about risk management
Moving your goods and products worldwide can be a challenging business with a high degree of risk. Check the risk mitigation strategies in place, and satisfy yourself that your choice of freight forwarding company is proactive and can offer timely solutions to any problems that arise.
Cargo insurance is a must, so check what level of cover is offered, so your business isn’t exposed to a costly mistake.
Don’t make decisions solely on price
Freight forwarding is a complex process, which is one of the reasons you’re looking to work with a specialist. But don’t be tempted to make your decision based solely on price.
You might get lucky and find a company that can do the job for the lowest quote. But the chances are that they’ll cut corners to save money, and you could find yourself on the end of unprofessional service and angry customers. So make sure you check every quote thoroughly to ensure you’re getting the services you need.
Communication is key
Freight forwarding isn’t only about moving your products from A to B. Shipping can be a tricky business, and good communication and customer service are critical.
The minimum you should expect is a personal and timely service when you have a query or concern; if a shipping company keeps you waiting when you’re looking for quotes, look elsewhere.
Confirm their services
If you need freight storage and multi-modal shipping, ask any potential freight forwarder for details of their service providers, including sea freight companies and air freight services.
Do you require international freight handling? Make sure that potential companies have the scope to handle every element of your supply chain. In addition, you’ll need to be sure they offer a comprehensive range of services to troubleshoot any issues quickly and efficiently.
Trust KMB Shipping
Choosing the right freight forwarding partner for your business doesn’t have to be a headache. These straightforward tips can help you find a shipping company that provides the services you need for supply chain efficiency.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and well-established air and sea freight handling company, KMB Shipping has over 30 years of experience plus a vast freight network to meet your needs. Request a quote today, and our dedicated team will be happy to help.