Find a freight forwarder

The freight forwarders are experts in international maritime transport which offers businesses advice, assistance and useful contacts during export. Their expertise and knowledge of the distribution of goods abroad of inestimable value, and they will often save time and money.

A freight forwarder offers the following services:

1. Prepare prices

* Advice on transportation charges, consular fees and costs of special documentation
* Assistance for the preparation of the pro-forma invoice

2. Handling and transport

* Advice on different methods of shipment
* Advice on various types of packaging, labelling and containers available
* Make arrangements for packaging, labelling and containerising your goods at the port
* Book shipments aboard ships and aircraft
* Make arrangements for loading and unloading of your shipment at the port
* Number delivery
* Make arrangements for insurance
* The track shipments
* Arrange for clearance
* Make arrangements for the storage or supply
* Prepare documents for the collection of payment under the letter of credit

3. Rules

* You help them understand regulations
* You help them obtain an import permit

4. Documentation

* Collect all documents required
* Prepare Documents export declaration
* Prepare lading
* Literature Review precision
* Ensure that the goods comply with customs regulations export documents

Some freight forwarders specialize in organizing shipments to some countries while others focus on types of products.

Selection criteria for a freight forwarder:

* City of forwarding office (compared to your port of shipment)
* Experience in dealing with similar products cheers
* Experience in modes of transport
* The experience and knowledge of your export market
* Credit Rating
* Transport rate
* Schedule Delivery
* Insurance
* Recommendations other companies
* Membership in associations or professional organizations
* Fees and additional charges

Source freight forwarder by:

* Your visit local chambers of commerce to ask for a list of freight forwarders
* Search the Yellow Pages
* Ask an experienced exporter in an area similar to recommend a freight forwarder

Your responsibility
Even when using a freight forwarder, it is your company's ultimate responsibility to ensure correct documentation and procedures are respected. From training in export procedures and documentation is recommended for personnel involved in the export process. Contact the Institute of Export for more details.