How Forwarders Can Help Your Business Expand Internationally
Forwarders are intermediary companies that specialize in arranging the transportation of goods from one place to another. They act as agents for shippers and carriers, providing a range of services such as booking space on ships, managing documentation, and coordinating logistics.
Forwarders can be used by businesses of all sizes, but they are particularly useful for smaller companies that do not have the resources or expertise to manage international shipping on their own. By using a forwarder, these businesses can access a wider range of shipping options and get better rates than they would be able to negotiate on their own.
Some common services offered by forwarders include:
1. Ocean freight: Booking space on ships for the transportation of goods by sea.
2. Air freight: Arranging the transportation of goods by air, either on passenger flights or dedicated cargo planes.
3. Trucking: Coordinating the movement of goods by road, including the use of specialized vehicles such as refrigerated trucks.
4. Warehousing and distribution: Storing and distributing goods to customers from central locations.
5. Customs clearance: Managing the paperwork and formalities required to get goods through customs and into the country of destination.
6. Insurance: Providing insurance coverage for goods in transit, to protect against loss or damage.
7. Documentation: Handling all the necessary documents, such as bills of lading, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices.
Forwarders can be a valuable resource for businesses looking to expand their international trade, particularly those that are new to exporting or importing. By using a forwarder, these businesses can get access to expertise and resources that they might not otherwise have, and streamline their supply chain operations.