Choosing a Good Freight Forwarder
One of the hardest things to do when starting an import or export business is to create the right partnerships to keep moving your company towards its goals. Sometimes, companies do not put much effort in finding their partners and wind up getting burned. Others however, are so concerned about it that they get lost in the details. Is finding a good freight forwarder really that difficult? Absolutely not. There are many forwarders to choose from ranging in all different sizes, types, and specialties and most of them are fairly reputable with a few that are not worth your time. Finding the one right for your business can be a little challenging if you have specific needs, but there are multiple resources you can look to in order to find the right relationship. With all of the networking options that we have available now, the process can be easier than you think. What is important is that you are prepared with a list of needs and wants for freight forwarding services when interviewing potential service providers. Cheap international shipping or low freight shipping rates should not be your only goal. Freight forwarders have much more to offer than that and if you choose wisely, they will be able to save you both money and time with your freight. The best place to start is with other companies that either you have a past relationship with or that have been recommended to you from someone you trust. A lot of forwarders develop a niche over time and may specialize in your type of goods. For instance, in the tile industry there are a few forwarders that mainly ship tile. They handle other commodities, but shipping tile has specific concerns, so they could be the best ones to help with weight concerns. No matter the industry, once you find the company, be sure to do a full check on their credentials before signing any contracts. It will be well worth your time in the end.