Freight forwarding companies occupy a very important position in the transport industry. They help companies and manufacturers cut down costs associated with importing and exporting the bulk of goods. Secondly, they help save time too by acting as a middle man between you and your target destination while you do other things. We aim to discuss companies that offer this forwarding service, the advantages of hiring freight forwarding companies, the types of industries that employ their services, etc. This article is worth your reading! 

Freight forwarding companies—Who are they? 

Also known as “freight forwarders” for short, they act as intermediaries between the cargo owner and the business, organization, or populace that need their goods. They play key roles in the overall transportation process starting from the point before the goods hit the water till they reach the final or target destination (ensuring the shipment makes it through customs). These companies are not in the position to directly handle the goods, but rather they organize, plan, and track the movement of the shipment every step of the way whether by road, sea, rail, or air. 

The job description of freight forwarding companies 

You can send and receive goods both domestically and internationally using a freight forwarder. They do not do the job alone as they also employ the services of other businesses. Some of the services they offer include; 

All the important documents needed for importing or exporting goods are prepared by them. 

They choose the logistics provider that would best serve your needs. 

Freight charges and insurance claims are handled by them. 

Even during the storage of goods for shipment, inventories are prepared and managed by them. 

Stages of freight forwarding 

freight forwarding company workers

We will highlight only the most significant stages as carried out by freight forwarding companies. 

Export haulage 

The first stage entails the transportation company taking their goods or raw materials to freight forwarding companies. The freight forwarders store these products in a safe warehouse. 

Handle customs clearance 

No goods or products leave the country without making it through customs. Customs and their agents must walk through the paperwork to ensure the goods or products are safe (legal-wise) to leave the country. Sometimes, depending on the size of the freight forwarding company, some have customs brokers as part of their employees. 

Origin handling

As the items are unloaded in the warehouse, they are thoroughly and painstakingly inspected to ensure they arrived at the warehouse without any damage by freight forwarding companies. Furthermore, to ensure the orders match the booking documents. They also check for items that have restrictions when they leave one country for the other. They include flammable liquids such as acetone, lighter fluid, etc., drugs, alcohol, perishables, dangerous items, etc. 

Handling at arrival 

Freight forwarding companies work with independent companies who manage and ship the products to their final destination. The company receives documents for the shipment such as certificate of origin, inspection certificate, invoice, bill of lading certificate, etc., before taking it to the import warehouse. 

Import haulage 

This is the last stage of the overall process carried out by the freight forwarding companies. This is when the product or raw material finally arrives at its target destination. Transportation companies are hired just like in the export haulage to deliver the shipment to the recipients.