When in need of freight forwarding company services, you will find that there are many options to choose from. Whatever choice you make, you need to understand how to work with this provider to ensure value for money. Here are some steps to help guide your interactions
Review The Contract
There is certain to be a contract detailing both parties’ responsibilities in the transaction. Ensure that you thoroughly go through the entire document and verify that your requirements and needs are being met. Having clarity about who is responsible for what will make for a more open and understanding working relationship.
Choose Tracking
Choosing a provider that offers tracking services can save you a lot of headaches. More so if your freight is traveling long distances. It is easy to get anxious and want to verify how far along the shipment is. Tracking services allow you to go online and easily confirm precisely where your shipment is. You can even share this tool with the recipient customers so they can better estimate when the freight will arrive. Easy access to tracking information means you do not have to keep calling the freight forwarder for updates.
Verify Added Services
Those that ship freight may sometimes need added services like door-to-door delivery, oversized cargo, international shipping, or storage. Whatever your shipment needs, it is best to consult with the provider and ensure they have the resources to meet them. Not all freight forwarding firms are made equal so ensure the one you contract can fulfill your demands before signing up.
Plan Ahead
Where you have recurrent shipping needs, be sure to communicate early enough with your provider. Freight forwarding firms have constantly shifting logistics and it helps when they are informed early on of customer demands so they can plan accordingly. Find out what kind of notice they require and adhere to this for easier accommodating of your needs. Avoid booking shipments late. This tends to be more expensive to accommodate and may not even be fulfilled in good time where certain logistics lack.
Fulfill Your Part
For a good working relationship, you need to fulfill your part of the bargain as well. Whether it is making payment or ensuring your cargo is ready to be loaded on time, be as consistent as possible. Never inconvenience the freight forwarding company you have engaged, especially if it is not just your cargo they are shipping. It can lead to delays and added costs applied to you.