If you are a small business owner who is hoping to expand your empire and go global this year, you may be wondering if it would be of benefit to you to use a freight forwarding service.

The transport and shipping of goods around the world is a complicated process that could pose numerous challenges for your business. It therefore makes sense to use a consultancy that is familiar with the processes and rules involved.

Here are a few good reasons why you should consider using a freight forwarding service to coordinate your company's international import and export activity for you.

Effective management and coordination of logistics

One of the main roles of a freight forwarder is to manage and coordinate everything involved in the import and export of goods to and from your company. This service alone will save you many hours of frustration and legwork.

These tasks could include securing cargo space on container vessels for the best rates, dealing with the freight charging charges, booking and securing warehouse storage, keeping track of your shipments both in and out of the country, and sorting out suitable insurance cover for your outbound and inbound goods.

Organisation of billing and associated documentation

A freight forwarding consultancy usually ships goods under their own air waybills or bills of lading. The consultancy's agents at your shipment's destination port will then consolidate all the relevant documentation that pertains to your goods and will organise local freight collection services too.  

This service is particularly advantageous if you are shipping to countries where you don't speak the language and are unfamiliar with the local area.

Liaison between various transference services

A freight forwarder is not directly responsible for providing a means of moving your goods. Their role is to act as logistics liaison between cargo shipping firms, trucking companies, air freight carriers, and rail networks. In some instances, your goods may need to use all or a few of these various transport solutions, all of which will be organised by the freight forwarder, saving you a whole lot of hassle.

Established relationships with carriers and transporters

A well-established freight forwarding company will have good professional relationships with many different transport and logistics providers. These links will mean that the freight forwarder will be well-placed to secure good pricing for your shipments, as well as being familiar with the best routes and means of moving particular types of goods.

In conclusion

When it comes to moving your goods around the world, for the reasons outlined above, it really is best practice to use a freight forwarding consultant to manage this important task for you.