SCOUTING FOR A RELIABLE CLEARING AND FORWARDING AGENT
In a world where being spoilt for choice is the order of the day, making a decision on who you can trust with shipping your goods can become a complex one. When it comes to getting your consignment cleared through customs, coordinating with carriers and taking care of every activity involved in shipping and delivery, you need an agent that not only ticks the boxes but one that understands your needs and gives you peace of mind.
Finding a good agent may not happen overnight but a thorough search becomes worthwhile when you find the right partner for you. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when scouting for a reliable clearing and forwarding agent.
- Be Upfront
Make a list of what you need. Be detailed in the information you give, specify the goods you wish to transport, communicate any deadlines you have in mind. This will enable the agent to be able to give you factual details as much possible. Without a clear brief, you open up the risk of unnecessary delay of your consignment. - Specific Expertise
There are various agents with freight experience but may not be so well vested in the industry you are operating in. It is important to choose a freight forwarder with such experience to render the service that you require. - Network Reach
Clearing and Forwarding lies much in the agent’s global reach while having a local presence at your intended destination. Take time to assess your chosen freight forwarder’s network in the countries you wish to import from or export to. - Risk Management Policies
Time has certainly proven that we live a life of risks, the pivotal matter is: how to deal with a crisis? What measures are in place should something not go according to plan? Evaluate the types of cargo insurance policies that are offered with your prospective agent. You need a solution based forwarder with flexible strategies to provide the fastest and safest alternatives for your consignments. - Wide-Range Services
Your consignment is likely to require more than one transportation mode, thus, it is advantageous to work with a freight forwarder who provides a broad selection of services such as sea, air, road, rail freight, logistics and warehousing solutions. Should your business needs expand, you require an agent that will grow with your company. - Licenses And Accreditation
The logistics industry is not a highly regulated one, be sure to verify if your prospective agent has the RLA (registrations, licenses, and accreditations) to handle specific cargo, this also includes compliances for carrying dangerous and sensitive goods. Accreditations assist in giving the clients assurance that the agent upholds a degree of professionalism as well as industry standards. Check with your prospective forwarder what accreditation they hold to give you that extra peace of mind. - Customer Service
Friendly service should be at the frontline of the communication process, you want to work with an agent that will keep you at ease through every step of the way. Look out for open communication and transparency when key questions are posed. You need forwarders that will take care of all the relevant documentation, giving you guidance to ensure complete compliance for your cargo.
The process may seem daunting at first hand but connecting with the right clearing and forwarding agent not only speeds up your freight process but guides you through every step of your supply chain and making Top Freight Clearing And Forwarding your preferred reliable partner for your business operations.