DIFFERENT TYPES OF FREIGHT FORWARDING
Freight forwarders act as a go-between on behalf of importers and exporters to safeguard the movement of goods across the supply chain to the point of distribution. This involves the coordinating and managing of consignments through pertinent customs authorities and other officials. In the midst of these activities, they also organize appropriate transportation for the goods in concern. Below, we look into the different types of Freight Forwarding services.
Air Forwarding
Air Freight refers to shipments that are transferred via air carriers. When time is of the essence, it is the fastest form of freight forwarding and can journey to any part of the world where airplanes are able to disembark.
Sea / Ocean Forwarding
This method allows for the transportation of large parcels of goods by means of carrier ships. Goods are packed in massive containers and clients can opt for less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL) depending of the size of consignment they wish to transport. Sea Freight can ship large quantities over long distances thus making it one of the most economical forms of freight.
Land Forwarding
Land freight refers to goods being transported via trucks or rail.
Trucks are ideal for large scale projects that require back and forth transportation of bulky items and if the final destination is situated in remote areas.
Where rail networks are comprehensive trains are still a vital part of logistics routes. They have the capacity to carry large scale goods with a greater capacity in relation to trucks.
Multimodal Forwarding
With Multimodal the shipment process involves multiple shipments. It can be a combination of any of the above mentioned methods, like ships, planes, cranes, trucks, or rail. It is common to use multiple methods of freight to fulfill the needs of a single delivery or project. Each transportation route is operated by the same Freighter Forwarder under a single contract and they remain responsible for the full journey.
In Conclusion
Given that most companies do not own airplanes, ships, or trucks, it is highly profitable for businesses to take advantage of freight forwarders. They not only have the means to transport your goods but also the knowledge and expertise to assist you in completing all the necessary documentation to get your goods to the final destination allowing you to be able to focus on the core of your business.