Freight Forwarders play a pivotal role in the management of your import and export cargo. Often they are taken for granted and, like all behind-the-scenes activity, you probably don’t give them too much thought – until a curve ball is hit.
In recent times there has been a series of supply chain shocks that have demonstrated how everything has to line up perfectly for the smooth transit of your cargo. Most of the time it goes without a hitch – you place an order, notify your freight forwarder and they ensure it arrives at your nominated warehouse as agreed – “set and forget.”
What does a freight forwarder do that you can’t do yourself?
Here are a few of the key advantages they offer:
- Negotiating the best rates when shipping full container by sea or ULDs by air
- Consolidating cargo with other shippers when your volume is lower, reducing costs
- Selecting the right shipping schedules to meet your targets and deadlines
- Using their offices and agents to adhere to correct formalities in other countries
Generally, clients will appoint a freight forwarder on an ongoing basis, which allows for a mutual understanding of requirements, expectations and familiarity with shippers and consignees at each end of the supply chain.
The function of a freight forwarder does not always include customs clearance and the two services, while complementary, can be provided separately. Freight forwarders are experts at organising the tasks required for the smooth movement of cargo from one point to another. Customs brokers ensure the accurate rating of duties and taxes, prepare and lodge tariff concession applications as well as prepare international trade documents and certificates.
An international forwarder may take control of your goods from the factory door, or a container packing depot or from the shipping terminal, depending on the terms of the transaction, known as Incoterms. You may appoint them to provide a door-to-door service, or port-to-port, or customs clearance only. At Colless Young we follow your instructions and you are always in control.
Independent Freight Forwarders like Colless Young have an established network of overseas agents, carriers and transport operators and a thorough knowledge of the formalities required at every step of the way. We help you navigate each country’s customs clearance, documentation requirements, government duties and taxes.
It is generally expected that freight forwarders will provide their customers with a dependable and inexpensive means of international transport, contracting with reliable third parties when the need arises. Here is a variety of the services we take care of – so you don’t have to:
- Providing quotations for freight and associated costs
- Selecting the most advantageous shipping and airline carriers
- Consolidating cargo where possible to reduce costs
- Assisting with preparation of the necessary documents
- Ensuring timely shipment of cargo and adherence to deadlines
- Keeping track of the movement of cargo while in transit
- Arranging trucking and warehousing when needed
- Attending to clearance through customs
- Organising biosecurity inspections and treatments
- Assisting with the correct insurance cover for cargo in transit
- Making claims when required
- Compiling landed cost reports
Regular importers and exporters will normally establish a pattern with their appointed forwarder, whereby the shipping procedure can be replicated over and over like clockwork. However, when the unexpected comes out of left field, the forwarder is able to:
– Change carrier and modes to respond to changing conditions
– React quickly and devise creative solutions to problems the moment they arise
– Inspect cargo and make claims when there is loss or damage
– Assist with ships’ general averages and indemnity
– Redirect containers for unpacking when ordered
– Move freight into licensed under-bond facilities for short or long term
– Have goods cleaned, heat treated or fumigated when directed by authorities.
The idea is that we, as your appointed freight forwarder, take care of the efficient, timely and cost-effective international transport of your goods, leaving you free to get on with what you do best – running your own import or export business.
For more information about all aspects of international freight forwarding, talk to us here at Colless Young.
Contact Andrew, email enq@collessyoung.com.au Tel: +61 7 3890 0800.
