As companies continue to navigate in a digitalized infrastructure, they face new challenges every day. Lately, extended shipping times have become a growing concern for all entrepreneurs.
6 Benefits of Hiring a Freight Forwarder for Your Business
In some cases, the customs clearance takes forever, while transport issues delay the shipments further. These setbacks impact productivity and leave the customers dissatisfied, creating a reputational risk for the company.
Now, the question is how to overcome these shipping discrepancies? The ideal way to avoid delivery delays is to hire a freight forwarder for your business. They would help in transporting goods from the manufacturer to retailer and customer.
They also work with suppliers and logistic providers while handling all the paperwork on your behalf. Above all, the freight forwarders are well-versed with all trade regulations, offering a smooth customs clearance process.
In addition, most freight forwarding companies provide international shipment, unfolding an opportunity for global expansion. Before you start finding the best freight forwarding companies, decide which mode of shipment would best suit your business.
Here are three different types of freight forwarding options.
Types of Freight Forwarding
Almost every entrepreneur wants a quick and cost-effective shipment process. Well, that depends on the shipment mode you choose. Have a look below.
- Ocean Shipment: When you have to ship large items in bulk, ocean freight forwarding is the perfect option. The shipment gets transported through cargo which is pretty cost-effective for the companies; hence if you plan to send products overseas, ship through ocean cargo and maximize profits.
- Land Shipment: Most entrepreneurs think land forwarding to be the most convenient option. Workers have to load products in a truck, and the driver would ensure it reaches the destination. However, the bumpy routes increase the risk of damage, while traffic might lead to delays. Therefore, weigh the pros and cons before calling the shots.
- Air Shipment: Air shipment is all about arranging transport through airplanes. It is the fastest mode of shipment but a pretty expensive one. Thus, make sure your product cost can cover the shipment expense to avoid putting the entire shipment burden on customers.
Here we are highlighting six benefits of hiring a freight forwarder for your business. Since most companies don’t have trucks, ships, and airplanes to ship from one place to another, take advantage of freight forwarders. In case you are having second thoughts over this, have a look below.
Benefits of Hiring a Freight Forwarder
As a business owner, handing over the shipment process to a third party might seem like you are losing control of the company. In reality, it is the other way around. Freight forwarders provide top-notch tracking systems, giving you updates about the shipment every minute.
At the same time, they use reputable cargo to ensure the shipment is safe and sound. If you want to learn more, have a look below.
1. Efficient Tracking Systems
The shipment takes a couple of weeks and months to reach its destination. During this time, many entrepreneurs fear losing their merchandise on the way. With freight forwarders, you would receive regular updates regarding the shipment.
They provide an intelligent tracking system for the cargo and truck to make you feel at ease. They have installed GPS trackers on every cargo and vehicle through which you can see where the consignment is heading.
Moreover, business owners have the option to extend these tracking systems to clients. Perhaps, you can give a tracking number and website from where they can check the status of their parcel.
Likewise, you can send alerts to the clients to inform them when their shipment has reached the destination.
2. Cost-Effective
Shipment costs are more like an additional expense for the businesses. Most companies make customers pay for the entire cost, while others prefer sharing the burden. Regardless of this, they want the shipping costs to be minimal.
Luckily, freight forwarders offer comparatively low rates than standard shipment companies. After all, you are not the only one sending packages through them. They have a massive clientele, allowing them to offer lower prices.
Once you develop a healthy relationship with freight forwarders, you can take advantage of more price reductions. Usually, they offer discounted rates to regular clients who send large shipments often.
Most importantly, stay careful of all the hidden charges and ask about the costs upfront. For instance, if the shipping cost doesn’t cover loading and unloading expenses, discuss this beforehand to avoid surprises later.
3. Proper Documentation
Undeniably, shipping to a foreign country can become a nightmare for business owners if they don’t have the expertise. Every region and state has a different policy, tax regulations, and import duties which are hard to comprehend.
In addition, inaccurate documentation and paperwork can lead to delays in the shipment. Sometimes, the bank even puts money on hold, leading to monetary setbacks.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, hand over the shipment responsibility to reputable freight forwarders. They would handle all the paperwork and ensure it is accurate and free of mistakes.
At the same time, freight forwarders are aware of customs regulations and laws of the other regions. Hence, they ensure the documentation is complete and deliver the consignment in compliance with all the legal procedures.
4. Smart Inventory Management
Usually, companies have to hire people for different tasks, but you can escape this hassle with freight forwarders. The professional companies have a vast network spreading across miles. Likewise, they offer multiple services to facilitate businesses in the best possible way.
So, why not ask your freight forwarder about the inventory management system? With all the shipments coming in and going out, keeping track can become challenging.
Reputable freight forwarders can install an intelligent inventory management system to keep track of the stock. It would allow you to see which items are available in ample quantity and the ones that require restocking urgently.
Apart from this, the inventory management system would ensure the freight forwarders collect the correct items and ship them safely.
5. Top-Notch Security Protocols
When sending cargo across borders, security is every entrepreneur’s biggest concern. Well, freight forwarders already offer top-notch security features. They want authorities to handle the parcels with care to avoid damage.
Likewise, they want to implement security protocols to eliminate the chances of theft. They have proper compartments, tools, and equipment to unload and load the cargo. In addition, they handle fragile items with extra care.
Furthermore, the freight forwarders work with proper digital and manual documentation, ensuring your consignment would reach safely. Besides this, you can even ask the freight forwarders for packaging services. They will use full-proof packing to all the items intact, eliminating the risk of damage.
6. Handles Unfavorable Situations
In some instances, authorities send cargo to different ports because of natural calamities and weather conditions. In turn, business owners have to connect with the region’s authorities to keep track of the shipment.
Besides delays, what if the cargo gets lost or the consignment gets stolen? Freight forwarders can handle such situations very well. They have agile and diverse networks that help in identify the shipment’s location.
With their years of experience and expertise, they find the right solution at the correct time, reducing downtime. For instance, if the cargo gets stuck in another country, they will use their connections to ship the consignment as the weather settles.
In short, they manage and organize the shipments so that you can focus on other core business operations.
Final Thoughts
Today, business owners have plenty of things to look after in the company. Hence, handing over the shipment responsibility to a freight forwarder could be a wise decision.
They have proper knowledge of logistics, transport modes, and customs regulations. In addition, they allow businesses to track the consignment 24/7, keeping you on board.
These freight forwarders can improve customer satisfaction while helping you expand your business to more distant locations.
_________________________________________________________________________
Some other articles you might find of interest:
Understand how you can maximize your time to grow your business:
Time Is Money And Your Most Valuable Resource. Use it Wisely to Build Your Business
https://www.thekickassentrepreneur.com/time-is-money/
Looking for effective ways to drive and increase traffic to your startup website?
SEO Traffic Guide To Boost Your Blog Rankings
https://www.thekickassentrepreneur.com/guide-to-boost-your-blog-rankings/
Looking for effective ways to drive and increase traffic to your startup website?
3 Top Reasons Why Startups Fail and How Not to Become a Victim
