Friday, May 17, 2013

What To Look For When Choosing International Ocean Freight Forwarders

By Elnora McCullough


Shipping overseas can seemingly be a daunting task for the novice. However this responsibility may be relieved by employing the services of international ocean freight Forwarders, or forwarding agents as they are sometimes called. These individuals and companies possess the expertise to ensure that one's shipment is transported from its port of origin to its final destination in a relatively safe, timely and cost effective manner. Some of the activities that are performed by these entities include reviewing commercial invoices and bill of lading. It is important that whenever the decision to do ocean shipping is made, all the relevant information is garnered so that the right choice is made with respect to the contractor of choice.

The shipping of goods from one destination to another requires the services of expertise within this field, as it is mandatory for the submission of documents after careful preparation and review. The objective of these activities is to ensure that all the shipping rules and regulations are adhered to by the parties involved. Rules and regulations vary as different territories sometimes have different rules.

Apart from the processing of documents, the forwarding agents also perform all the necessary activities that international shipping involves. One may also request for the arrangement of pick-up and delivery of goods by these agents. The activities that are performed by these professional goes a far way in ensuring that one's overseas shipping needs are met.

The commercial invoice is one of the many documents that a freight forwarder is required to review whenever shipment is to be done. Information that is presented on the commercial invoice includes the following: the names of the persons involved in the business transaction, the country in which the goods to be shipped are manufactured. This document is important whenever tariff calculations are taking place by the customs department.

The signing of the commercial invoice certifies that true and accurate information was given. The harmonised system codes are features developed by the World Custom Organization and is used when across border trading is conducted. This system is standardised worldwide. The harmonised system codes are also a feature of the commercial invoice, likewise the goods that are to be shipped.

Another important document that is reviewed by the forwarding agent is the bill of lading. The carrier issues this receipt as proof that the goods were shipped on that particular vessel. This receipt is also required by the customs authority to validate the shipment, and it is also used for insurance purposes.

Getting recommendations from relatives, friends or individuals who have utilized this type of services in the recent past will assist in the decision making process. Doing research on the internet may also prove to be useful in this endeavour as well. One has to ensure that the individual or company that is selected to carry out this important function on ones behalf is certified by the relevant regulating authority. Care should also be taken to certify that the certification is current.

In order to feel comfortable and relaxed while your shipment is being taken care of professionally, it is then important that one chooses international ocean freight forwarders to handle their shipment.




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