As it is the case with all aspects of international trade, it is very important that you choose a good freight company to handle your imports and exports. Of course you do not want any tom, dick and harry to handle your international shipment but with the ease at which people call themselves freight forwarders, it is a very big challenge for traders to identify good shipment companies. When looking for good freight company San Diego traders will need to consider the following factors for good choices.
The first and perhaps the most important consideration is the freighters state of license. Federal laws demand that anybody who wants to be involved in clearing and forwarding be licensed by the relevant authority. In fact, it is a breach of the law to hire a company that is not licensed. It is therefore upon you to verify that a potential freighter has a valid license before committing to working with them.
It is also important that the provider you choose be experienced. This point might seem very obvious. However, you need to work with companies that have been around for some time. This is one industry where competition is usually very stiff and fluid. Because of this, you should make sure that your partner has demonstrated longevity. Ideally, they should have been in this for over ten years.
You will also want to deal with a provider with network of agents and partners in all the countries you are exporting to or importing from. A good network of oversee agents will ensure smooth flow of information which will in turn help you track your shipment. It is also cost effective to deal with a single provider that boast of oversea agents than dealing with different freighters in different countries.
Unless your business is making extra profits, you will also want to compare quotes from a number of freighters. The best thing to do is to ask for quotes from at least three companies and choose one that seems affordable. This does not however mean that you look for the cheapest freighters in town. If anything, you should be wary of companies whose rates are suspiciously low.
Insurance is another very important factor. Before appending your signature on that contract, you should first verify that the company has insurance cover that also caters for goods on transit. This will ensure that you are adequately compensated in case of accident in the transit process.
Once you find the best freighter, it is also important that you have a written contract. Written contract will help you avoid costly misunderstandings and allow each party to have realistic expectations. The contract should also address clearly the unique roles of the broker.
The company you settle on should also have excellent customer services. You need a provider who will update you on a regular basis on the movement of your cargo. This will help you track your cargo on real time basis.
The first and perhaps the most important consideration is the freighters state of license. Federal laws demand that anybody who wants to be involved in clearing and forwarding be licensed by the relevant authority. In fact, it is a breach of the law to hire a company that is not licensed. It is therefore upon you to verify that a potential freighter has a valid license before committing to working with them.
It is also important that the provider you choose be experienced. This point might seem very obvious. However, you need to work with companies that have been around for some time. This is one industry where competition is usually very stiff and fluid. Because of this, you should make sure that your partner has demonstrated longevity. Ideally, they should have been in this for over ten years.
You will also want to deal with a provider with network of agents and partners in all the countries you are exporting to or importing from. A good network of oversee agents will ensure smooth flow of information which will in turn help you track your shipment. It is also cost effective to deal with a single provider that boast of oversea agents than dealing with different freighters in different countries.
Unless your business is making extra profits, you will also want to compare quotes from a number of freighters. The best thing to do is to ask for quotes from at least three companies and choose one that seems affordable. This does not however mean that you look for the cheapest freighters in town. If anything, you should be wary of companies whose rates are suspiciously low.
Insurance is another very important factor. Before appending your signature on that contract, you should first verify that the company has insurance cover that also caters for goods on transit. This will ensure that you are adequately compensated in case of accident in the transit process.
Once you find the best freighter, it is also important that you have a written contract. Written contract will help you avoid costly misunderstandings and allow each party to have realistic expectations. The contract should also address clearly the unique roles of the broker.
The company you settle on should also have excellent customer services. You need a provider who will update you on a regular basis on the movement of your cargo. This will help you track your cargo on real time basis.
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