Top Benefits of working with Online International Freight Forwarders in 2020

International freight forwarders are an integral part of the global shipping process as they are the experts in all things transportation and movement. Whether you are a small business looking to break into a new market, or a large firm wanting to expand your operations overseas, you want to be working with experienced international freight forwarders.

From helping with documentation to making your shipping options more flexible, read on for the top benefits of working with online international freight forwarders in 2020.

1. They will help you prepare the necessary documentation.

No matter where you are exporting or importing to or from, it is essential that you have the appropriate documentation signed, sealed, and delivered before your goods start moving.

Every country has different rules and regulations regarding the entry and exit requirements, making it challenging always to know what you need to provide. Unfortunately, too many small businesses run into issues with their shipping logistics due to wrong documentation.

Therefore, one of the most significant benefits of working with international freight forwarders is that they can help you prepare the necessary documentation so that you are assured you have everything under control. By assisting you in completing the required documents, international freight forwarders can make the process a lot less stressful for your team so that you can get back to focusing on your business.

2. They provide flexible shipping options.

Every company has different needs when it comes to importing or exporting, particularly in terms of time and budget. For some companies, it is crucial that goods arrive at a destination as quickly as possible, while for other companies, the main priority is keeping costs low. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, by working with an international freight forwarding company, you can have the experts advise you on what is the best option for you.

Ocean routes are heavily used for intra-Asia shipping, while air freight is standard between European countries. If your goods are moving between continents, ocean and air routes are both available with differing journey times and costs. For example, Hamburg (Germany) to Hong Kong (Hong Kong) takes 41 days by ship, while Chicago (USA) to Shanghai (China) takes 13 hours by plane.

The best international freight forwarder is able to present you with a variety of options to get your goods where they need to go. The flexibility that this provides ensures you can make a decision that is best for your company – both in terms of profit and productivity. For companies that are new to international shipping or who haven’t determined their best shipping methods and techniques, this flexibility is essential.

3. They have the experience to solve issues quickly.

No matter how much you prepare and go over the logistical details, there is always a chance that something is going to go awry, as international shipping involves a lot of moving parts. However, if you are working with an experienced freight forwarding company, you can benefit from their skills and experience.

With their years of expertise, these freight forwarders are in a better position to alleviate issues when they arise and reduce the adverse effects for your company promptly. This is why you want to opt for a freight forwarding company that has plenty of experience, as this is critical for being able to swiftly react to and come up with solutions for freight delays or rerouted shipments.

Having to deal with these issues alone is stressful and complicated and redirects energy from the more profitable and important tasks you and your team should be doing. Therefore, having the experts handle it for you is recommended.

4. You can manage and pay for your shipments online.

What makes an online international freight forwarding company the ideal option is the fact that they allow you to manage and pay for your shipments on one platform with just a couple of clicks. This includes obtaining a real-time online shipping quote, confirming your booking, making a payment, and tracking your shipment. By providing you with this user-friendly service, online freight forwarders can significantly help your organization with keeping your shipping logistics streamlined and hassle-free.

If you want to succeed in your international growth strategy, it is highly recommended that you work with an online international freight forwarder. After all, when it comes to success, there is nothing more important than efficiency, and that is what this service will provide to you.

From overseeing documentation to handling issues as they arise, presenting you with flexible shipping options, and enabling you to manage your shipments online, there is no denying that online international freight forwarders bring considerable benefits to any company’s shipping strategy.

Does your company conduct international shipping? If so, do you use an international freight forwarder? If not, are you considering it?