What is a freight forwarder?
A freight forwarder works as a go-between for a shipper and the mode of transportation. They can help you save money, keep processes from stalling and provide you with 24/7 service.
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Nobody looks forward to an emergency.
Especially when it could cost you time and money.
You’re good at running your business, but you can’t do it all.
Guide to Freight Forwarders
Here’s why you should work with an experienced freight forwarder the next time a part fails or something else goes horribly wrong.
Freight forwarder definition
Simply put, a freight forwarder is a company that arranges for your product to be shipped from one place to another.
Businessdictionary.com supplies a more in-depth look: “A firm specializing in arranging storage and shipping of merchandise on behalf of its shippers.”
A freight forwarder usually provides a full range of services, such as:
- Tracking inland transportation.
- Preparation of shipping and export documents.
- Warehousing.
- Booking cargo space.
- Negotiating freight charges.
- Freight consolidation.
- Cargo insurance.
- Filing insurance claims.
What does a freight forwarder do?
To avoid confusion, it’s important to understand what they DON’T do – move any cargo themselves.
Instead, they’re an intermediary between a shipper and the various modes of transportation, such as air freight, sea freight or ground transportation.
A reputable freight forwarder will have established relationships with reliable carriers, whether it’s air cargo, hotshot, or trucking companies.
There are a lot of logistics to figure out when it comes to moving your shipment as quickly and efficiently as possible and a freight forwarder takes that burden off your plate.
You can rest assured that you won’t experience an unnecessarily long lull in production when you choose to work with a company that’s well-established and has a proven track record.
Do you need one?
No law says you must use a freight forwarder for your emergency shipments.
But, here’s what you risk by trying to handle it all on your own:
- Lost revenue.
- Long delays.
- Stalled production.
- Increased costs.
The benefits of working with a logistics expert far outweigh any downsides. They include:
- 24/7/365 availability.
- Transparency and communication, from pick-up to delivery.
- Customized solutions for your unique needs.
- Little downtime.
- Staying within your budget.
The answer is a resounding “YES.”
It is in your best interest to work with a reputable freight forwarder for your next shipping emergency.
Enjoy the benefits of a good freight forwarder
When you experience a mechanical breakdown or another catastrophe that threatens your revenue, you must get what you need ASAP.
Don’t waste valuable time trying to take care of everything on your own.
Get the help of a reputable freight forwarder and get production back up and running as quickly as possible.
