They act like a travel agent for your shipments, helping to reassure that transportation will be an efficient process. Freight forwarders try to find the most cost-effective way to transport cargo, including selecting optimum routes, times and costs.

Many freight forwarders started out as customs brokerage experts. They have a wealth of experience in the procedures, legislation, customs tariffs and rules around import and export duties, all of which helps ensure that the administrative aspect of organising international shipping run smoothly.

Export haulage and customs clearance

Typically, on international shipments, the first stages of the freight forwarding process involve transporting the goods to the freight forwarder’s warehouse or port of load. Customs officials inspect the goods leaving the country of origin and must approve the product, its safety and legality, and the customs documentation before this can happen.

Items checkpoint and customs clearance

Goods will be inspected in the destination country, to ensure that they match the booking documents and have arrived undamaged. Freight forwarders can be on hand to ensure that goods with restrictions, such as alcohol, dangerous items and perishable produce, meet each country’s regulations.

Arrival, handling and import haulage

After import checks have been made, paperwork is confirmed for the products. The goods make the last stage of their journey by road, rail or whichever mode of transport is suitable for the goods and the final destination.