New to reinforcement freight forwarder export business, want to understand the operations and key points from preparation to transportation, customs clearance, etc. The best answer points out that it is necessary to do preliminary preparations first, choose a good freight forwarder, complete steps such as booking space, reinforcing cargo packaging, and customs declaration, follow up on the transportation status after shipment, and pay attention to special regulations at the port of destination and accuracy of documents.
Is the export process for air freight forwarders complicated? What are the specific steps?
Resolved
I am new to the air freight forwarding industry and am not very clear about the export process. I would like to ask, how do air freight forwarders export goods? I hope you can explain each step in detail, from soliciting cargo to the final successful delivery of the goods, what needs to be done in between, and are there any special points to note? Thank you!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
First is soliciting cargo, where we obtain customer transportation needs through various channels and sign a transportation agency agreement with the customer. Then, we proceed with booking space. Based on the cargo situation, we select suitable airlines and flights and reserve space with the airline. After successful booking, we arrange for cargo pickup, which can be either the customer delivering the goods to our location, or us picking them up from the customer's location. Simultaneously, the cargo needs to be packaged and marked to ensure transportation safety. Next is customs declaration, where we prepare the relevant customs declaration documents and declare the cargo information to the customs. The cargo can only be transported after customs inspection and release. For cargo loading and shipping, the freight forwarder needs to track the cargo's transportation status. Upon arrival at the destination, we promptly notify the consignee and handle customs clearance and pickup procedures to complete the delivery. During the process, it is crucial to ensure that all documents are accurate and error-free, and to understand the customs clearance requirements of the destination in advance.
The weight and dimensions of the cargo must be accurately measured and communicated, as this affects freight calculation and space allocation. Furthermore, the nature of the goods should be confirmed with the customer in advance, as some special cargo has different transportation requirements.
When selecting an airline, comprehensive consideration should be given to its reputation, route coverage, price, and other factors. Additionally, for cargo that requires special handling, such as dangerous goods, it is imperative to operate in accordance with regulations and declare in advance.
Transportation time should also be clearly communicated with the customer, especially for time-sensitive cargo. It is also important to ensure that customs declaration documents are submitted accurately and promptly to avoid delays in shipment.
Maintaining good communication with the airline is essential for timely handling of unexpected situations such as flight changes. Packaging materials should be appropriately chosen to prevent cargo damage.
Special policies at the destination should be understood in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance. When picking up the goods, attention should be paid to verifying the quantity and condition of the cargo.
During the cargo receiving stage, the exterior of the goods should be carefully inspected. Any issues should be promptly communicated to the customer. Concurrently, backups of all documents should be made to prevent loss.
Freight payment methods and times should be agreed upon with the customer in advance to avoid future disputes. Additionally, feedback on the cargo status should be provided to the customer in a timely manner during tracking.
Before export, it is necessary to understand whether the cargo requires special certifications or quarantine inspections and prepare accordingly. During transportation, proper safety protection for the cargo should be ensured.
After the cargo is delivered, a follow-up call can be made to the customer to collect feedback and improve service quality. Lessons learned from the transportation process should also be summarized.