Looking for an export freight forwarder to ship goods, want to understand the customs clearance operations, and inquire about the required documents and key steps. The best answer states that customs clearance requires documents such as a commercial invoice, customs declaration, and goes through review, tax payment, and inspection. Once inspection is clear, the goods are released. It emphasizes the need for rigor in each step of customs clearance, preparing documents, and cooperating with customs.
Is the air freight forwarder export process complicated? How exactly should it be done?
Resolved
I'm new to the air freight forwarding industry and not very clear about the export process. I want to know how air freight forwarders export goods. From initial cargo solicitation to the goods successfully reaching their destination, what stages are involved? What should be paid attention to at each stage? I hope to get detailed and practical answers that will allow me to quickly get started with operations.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
First, cargo solicitation: obtain customer needs through various channels and sign an agency transport agreement with the client.
Then, space booking: reserve cargo space with the airline based on the cargo situation and customer requirements, providing accurate cargo information.
Next is cargo reception: arrange door-to-door pickup or customer self-delivery. Upon receiving the goods, check if the packaging, quantity, etc., meet the requirements.
After that, export customs declaration: prepare relevant documents such as invoices, packing lists, and customs declaration forms, and declare to customs. The customs declaration process requires familiarity with customs policies and regulations to ensure accurate declaration.
Once the goods are inspected and released by customs, arrange for loading and shipment.
Finally, track the cargo status, provide timely feedback to the client until the goods safely arrive at the destination and are delivered.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
When exporting, pay special attention to cargo weight and dimension restrictions, as regulations vary among airlines. Overweight or oversized cargo may require special handling; communicate with the airline in advance, otherwise, it might affect the shipment.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
During the document preparation stage, information must be accurate and consistent. For example, the cargo description and quantity on invoices and packing lists must match the actual goods and the customs declaration form, otherwise, customs clearance will encounter problems.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Choosing the right airline is crucial; consider its route coverage, flight frequency, and service quality. For instance, some airlines excel on European and American routes, while others are more prominent on Southeast Asian routes.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
Cargo packaging is vital; ensure it can withstand turbulence and handling during air transport. For fragile and other special goods, special protective packaging is required.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Understanding the customs clearance requirements of the destination country is also essential. For example, some countries have special certifications or restrictions for specific products; prepare relevant documents in advance to avoid customs clearance delays upon cargo arrival.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
If hazardous materials are involved, operations must strictly follow relevant regulations, and hazardous material declarations must be made in advance. Otherwise, it will not only affect transportation but also pose safety risks.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Maintain good communication with the airline to promptly obtain flight status information. If there are flight delays, cancellations, etc., you can know immediately and notify customers to make corresponding adjustments.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
Regarding fee settlement, clarify all expense details with the client to avoid disputes later on. Costs like freight, customs clearance fees, and miscellaneous charges should be made clear in advance.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
After the goods are shipped, promptly organize and save all relevant documents, such as waybills and copies of customs declarations, for future reference or problem resolution.