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.
How Exactly Should an Export Freight Forwarder Handle Exports? Share Your Tips!
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I'd like to understand how an export freight forwarder handles exports? I haven't dealt with this before. Now I have a batch of goods to export and have found an export freight forwarder, but I'm not sure about the subsequent process. Should I prepare various documents first, or confirm the transportation method with the forwarder first? How should customs declaration be handled?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Firstly, the export freight forwarder must communicate thoroughly with the client to clarify cargo information, such as product name, quantity, weight, volume, and requirements for delivery time and destination.
Next, select suitable transportation methods based on the cargo. Sea freight is suitable for large quantities, air freight is fast but costly, and land transport is applicable for border trade, etc. After determining the transportation method, arrange for booking space.
At the same time, prepare the necessary export documents, such as commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, etc. Customs declaration is a crucial step; you must truthfully declare the cargo information, submit relevant documents to customs, and complete customs clearance procedures. After the goods are packed, arrange for transportation, track the cargo's transportation status, and ensure the goods arrive at the destination on time and safely. Finally, hand over transport documents such as the bill of lading to the client to complete the export process.
You need to confirm the transportation tool and space with the forwarder first, otherwise, subsequent work will be difficult to proceed. Then, quickly prepare all kinds of export documents, ensuring they are accurate and error-free, otherwise, customs declaration will cause problems and delay the export of goods.
It's important to understand the policies and requirements of the destination port in advance to avoid difficulties in customs clearance due to special regulations at the destination port when the goods arrive. Export freight forwarders need to pay close attention to these details.
Confirm the production progress of the goods with the supplier to ensure timely delivery. If the goods are delayed, the transportation arrangements will have to be readjusted, which is very troublesome.
Export freight forwarders need to plan the logistics route in advance and choose the optimal solution to ensure timely arrival of goods and save costs.
Inspect the goods before loading to ensure that the quality and quantity of the goods meet the export requirements, and to avoid disputes later.
Remember to confirm the fee details with the forwarder to avoid unexpected charges during final settlement, which could affect cost accounting.
Maintain communication with the client, providing timely updates on the cargo's transportation status. This keeps the client informed and increases their trust.
Properly package the goods to be suitable for long-distance transportation and prevent damage during transit.