Interested in freight forwarding export trade, seeking to understand its meaning, its role in the export trade process, and its difference from general export trade. The best answer explains that freight forwarding export trade refers to freight forwarding companies entrusted by exporters to handle goods export transportation matters, acting like a 'transportation housekeeper,' responsible for selecting transportation methods, booking space, customs declaration, etc., making transportation more efficient, and allowing exporters to focus on production and market expansion.
Is the import process for freight forwarding agents complicated? Come and tell me!
Resolved
I want to understand how freight forwarding agents import goods? I haven't been exposed to this before and don't know the specific process. Do I need to find a freight forwarder first? What should I do after finding one? Are customs declaration and clearance handled by the freight forwarder, or do we also need to participate? Please have experienced people explain in detail, the more detailed the better, thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The import process for freight forwarding agents is generally as follows: First, you need to find a professional and reliable freight forwarding company, such as Zhongmaoda, which has rich experience. After confirming cooperation, you need to provide detailed cargo information to the freight forwarder, such as product name, quantity, weight, value, packaging, etc. The freight forwarder will arrange booking and contact the shipping company or airline to reserve space. Before the goods arrive at the port, the freight forwarder will prepare customs declaration documents, including the packing list, invoice, contract, etc., and declare to the customs. After the customs inspection is correct and the customs duties and value-added tax are paid, the freight forwarder will handle the pickup procedures. After pickup, the goods will be delivered to the door or transferred to the designated warehouse according to the customer's requirements. Throughout the process, the customer needs to cooperate with the freight forwarder by providing accurate information. For special goods, special documents need to be prepared in advance.
In summary, freight forwarders play a crucial coordinating role in the import process, but customer cooperation is also very important.
After finding a good freight forwarder, they will be responsible for tracking the transportation dynamics, and you need to communicate with the freight forwarder at any time to understand the location of the goods. Also, for some special documents such as certificates of origin, you need to prepare them in advance and hand them over to the freight forwarder.
When freight forwarders import, the customs declaration is very important, and they will determine the tax rate based on the commodity classification. If the classification is wrong, the tax may be paid too much or too little. You should also understand some basic commodity classification knowledge and cooperate with the freight forwarder.
After the goods arrive at the port, if the customs randomly inspects during customs clearance by the freight forwarder, it may cause delays. Therefore, the cargo packaging should be compliant and the information accurate, which can reduce inspection troubles and speed up the import process.
When freight forwarders import, attention should be paid to time nodes, such as closing dates and declaration deadlines. Missing the deadlines may incur additional fees. Freight forwarders will generally remind you, but you should also be aware of it yourself.
Imported goods may be detained by customs due to quality issues. Confirm the response plan with the freight forwarder, such as how to deal with unqualified inspections, so that you will not panic when problems arise.
When freight forwarders book space, try to choose shipping companies or airlines with good reputations. Otherwise, if the goods are damaged or delayed during transportation, it will affect the import progress.
When signing a contract with a freight forwarder, clarify the responsibilities and obligations of both parties, and clearly write down the fee details to prevent disputes later.
For high-value goods, it is recommended to purchase cargo insurance. Freight forwarders can generally assist in handling it, and losses can be reduced in case of cargo damage during transportation.