Cargo can be transported in various ways, including being sent by ship or being transported by air. While an air freight forwarder does not actually fly your freight from one location to another, they can arrange the shipping details for you.
An air freight forwarder can help arrange for your items to be properly packed, prepare the paperwork to get your items through customs, and help you find a great rate for air shipping. Here are five of the factors you should look for when you are hiring an air freight forwarder.
As you look to hire an air freight forwarder, pay attention to how much experience they have handling and forwarding air freight.
Those who have experience know how to find the best air freight shipping needs, how to fill out custom forms, how to handle custom issues, and how to get your shipment back on track if a delay occurs. They can provide you with a realistic timeline and budget for your freight needs.
One of the lesser-known factors to consider as you look to hire an air freight forwarder is whether they have an on-site custom expert. The process of clearing your freight through customs varies from country to country.
Some air freight forwarders work with or have on-site custom experts in the countries they transport to and from the most. This expert can give the freight forwarder tips on how to best clear your freight through customs in the shortest amount of time as possible and advise them of current customs wait times.
As you look to hire an air freight forwarder, pay close attention to what other transportation services they offer.
Air freight transportation may not be the only shipping method that your freight needs. Your shipment may need to travel by boat, train, or truck to get to the airport or to get to your location from the airport. A great air freight company handles all of your freights' transportation needs, not just the air transportation.
Prior to signing a contract with an air freight forwarder, ask them for a list of references and then contact those references.
Be sure to ask the references questions about the service that the air freight forwarder provided. You want to know if the freight arrived on time, if the freight was damaged, if the final price was higher or lower than the quote, if they had any issues with customs and whether the freight forwarder kept them in the loop about where their shipment was and when it would arrive.
The answers that the references provide will give you insight into how the company operates and treats their customers.
Lastly, be sure to ask an air freight forwarder how quickly they can get your freight from point A to point B. You should get estimates from at least a few different air freight companies in regards to price and shipping time. If one company can ship your belongings significantly faster than the other companies, you should be wary. They may be unaware of current customs issues or transportation backlogs.
Find a company who can deliver your items within a reasonable amount of time, without underestimating how long the process will take.
Are you looking to hire an air freight forwarder in Florida? Dolphin Brokerage International can help you with all your freight needs, including offering custom brokerage, packing and crating, ocean freight forwarding services, and air freight forwarder services. Call us today to discuss your needs with us.
