In the import and export business, hiring the best logistics partner or shifting to another logistics provider to replace your current is a tough decision to make. Every industry has different requirements for their freight forwarder. Based on the industry or what type of cargo is being transported, the expectations on a freight forwarder may vary. For some companies, it is simply to transport their cargo from one place to another in an affordable rate. However, for others, it is more than a just a forwarding process because their business depends on the safe and timely transportation of their goods. This is why you need to hire a company that you could definitely rely on when it comes to transporting your products. Here are some tips to help you choose the best logistics partner for your business.

1. Specify your requirements. You need to determine your specific needs such as weight, value and size. Once you have given these details to the forwarding company, you can ask for an accurate quote. Some forwarders may offer higher rates than others but do not always guarantee efficient services. Therefore, it is necessary to get multiple quotes from other companies to find the best deal for you.
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2. Conduct research. It always helps to ask other experienced exporters to recommend a dependable agent that you can hire. Afterwards, do your own research to find out if the agent or the company they recommended has the qualities that you are looking for. If not, then by all means, go find another. Don’t settle for the first agent that you come across. Instead, give yourself a lot of options to choose from. There are a lot of reputable freight forwarding agents that offer competitive rates and reliable services. All you have to do is exert a little effort to find them.


3. Experience is the best policy. Make sure that the agent or company that you are going to hire has years of experience in transferring certain types of goods. There are some countries that have specific import and export rules. You need to determine whether the agent has enough knowledge on that area or not. Freight forwarders can also give you some helpful tips and advice on international trading. So make sure that your agent does not only provide efficient transport services but valuable information as well.


4. Know about the contract. You need to know what type of contract the forwarder agent uses. Some forwarders require their service contracts to be renewed yearly while others do it per shipment.


5. Ask questions regarding their preferred carriers. Some agents use carriers such as marginal airlines, FedEx, trucking firms or steamship companies. It is also important to ask about the other services they offer. Some forwarding agents can help you accomplish customs clearance requirements and other necessary documentation. Other forwarders also offer insurance services, inventory management and logistics and supply-chain management of certain value-added activities.