How To Get The Best Freight Forwarder and Shipping Rates

How to Get the Best Shipping Price for your Business?

TGL’s La Chang gives share with you 4 TIPS to help get the best shipping price and what you should be looking for in a Freight Forwarder.

Whether you’re looking for a new Freight Broker or joining the fray of global shipping, these 4 TIPS will help you find the right shipping agent to suit your company’s scale and size.

La has over 20 years of experience in Freight Forwarding services within Australia and all over the world. The aim of this video is to provide those in fresh start-ups the confidence to seek out a reliable and suitable freight forwarder to manage their logistics solutions.

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Understand How Freight Forwarder Companies are Ideal for helping your Business to Grow.  

In today's globalized world, businesses are no longer limited to local or even national markets. They now have the ability to expand their reach to international markets and customers, but with that expansion comes the challenge of shipping products across borders. Freight forwarders play a crucial role in this process, but not all freight forwarders are created equal. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to get the best freight forwarder and shipping rates.

What is a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the shipment of goods on behalf of a customer. They act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, coordinating the logistics of moving goods from one place to another. Freight forwarders handle a range of tasks, including arranging for shipping, booking cargo space, negotiating rates with carriers, preparing shipping and customs documents, and tracking shipments.

Why do you need a freight forwarder?

If you're shipping goods internationally, a freight forwarder can save you time, money, and headaches. They have the expertise to navigate complex international regulations and customs procedures, and they can help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay or prevent your shipments from reaching their destinations. Additionally, freight forwarders can leverage their relationships with carriers to negotiate better rates for their customers.

How to choose the right freight forwarder?

Choosing the right freight forwarder is critical to ensuring that your shipments arrive on time and within budget. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a freight forwarder:

1. Experience and expertise

Look for a freight forwarder with experience in your industry and with the specific types of goods you're shipping. A freight forwarder with experience in your industry will understand the unique requirements and regulations that apply to your shipments, and they'll be able to anticipate and avoid potential problems.

2. Network of carriers

A freight forwarder with a wide network of carriers can offer you more options and better rates. Look for a freight forwarder that has established relationships with multiple carriers in different regions, so they can offer you a range of shipping options.

3. Reputation

Check the freight forwarder's reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from past customers. Look for a freight forwarder that has a track record of delivering shipments on time and within budget, and that has a reputation for providing excellent customer service.

4. Technology

Choose a freight forwarder that uses technology to streamline the shipping process. A freight forwarder with an online portal that allows you to track your shipments in real-time and that provides automatic notifications for important milestones can save you time and help you stay informed about the status of your shipments.

5. Price

Of course, price is an important factor to consider when choosing a freight forwarder. However, don't make price the only factor you consider. A cheap freight forwarder may not offer the same level of service or expertise as a more expensive one, and they may end up costing you more in the long run if they make mistakes or cause delays.

How to get the best shipping rates?

Once you've chosen a freight forwarder, there are several things you can do to get the best shipping rates:

1. Optimize your packaging

The size and weight of your shipments can have a big impact on shipping costs. Optimize your packaging to minimize the size and weight of your shipments, without compromising the safety of your goods.

2. Consolidate your shipments

Consolidating multiple shipments into a single container can help you save on shipping costs. By combining multiple shipments, you can take advantage of economies of scale and negotiate better rates with carriers.

3. Plan ahead

Planning ahead can help you avoid rush shipping fees and other expedited charges. Give your freight forwarder plenty of notice before your shipments need to be picked up or delivered, and try to avoid peak shipping seasons if possible

4. Negotiate with carriers

Freight forwarders have established relationships with carriers, which means they are often in a good position to negotiate better rates on behalf of their customers. Work with your freight forwarder to negotiate the best possible rates with carriers based on your shipping needs and volume.

5. Consider alternative modes of transport

Depending on your shipping needs, alternative modes of transport such as air freight, sea freight, or rail may offer cost savings over traditional shipping methods. Work with your freight forwarder to explore different options and find the best mode of transport for your shipments.

6. Use Incoterms

Incoterms are a set of internationally recognized terms that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade transactions. Using Incoterms can help you negotiate better shipping rates and avoid misunderstandings about who is responsible for shipping costs and risks.

7. Review and optimize shipping contracts

Regularly review and optimize your shipping contracts with carriers to ensure that you are getting the best possible rates and terms. Work with your freight forwarder to identify areas for improvement and negotiate better terms with carriers.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right freight forwarder and optimizing your shipping strategy can help you save money and ensure that your shipments arrive on time and within budget. By considering factors such as experience, reputation, and technology when choosing a freight forwarder, and by optimizing your packaging, consolidating shipments, and negotiating with carriers, you can get the best possible shipping rates and ensure the success of your international shipping operations.

Contact us today and get a Free Consultation. TGL provides Tailored Logistics Solutions based on your business needs.