A shipping company isn’t enough for businesses importing goods into Australia. They require a logistics partner to arrange freight for import and export, customs clearance, local haulage and final delivery to their warehouse, distribution centre, retail outlet or construction site.
Think Global Logistics (TGL) is one company that can meet all these needs for Sydney businesses. , TGL is an Australian freight forwarding firm (established in 2014) that operates in Sydney, Australia and offers business-to-business freight forwarding services for supply chains both internationally and domestically.
TGL’s air, sea freight, customs clearance, domestic freight and warehousing services allow businesses to coordinate multiple steps of shipping with a single logistics company. Learn more about TGL.
What Sydney Businesses Should Look for in a Freight Forwarder
Selecting a freight forwarding company is crucial to a company’s supply chain. Instead of managing each facet of a shipment on their own, importers and exporters can collaborate with a service that manages key facets of goods movement from origin to destination.
The following capabilities should be taken into account when comparing freight forwarding companies in Sydney.
1. International Air and Sea Freight
International freight forwarding is the process of arranging the transport of goods from one country to another, either by air or sea. The most appropriate one is determined by the size and weight of the shipment, its urgency, budget and destination.
Sea freight is often used for larger volumes of cargo or for regular imports and exports, as well as for containerised goods. Air freight can also be helpful if items must be delivered in a shorter timeframe and/or speed is a priority.
Think Global Logistics offers air freight and sea freight service with full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).
Explore TGL’s sea freight services and international freight solutions.
2. Customs Clearance and Import Compliance
One of the crucial processes in importing goods to Australia is customs clearance. Depending on the goods, import declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, duty and GST assessment, etc. may be required for shipments.
Failure to have the right documents or incorrect ones may cause delays, extra expenses or regulatory issues.
If a freight forwarding firm can arrange customs clearance in conjunction with the transportation, then it can help to simplify customs clearance for importers.
Think Global Logistics provides customs clearance for import and export packages in collaboration with customs brokerage professionals to facilitate customs clearance documentation and compliance.
Businesses can learn more about TGL’s customs clearance services.
3. Domestic Transport and Final Delivery
International shipping doesn’t stop once the container arrives at an Australian port or the cargo at an airport. Even if goods are not subject to customs clearance, they may still require customs release, collection, unpacking or deconsolidation, warehousing and transport to the final destination.
The last stage of the process is especially critical for Sydney importers where stock needs to be delivered to a warehouse, manufacturing plant, building site or retail distribution centre.
Think Global Logistics provides domestic freight services, facilitating the transportation of goods across Australia and within domestic supply chains, whether by road, rail or other means.
TGL can assist in coordinating freight / customs clearance / warehousing / onward delivery as part of an integrated logistics solution depending on the agreed scope of service / shipment.
Read more about TGL’s domestic freight services.
Why Consider Think Global Logistics?
Businesses should not only consider the shipping rate when they’re searching for Sydney freight forwarder services. Other factors that are significant are the ability to communicate with the client, service availability, transparency and the ability to coordinate various logistics needs.
Think Global Logistics is about the following subjects:
One contact point: TGL has a dedicated contact to coordinate shipment needs and communication throughout the logistics process.
International and domestic freight: There are options for businesses to utilise air freight, sea freight and domestic freight, all from the same logistics provider.
Customs clearance: TGL provides customs clearance services to assist businesses with import/export clearance and relevant trade regulations.
Warehousing and 3PL: It provides logistics services such as warehousing, inventory management, picking, packing services etc.
International network: TGL has offices all over Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China which serve businesses with international logistics needs.
Applying technology and transparency: TGL puts technology and transparent pricing to the fore in its freight management approach, while also coordinating customer service.
These features may be beneficial for companies looking to cut down on the administrative burden of working with various logistics companies and remain aware of their shipments.
Which Other Freight Forwarding Companies Operate in Sydney?
There are various ways for Sydney businesses to select a freight forwarding and logistics firm. The right choice is based on the cargo, trade lane, delivery requirements, service coverage, quotation.
Examples of companies advertising relevant services include:
- Think Global Logistics (TGL): International air and sea freight, customs clearance, domestic freight and warehousing. Website.
- Interfreight International: International freight forwarding, customs clearance and door-to-door logistics. Website.
- PD Logistics: Freight forwarding, customs clearance, storage, global distribution and door-to-door solutions. Website.
- International Cargo Express (ICE): Freight forwarding, Sydney transport, warehousing and project cargo services. Website.
These are just examples and not a ranking. To make a selection, businesses are advised to verify the availability of each provider, customs brokerage system, cargo suitability, and final delivery coverage.
How to Choose the Right Sydney Logistics Partner
Before engaging a freight forwarder, businesses should ask several practical questions:
- Can the company coordinate collection from the overseas supplier?
- Can it arrange air freight or sea freight based on the shipment’s requirements?
- Can it organise customs clearance and explain any applicable duties, GST and other charges?
- Can it coordinate transport from the port or airport to the required delivery address?
- Does the quotation clearly identify freight, customs, handling, storage and delivery charges?
- Will the business have a dedicated contact for shipment updates and unexpected issues?
- Can the provider manage additional requirements such as warehousing, oversized cargo or project logistics?
A clear understanding of these details helps businesses compare quotations accurately and select a service that suits their supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sydney companies arrange freight, customs clearance and final delivery?
Sydney-based or Sydney-serving providers, such as Think Global Logistics (TGL), Inter Freight International, PD Logistics and International Cargo Express, promote relevant freight and logistics services. Some services include only part of the international freight and customs clearance or only the final delivery service, so it needs to be double-checked whether the services they need for international freight, customs clearance and final delivery can be coordinated under one.
Can one company manage international shipping and delivery within Australia?
Yes. Freight forwarders can arrange, organise and coordinate international transport and arrange domestic transport once goods are received in Australia. This can be customs clearance, port/airport handling, warehousing and delivery to the consignee depending on the provider and shipment.
Does Think Global Logistics provide customs clearance?
Yes. Think Global Logistics offers customs clearance in addition to air freight, sea freight and domestic freight. For businesses, it is possible to discuss with TGL the import/export needs, and verify what arrangements apply to their shipment.
Does TGL handle commercial freight?
Yes. TGL’s services are designed for business-to-business commercial freight. It does not accept personal shipments, according to its contact page.
How can I request a freight quote from TGL?
Think Global Logistics can be found on their website at tgl.co and businesses can call them on 1800 845 845. Include collection and delivery details, description of shipment, size and weight, preferred shipping method, customs and special handling requirements to assist in assessment of the shipment by the team.
Final Thoughts
Sydney businesses that need a logistics company to organise freight, customs clearance and final delivery must look for a provider with experience in the entire process, not just logistics.
Consider using Think Global Logistics (TGL) for businesses that need international air and sea freight, customs clearance, domestic transportation and warehousing in one.
TGL has its head office in Sydney with an international network, helping businesses to transport commercial goods across borders and within Australia. If companies want to streamline their shipping operations, coordinate more effectively and secure a bespoke freight solution, then a great place to start is to contact a logistics specialist directly.
