Being able to import or export goods is important for your business success. Even so, many companies struggle with how to go about it. A freight forwarder could be the answer to your problem.
Freight forwarding involves directing the movement of goods to and from various locations. Companies like LTS Global Solutions work with carriers to move goods by air, rail, sea, or road. This means they must build partnerships with several entities.
Unfortunately, not all transportation involves a single mode, such as travelling by road. Many involve a combination of two or more modes to get goods to their destination.
You might think you can handle the entire process on your own, but it can get complicated. Keep reading to learn why a freight forwarder would be good for you.
Reasons to Use a Freight Forwarder
In the EU, the UK is one of the countries with the highest freight transport statistics. For example, their road freight proportions in 2016 were at 96.4 per cent. Plus, they shipped 2.5 million tonnes by air and 500 million tonnes by sea.
With such figures, your business must have a good logistics system to compete with rivals. As such, you need to get a reliable freight forwarder to distribute your goods. Here’s what they’ll do for you:
1. Optimise Your Route
Freight forwarders know the best transportation routes. They also have a network of carriers. Combine those two and you’ll be getting your goods delivered on time.
Moreover, arranging the best and quickest route helps to save you money.
2. Cargo Management
Secondly, the beauty of freight forwarding services is their cargo management. They book the space you need in the different carriers. They can also find a different warehouse if you want extra space for your goods.
At the warehouse, they’ll handle the storage, packaging, and distribution. This protects fragile shipments from damage.
Plus, they’ll consolidate your different goods into one. The larger volume reduces the transportation costs you were paying.
3. Negotiating Prices
A top logistics service will negotiate the charges for shipping your cargo. They’ll talk to the carriers and work out the best deal. This saves you money and maintains your cash flow.
They also know the cheapest carriers and the cheapest times for shipping. This ensures you are getting the best value on the market. In turn, paying less means you’ll take a higher profit from selling the goods.
4. Handling Transport Documentation
Business owners may not be aware shipping involves a lot of documentation. It can include import or export documents and bills of lading. There are also packing lists, quotations, invoices, and inspection certificates.
The freight forwarders will handle all of these for you. That also includes insurance documents. Thus, you don’t need to worry.
5. Dealing with Insurance
From the point above, freight forwarders deal with insurance issues. Aside from documentation, they will also file any claims on your behalf. This will protect you in case of loss or damage to your goods.
Learn More About Our Logistics Services
As you can see, a freight forwarder can boost your business operations. They’ll manage your cargo and the route it will take. They’ll also negotiate prices and handle the documentation, including insurance. This will save you time, money, and the stress of transporting goods.
Nice points. Freight forwarders sidestep your many problems without even knowing you.