Owners of an expanding business or those who have recently entered a new marketplace and need to import & export goods usually find ocean freight cost-effective. However, at the same time, they find it intimidating too. With so many things to care about such as sailing schedules, container sizes, packaging concerns, etc., anyone may feel it that way. It isn’t something new.
Shipping large loads that too on a global scale isn’t that simple, and that you need guidance. This is the reason why perhaps most businesses that ship globally hire an ocean freight forwarder for expediting their deliveries. But then, with great power comes great responsibility, and that yet again things like legalities, documentation, packaging, etc. need your attention. Before you hire an ocean freight forwarding company, you must create a checklist of things you need to do. For your help, we have come with this article discussing the 10 basic things you need to know about ocean freight forwarding. So, let’s break it all.
Ocean Freight forwarding companies are supply chain management sharks. They provide immensely valuable services. Given below are some of the tasks managed by ocean freight forwarding companies:International import/export documentations
Just in case you need an ocean freight forwarder that provides specific services like packaging or storage of goods, you should clarify it with them. Many freight forwarding companies for marine shipping handle even a particular task apart from providing the complete freight forwarding solution.
The process of ocean freight forwarding involves six fundamental steps that are:
You might be thinking it isn’t an easy process. Indeed! It isn’t! Moreover, the seamless execution of this process is critical to your business’s bottom line. However, an expert ocean freight forwarder can always help.
Since this is something they have been doing every day for years, ocean freight forwarding companies usually are well aware of the freight forwarding legalities related to specific countries. Let’s say your company is in UAE and you are exporting goods i.e. shipping your goods across borders. You must be well aware of the freight forwarding laws of not only your country but even the destination. To be on the safer side, it’s good to seek the assistance of an experienced freight forwarder.
You are provided with several essential documents by your freight forwarder that help you keep your shipment secured and stay away from probable legal issues in the future. Some of the documents that they provide include an invoice, a certificate of origin statement, an export license, a shipper’s export declaration, a bill of lading, an inspection certificate, and an export packing list.
Though not all, several ocean freight forwarding companies also provide packaging & labeling services as a part of other miscellaneous services that they provide. Sometimes those who don’t provide such services too can package & store your goods and do product labeling upon request. The product labeling includes weight designations or confirming whether the goods are considered dangerous or not.
Several items are legally restricted to be shipped into other countries. These things are considered dangerous and usually include toxic substances or drugs & alcohol, sharp objects, flammable materials, batteries, and perishables. If you are unsure whether the goods you want to ship are legally permitted or not, you can again seek the advice of your ocean freight forwarder.
This is one of the biggest benefits of hiring an ocean freight forwarding company. Just in case you need a warehouse space either in the country of origin or the destination, the good news is most ocean freight forwarding companies provide that facility as well. The best part is the warehouse they provide is a secure and climate-controlled area. On top of it, your goods are covered by insurance.
Whether you are shipping globally or in and around the UAE, you must ponder the things we have discussed in this article before you hire an ocean freight forwarder. Of course, the services offered by an ocean freight forwarding company can trim down your logistics costs. Their highly professional staff who have a strong network of contacts and a deep exposure to the shipping industry can take away all your shipping troubles. Your ocean freight forwarder with great contacts can help you get the best quotes, easily minimize travel delays, and can overcome predictable bumps in the road.
There could be a case when your shipment is going through impediments in the final mile of the supply line, however, as long as you have the right freight forwarder by your side, nothing can bother you. Being in the business of the sea cargo, they very well know what to do when. These freight forwarding experts know well what documentations are needed and when to present them. Delays are bound to be there in the territory of the global shipping supply lines. There could be bad weather, mechanical breakdown, etc. However, an ocean freight forwarding expert knows how to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. So, if you are thinking of ocean freight, think of hiring an ocean freight forwarding company and expedite your deliveries.