HOW TO: Choose a freight provider

Exporters and importers can make use of a specialised freight provider or logistics company to assist them with transporting goods in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

The freight provider’s job is to arrange the best means of transport – taking into account the type of goods and their customer’s delivery requirements. Most importers and exporters are spoilt for choice, with many freight- and logistics companies claiming that they can get the job done. So how do you choose the best freight provider for your shipment?

Here are a few questions you should ask a freight provider before contracting them for your import or export delivery:

Does the freight company have experience with your route and type of goods?

There are many variables within the shipping industry that can only be mastered through experience. The ability to effectively deal with dockworker strikes and port shutdowns, the rerouting of cargo and ironing out customs or warehousing issues only come with experience. You’ll ideally want to employ a freight provider who has been in the game for a few years and knows the route your goods need to travel.

If you are moving, for example, a shipment of fruit, ask the freight provider for references of other clients in the fruit and vegetable industry. Just because a freight company gets glowing reviews in general doesn’t mean they are best suited to your type of cargo.

Does the freight provider have a network of agents and business partners in the country you’re exporting to or importing from?

Most freight and logistics companies have a lot of connections around the world. It is however important to find out whether they have business relations and contacts in the specific country where you are importing to or exporting from. This is not a given.

Does the freight company offer all the services you need?

The needs of importers and exporters differ vastly. Some only need shipment from port to port, while others from door to door. Whatever the case, ensure that your freight provider offers the services and infrastructure needed to securely deliver your shipment.

Most freight companies should be able to handle the air, ocean, rail and trucking portion of your international shipping. Additional services such as moving bonded goods, warehousing, refrigeration or distribution is also beneficial. Of course, cargo insurance must be among their services offered and shipment tracking is a nice to have, if only for peace of mind.

Do they have good customer service?

This point can’t be emphasized enough.

What is the turnaround time on communication and documents? Are you getting the information you need on time? Are you getting personal service or are you calling a general number where you are kept on the line to get one simple answer? Are they switching your call from one person to another or do you have one designated person who handles your cargo? Are they picking up the phone when things go wrong or are they nowhere to be found?

Your freight provider should be able to answer your questions efficiently and walk you through the shipment process, especially if you are new to international trade. A good freight company will take care of paperwork in a timely manner, not causing any delays with your shipment due to slow administration.

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