What is RORO shipping?
When you ship a vehicle internationally, your vehicle is likely to be shipped by ship. There are several different ways to load vehicles onto ships, the most common option being LCL. Containers are available in 20, 40 and 45 feet. A 20-foot container can only hold one vehicle, so containers of the other two lengths are used more frequently to spread the cost of transportation among multiple vehicles heading to the same destination. If the vehicle you’re shipping requires maximum protection, a 20-foot container may be your best option. If that’s not an issue, you should consider consolidating it into a container with multiple vehicles. Another option is RORO, or roll-on, roll-off shipping. When it comes to RORO shipments, some destination ports may reduce the time required for unloading.

For a vehicle to be eligible for RORO transport, it needs to meet the following requirements:

it has to move under its own power
It cannot have any broken glass or missing windows
All tires must be present and inflated
Doors, trunk and hood must be able to close safely and securely
It does not cause significant damage to the body
There is no biological hazard nor any leaking liquids
Airbags not deploying
Vehicles that are flooded or suffer water damage often have additional requirements and fees. Contact us to see if your vehicle is eligible for RORO carriage.

The important thing to remember is that RORO will expose your vehicle to harsh environments.

Types of ro-ro ships
There are actually several types of ro-ro ships. they are:

LMSR – Large Medium Speed ​​Roll-Off Vessel is a vessel specially designed to carry military cargo. Some of them have been converted into civilian ships.

ConRO – A ConRO vessel is a RORO vessel in which RORO and LOLO shipping methods are used. The way it works is that the containers are stored on the roof of the boat, while the vehicles are stored below the deck and continue to travel.

RoLo – A RoRo/Landing vessel is a decked vessel that allows cars to roll up and down, but also has other decks that require the use of a crane to load and disembark cargo.

ROPAX – This is a ship that has a car roll-on/roll-off capability, but also has the ability to transport passengers. This is what ferries that transport cars are often called as.

Advantages of Ro-Ro
Ro-Ro ships have many advantages over conventional ships. Some of the advantages are as follows:

For shippers, the advantage is speed. This saves shippers a lot of time as cars and trucks can pick up directly at one port and leave at another within minutes of the ship calling.
It also integrates well with other transport developments, such as containers. The use of customs hold units minimizes delays across the border. Hence, it increases the speed and efficiency of the shipper.
The boat has proven to be very popular with vacationers and private car owners. It has made a great contribution to the development of tourism. With the help of ro-ro ships, a person can take his car from one country to another by sea.

in conclusion
Roll-on/Ro-Ro shipping is the most efficient and modern way to transport your vehicle to sea. The ability to transport cars like this changed the face of the auto shipping industry forever. Now you don’t have to worry about the crane moving your car and possibly damaging it. This also helps to speed up transit times for overseas shipments.

Out of Gauge (OOG) Cargo Meaning
The OOG cargo list is long. Some examples are very large vehicles such as luxury passenger cars, car trailers, aircraft parts, wind turbine parts, construction machinery, unusually large parts for power generation machinery, etc.

Also known as AIL (Aligned Indivisible Load), this type of oversized cargo exceeds standard container dimensions and can be too heavy to fit into a rectangular container such as a twenty-foot container (TEU) or a forty-foot container (FEU).
The sheer size and weight of this odd-shaped and odd-shaped cargo requires specialized heavy equipment to handle them for sea transport.
Such goods are easily damaged in transit unless they are handled with care and precision.

clear scope of work
Provide as much information as possible as early as possible. Origin, destination, commodity and shipping period are all good starting points. It would be better if you could provide more details – such as handling capacity at origin and destination, site requirements, site access, cargo sensitivity, or if a crane is required.

1. Technical Diagram – Provides technical details of the load prepared by the engineer. This will determine the cargo size, center of gravity and lifting points. These charts will help determine the proper equipment and lashings needed – to haul, lift and secure cargo. The ship or aircraft loading supervisor will also use technical charts when developing a loading plan.

2. Timeline – Communicate when OOG shipments are ready for shipping and if they must be delivered by a specific date. Deadlines communicated in advance – reviews and actions can be undertaken to ensure they are met.

3. Operational Skills and Proper Resource Allocation – Project cargo specialist with detailed scope of work, technical diagrams and a clear timeline to begin operational planning. ICE has a network of vetted suppliers who specialize in different tasks and operate in different regions. This benefits our customers and ensures cost-effective processing by qualified suppliers.

4. Design a custom OOG solution – a detailed operational plan will establish the framework for OOG cargo handling. The plan needs to be developed taking into account the unique requirements of the project. The more complex the project, the more substantial the plan must be. The plan must address all operational inputs required; from the time the goods are ready at the origin facility to the point in time when the goods are delivered to the destination facility.

Standard Cargo – Things to Remember When Shipping OOG Cargo
Oversized shipments and their unique requirements can present significant challenges for freight forwarders. A thorough analysis of all shipping aspects is required before shipping of this type of load in order to do so safely and efficiently.
In the case of OOG load transport, an in-depth analysis of all possibilities and careful planning of the entire job is crucial. A key element is providing freight forwarders with specific information about the shipment. In addition to standard information, professional technical drawings drawn by engineers also play a vital role. It is necessary for planning strategies for transporting, lifting and securing loads. Another important aspect of planning is the control of loading and unloading yards. Need to check in advance that they have all the necessary items and facilities such as a proper crane.

Standard Cargo – Additional Charges Associated with OOG Cargo Shipping
Logistics companies can require customers to pay extra for the necessity of punching holes in a given container. The cargo sticking out of the box limits the number of containers that can be loaded on a ship or on different conveyances. It also runs the risk of damaging containers or other loads. Therefore, when choosing OOG cargo, you need to be prepared for additional costs.

What is dimensional weight?
Essentially, dimensional weight is a pricing technique that freight companies use to maximize shipping efficiency.
Think of dimensional weight like this: The more space you take up on your haul truck, the more you’ll likely have to pay. Volumetric weight calculates how much volume a box has and converts that volume to weight.
So don’t pack your homemade candles in an oversized shipping box, as you’ll end up paying more for the air and space it takes up on the truck.
This is a more formal definition of dimensional weight.
Before dimensional weights were implemented, carriers were only charged based on the actual weight of the package. this is a problem. People pack lightweight items in large boxes. So when carriers pack their shipping units, they find they are packing several lightweight boxes that take up a lot of space. Since they can only pack as many items according to the space, they cannot ship as many items at once.
Dimensional weight calculates how much volume a box has and counts that volume into the weight. If the dimensional weight of the package is higher than the actual weight of the contents, you may be charged for the dimensional weight. Whichever number is higher, the carrier calls your billable weight. This solves the problem of light weight but bulky packages taking up space on the shipping unit.

How to determine actual weight
The actual weight of your package is rounded up to the next whole pound.
So if you have a 13.1 lb package, it will be counted as 14 lbs. Include any packaging for the item, such as bubble wrap or foam.
It is best to use a scale to determine the weight of the package, as this is the measuring device the shipper will use.
How to Determine Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight is more difficult to determine.
It refers to packing density, which is the amount of space a pack can occupy compared to its actual weight. The dimensional weight of the package applies to all domestic and international packing services.
First, you need to use inches in the US
Measure the package at its longest, widest, and highest point, even if they are not on the same end.
Each of these needs to be rounded to the nearest whole number.
For example, anything less than half an inch is rounded down, and anything half an inch or more is rounded up.
Then multiply these three numbers together to get the package’s cubic dimensions (in inches).

Then there are two ways to calculate the next step:
For domestic shipments, you need to divide the cubic size by 166. Any fractions need to be rounded up to the nearest whole number. You should also use this number when you ship from Canada using Canada’s UPS standard.

For international shipments, you divide the same cubic size by 139. Again, you need to round up any fractions to the nearest whole number.
For example, if you have a package with a maximum point of 20″” x 10″” x 10″”. The cubic dimensions are:
20 X 10 X 10 = 2000
Then 2000 / 166 = 12.05
2000 / 139 = 14.38
For domestic and Canadian standard shipments, the dimensional weight is 12.05, rounded up to 13.
For international shipments, the dimensional weight is 14.38 and needs to be rounded up to 15.

LTL shipping definition.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) is used to transport small loads or when the load does not require the use of an entire trailer. This shipping method can be used when the cargo weighs between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
When shipping LTL, shippers pay for the portion of a standard truck trailer their cargo occupies, while other shippers and their cargo fill the vacant space. Shipping via LTL has many benefits.

LTL Freight Benefits
1. Cost savings
LTL shipments consist of several smaller shipments that can fill a full truckload. Since your shipment only uses a portion of the truck’s available space, you only pay for the space you use. This ensures that your cost will be a fraction of the normal full truckload cost.

2. Great for e-commerce
In a world where e-commerce has become the norm, businesses need to ensure that their shipping methods match their customers’ needs. LTL shipping increases efficiency and speed of delivery by bypassing the need to fill a truckload with each shipment. Shipping with LTL ensures that your goods or inventory arrives exactly where they need to be, when they are needed.

3. Small business friendly
Small companies benefit greatly from LTL shipping. Most small businesses ship less and have less shipping costs than larger companies. LTL shipping allows small businesses to benefit from the services offered by professional shipping without paying high costs for unused space.

4. Environmental awareness
The LTL shipping process results in fewer trucks loaded with full cargo, rather than more trucks loaded with less than their capacity. The reduction in the number of trucks required to deliver goods to their destination reduces emissions and your company’s carbon footprint.

Disadvantages of LTL Shipping

1. Shipping time
One disadvantage of this method of transportation is that LTL shipments often take longer to reach their destination because the shipment is brought back to the carrier’s terminal and combined with other shipments destined for the same destination area. Therefore, shipping times are always estimates, not guaranteed.
2. Higher risk of damage
Because LTL cargo doesn’t stay on the same truck for the entire transit, it’s more prone to damage as it is unloaded and loaded at each terminal along the way. That’s why it’s essential to follow recommended industry standard guidelines to pack your pallets safely.
3. Not suitable for many trays
LTL rates may not be optimal for shipments over 6-8 pallets or weighing over 10,000 lbs, in which case it may be more cost effective to use partial or FTL shipping.
LTL shipping is the most recommended shipping method for the 1-6 pallet range. If you are transporting less than a full truck or part of a truck, LTL shipping offers flexibility, is environmentally friendly, and is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option for small and medium businesses.

When to choose LTL shipping.
LTL shipping is ideal for businesses with shipping rates under 15,000 lbs and no need for a full trailer.
Consider LTL when looking to maximize cost savings.

Prepare for LTL shipping.
Dimensions: When measuring the length, width and height of your shipment, round to the next inch. Accurate dimensions are critical for carriers to maximize capacity and avoid adjustment fees.
Documentation: The bill of lading should be filled out as accurately as possible to be available to the carrier upon arrival. This document acts as a receipt for the goods being shipped.
Packaging and Labeling: Load your shipments onto pallets to concentrate and protect your shipments. Weights should be placed on the bottom of the pallet or crate and labels should be placed on the sides.

Final Thoughts on LTL Shipping
Your organization needs to realize that LTL freight is a viable logistical option. Depending on your organization and the most common types of shipments, less-than-truckload shipments can be very efficient and cost-effective. To maximize the impact of LTL shipping, stay up to date on how the LTL industry works and benefits you. Having this information ready can help you determine next steps you can take to get the most out of LTL shipping.

Get smarter solutions to meet your unique needs, meet growing consumer expectations, increase efficiency and increase speed with CH Robinson. Contact us to find out how our suite of LTL services can benefit your supply chain.

Freight classes are designed to standardize different types of cargo across the industry. The NMFTA (National Motor Freight Transportation Association) has developed guidelines to help define specific categories of freight. The parameters specified by the NMFTA are now considered industry standards and are used by all who operate worldwide.

In a nutshell: Freight class is when a cargo has certain characteristics that determine the cost of shipping them. An extremely durable and easy-to-handle material would have a shipping grade different from glass, which is easily damaged in transit.

There are 18 categories in NMFC which can be assigned to a certain kind of goods. Each of these classes has a wide range of characteristics, covering a wide range of different goods, usually using a distribution equation (we’ll discuss this more later). In addition, a corresponding category is usually provided for goods shipped as less than truckload (LTL) freight. In the end, the category assigned to the shipment will determine the tariff, which ultimately consolidates the price of the entire shipment.

By using freight classes, carriers, shippers, freight brokers, freight forwarders, 3PLs and all intermediaries are able to measure shipping costs. From the most expensive class 500 to the cheapest class 50, these classes provide a standardized reference point for shipping costs.

What is freight density?
The density of an LTL shipment is calculated using two metrics: its overall dimensions (height, length, width) and weight. Simply put, the amount of LTL trailer space a cargo uses is related to its weight and equals its cargo density.

Step-by-step instructions for calculating freight density:
Determine the length, width and height of your shipment (including packaging) in inches.
Multiply these three metrics together to calculate shipping dimensions in cubic inches.
To convert to cubic feet, divide it by 1,728 (cubic inches in cubic feet).
Then, divide your cargo weight (in pounds) by the total cubic feet.
This will give you the density of your cargo.
L x W x H = inches 3 # inches 3 / 1,728 = ft 3 lbs/ft 3 = density

How 3PL uses freight classes to reduce shipping costs:
A smart third-party logistics (3PL) may be able to determine the classification of shipments to benefit your bottom line. This may include:

1. “”Bumpy”” Density
Strategic change in packaging
Specify a lower “”publish value””

2. Bump density
“”Bumping”” is the practice of artificially declaring a higher weight on the original bill of lading to qualify for a lower freight classification. There are certain regulations that need to be followed to do so, and the cargo can only be bumped one level.

3. Packaging
Working with a 3PL is beneficial for manufacturers, shippers, and carriers alike who care deeply about you knowing exactly what you’re shipping. Knowing the exact item can inform packaging decisions, which can help influence shipment classification.

In some cases, smart packaging can mean lower, and therefore more cost-effective, freight classes. Such changes may even be more suitable/protecting your cargo, thus keeping you safe from potential damage and thus reducing costs.

Here are seven useful questions to ask when considering cargo packaging:

Is it as dense and compact as possible?
Is it durable?
Can it be handled easily?
Is everything fully protected?
Is this packaging good for storage?
Is this the optimal pallet size for this shipment?
Are these the best types/strengths for each product group?

4. Low “”publish value””
“”Released Value”” may provide the most economical but minimal protection, as it usually charges no additional fees, but limits liability to a value less than the actual value of the goods.

It is advisable to consult an experienced customs professional on your team as this will involve issuing tariffs with published rate provisions and negotiating with your shipper for a formal written agreement. Then, a bill of lading must be drafted to reflect such an agreement.

Deciphering the cargo class
Now that you know what freight classes mean and understand the different classifications, you might be wondering: do I calculate it myself? The answer here is yes, because it is up to the shipper to assign a certain freight classification to its cargo. Having said that, this is why it is critical that shippers understand all freight classifications, how NMFTA calculates them and how they apply to the type of cargo they want to transport.

There is nothing worse than assigning a specific classification to your shipment when in reality it is different. In one case, the shipper will have to spend more money once the invoice is corrected. Another situation is when the shipper pays too much for shipping and it is very difficult to correct once paid (the shipper can use a certain grade for a long time, only to find out that he has made a mistake until after countless shipments go out).

All freight quotes are accompanied by an expiry date, once this date has passed, the quote expires, so do the rate associated with the quote. This is because the tariffs offered by carriers change frequently and are only guaranteed for a limited amount of time. Shipping rates are subject to an extremely volatile market and seasonal changes, including GRI and PSS.
Therefore, ocean FCL rates are generally valid for a maximum of two weeks at a time (expiring on the 15th and 30th of each month). LCL rates may last longer and typically expire at the end of each month.
However, air prices are more subject to change and usually expire after a week (or sometimes less). Technically, airlines can, at their discretion, change rates before a flight actually takes off, although they are valid for their validity period — although rates generally remain until a given date.

Standard Freight Quote
Standard shipping is the discounted price that TJ china freight gets from the carrier. Because of the large quantities we offer carriers, they are able to offer us discounted rates. This in turn gives us the opportunity to provide our clients with the highest level of service at competitive prices.
Due to fluctuating fuel prices, these discounted prices are valid for 30 days. Fuel charges are percentage surcharges added to all shipments. During the 30 days that quotes are valid, they are not expected to fluctuate so much as to cause pricing to change.

What if the offer for a reservation expires?
For all U.S. inbound and outbound ocean freight, rates are locked with the carrier once the container is in the container yard at the port of origin (or, in the case of LCL, gated in the warehouse). If a shipment comes in after the quote due date, we will need to re-quote the shipment at the new updated rate. In order to comply with FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) regulations, TJ china freight needs to have a valid NRA (Negotiated Rate Arrangement) before the shipment departs. Once the shipment is rebooked with the updated rates, we are ready to sail!

Do I still need to book in advance if the offer is due to expire?
Yes! If your shipment is ready to ship after the current rate setting expires, it is best to book in advance. The more notice we have of upcoming shipments, the more time we have to ensure that flights or boats are booked as early as possible. Typically, space on ships and flights is booked at least a week in advance; in high season, this can happen up to two weeks in advance.

From warehousing, inventory management and order fulfillment, 3PLs are at the heart of the supply chain. For companies that rely on these logistics operations, the receipt, storage, and transportation of inventory are key components of their growth—especially when supply chain management can be complex. With the specialization of logistics functions becoming a necessity for many organizations, especially with the rise of e-commerce and omni-channel fulfillment, the outsourcing of these specific responsibilities has fallen to third-party warehouse operations known as 3PLs or third-party logistics warehouses.

But what exactly is 3PL? What are they doing? What’s the reason for hiring one?

What is third-party logistics?
Third-party logistics or 3PL is used interchangeably with fulfillment warehouse or fulfillment center. Companies that offer 3PL services offer many of the same services as order fulfillment companies. These services include:

Warehousing
Inventory management
Shipping and receiving
FTL and LTL Freight
Pick and Pack
Kitting and Customization
Reverse Logistics (Returns)
A third-party logistics company acts as an e-commerce fulfillment company. It provides all the services you need to outsource your logistics business.

Different 3PL service companies specialize in different types of fulfillment and warehousing. Some come with cold fulfillment. These warehouses can store and deliver food that needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Other 3PL companies are prepared to store and transport hazardous materials.

What is not a 3PL?
Private warehouses or warehouses that only fulfill orders for their own products are not considered 3PLs. These types of warehouses are usually owned and managed by a manufacturer or retail store. They use specific accounting, billing, and shipping software that often doesn’t have the flexibility to manage inventory and billing for multiple customers. If private warehouses want to profit from additional warehouse space, they may need to invest in a warehouse management system (WMS) designed for 3PL.

The benefits of third-party logistics
This operating model has several benefits.

1. Reduce the cost of goods sold. When you pre-purchase a product, you will pay the wholesale price. The more you buy, the lower your costs and the higher your profit margins.
Greater flexibility in product sourcing. When you use an e-commerce fulfillment business model, you can more easily source products from multiple manufacturers. All your items will be stored in the same warehouse, so orders containing products from multiple suppliers can be shipped in the same box. This saves on shipping.
Greater control of your logistics operations. You can choose an order fulfillment partner that delivers the service your customers expect.
Faster order fulfillment. You can choose a third-party logistics service with warehouse locations for fast delivery of your order.
Easier returns processing. The 3PL warehouse that ships your products can provide customer service and process any returns seamlessly. This increases customer satisfaction and allows you to quickly put products back in stock.

2. Leverage industry expertise
As an ecommerce professional, you may not have the time to master every detail of shipping and logistics. That’s where a 3PL comes in: Comprised of e-commerce logistics professionals, your 3PL will be knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and complexities – so you don’t have to.

3PL companies also have technical resources and a network of partners—including marketing agencies, custom packaging suppliers, and more—that enable them to continuously improve supply chain efficiencies and perform supply chain optimizations to help drive e-commerce success.

3. Expand your reach
If you only sell in one region, you are limiting your business potential. Partnering with a 3PL can help you expand your reach.

3PL companies have a huge network of fulfillment centers, which in-house fulfillment lacks. 3PLs with fulfillment centers in major U.S. cities can help you reduce shipping costs and shipping times for your orders.

Shipping orders from one location also means higher postage for packages that span multiple shipping zones.

“FREIGHT BROKER VS. FREIGHT FORWARDER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Freight brokers connect shippers and carriers and oversee the movement of goods. Brokers must be registered with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to obtain brokerage rights. However, the broker does not possess the goods. Freight brokers primarily handle shipments from origin and destination points in the United States. While freight brokers can handle international shipments, these shipments are usually in one specific area.

Freight forwarders arrange shipments for their customers and then go a step further. In addition to shipping goods, freight forwarders can also store products for their customers. What’s more, freight forwarders have FMCSA operating rights in interstate or foreign trade. This means they handle international shipments from one country to another or across multiple countries.
Freight forwarders clear the shipment of goods from one country to another, forwarding the goods through the legal requirements of each location. Freight forwarders usually deliver goods according to their own bills of lading. They also offer assembly and integration services. They can book cargo space for customers, usually by contacting the ocean or air freight provider directly, and negotiating shipping rates. Freight forwarding is usually a more specialized job with specific terminology and legal requirements.

What is the difference between a freight broker and a freight forwarder?
Although they are often used interchangeably, the requirements of a freight forwarder are broader than those of a freight broker. Both freight forwarders and freight brokers are vital in the logistics industry. Each year, businesses move approximately $106.2 billion in goods through the United States. Freight forwarders and freight brokers are key players in this complex market, but the specific differences between the two are often misunderstood.

Freight forwarders and brokers both help arrange the logistics of goods, but they take different approaches and serve different segments of the freight industry. Each of them works between the shipper (the person who wants to transport the goods) and the carrier, which is the company that has the equipment and facilities to transport the goods. For those entering the trucking industry and those looking for the right means of transportation, it is important to understand the difference between these two roles.

There are many similarities, and some businesses can act as both freight brokers and freight forwarders. Additionally, some businesses may offer the services of freight brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers. Typically, a company provides all three services if it also owns a vehicle for transporting the goods.”

“Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What’s the Difference?

Freight Forwarding: Definition
Freight forwarders are defined as supply chain-related specialists who specialize in the logistics and physical transportation of goods. They are in contact with any entity that handles or knows about the goods being shipped by truck, ship, plane, or a combination thereof during the export process. Freight forwarders are responsible for assembling and completing various documents and compliance documents.
TJ china freight exemplifies a freight forwarder as a “”freight travel agency””, a third-party entity that arranges the trip and then facilitates the entire trip, including paperwork and documents, for a single sum of money.

Customs Broker: Definition
As defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a customs broker is defined as a private individual, partnership, association, or corporation licensed, regulated, and authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting U.S. government regulations Import and border protection requirements. Export.
Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and bill them for this service. They must have expertise in entry procedures, entry requirements, classification, valuation, and duties and applicable taxes on imported goods.
A customs broker is a specific term used to identify an intermediary between an importer and the customs department of the government of the importing country.

The difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker

The main difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker is that the freight forwarder handles the logistics of actually moving the shipper’s goods from the origin to the destination. Freight forwarders contract directly with carriers to secure bookings by sea, air, rail or truck and provide shippers with estimated freight, port charges, special documentation costs, insurance costs and terminal handling charges.
Customs brokers, on the other hand, deal with bureaucracy, complete documents, and ensure that shippers’ goods move in and out of a country. Customs brokers typically focus on the import side of export transactions and have direct contact with various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the FDA, and, of course, U.S. Customs Border and Protection.
Due to the complexity of importing goods into the United States, many importers hire customs brokers to help clear US imports. Individuals can self-clear goods for their own accounts, but corporations, partnerships and associations rely on licensed brokers to navigate all aspects of the “”customs business””.
Freight forwarders without licensed customs broker capacity often work with customs brokers to help resolve export transactions.

case study
An exporter in Kentucky wants to ship a few cars to Vancouver. Their freight forwarder gives them a quote for the goods and asks the Canadian dealer if they have a customs broker. They say they have, so the freight forwarder only handles shipping.

The exporter (car manufacturer) cooperates with the importer (car dealer) and needs to agree on the terms of sale (Incoterms) and the details of the transaction, including hiring a customs broker, etc. In this example, the freight forwarder and the customs broker are two separate entities; the exporter must manage his partnership with the freight forwarder and the transaction with the importer.”

“Advice for exporters: Should I use a freight forwarder?

1. What is a freight forwarder?
TJ china freight defines freight forwarder as follows:
A company that specializes in arranging the storage and transportation of goods on behalf of their shippers. It typically provides a full range of services including: tracking inland shipments, preparing ocean and export documents, warehousing, booking, negotiating freight rates, LCL, cargo insurance and filing insurance claims. The freight forwarder usually ships with its own bill of lading or air waybill (called sub-container bill of lading or sub-container air waybill), and its agent or partner (overseas freight forwarder) at the destination provides document delivery, unpacking, and collection. Serve. Also called a repeater.
This definition is a bit wordy and sounds complicated, so let’s make a basic definition as follows:
A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the import and export of goods for you.

2. What can I expect a person to do for me?

Generally, a freight forwarder should be able to understand your requirements and determine the best shipping option to deliver your shipment at a competitive price within the desired time frame.

In addition to these core shipping services, they should also be able to provide:

Customs Clearance – Most freight forwarders should be able to complete customs paperwork on your behalf and facilitate the payment of any taxes or duties owed to customs on your behalf
All other shipping documents such as bill of lading, certificate of origin, letter of credit or any document required by the bank before payment
Insurance – A good freight forwarder will be able to provide insurance services to insure your shipments for loss or damage
Logistics and supply chain management, which has many facets but can include fulfillment, customs consulting, contract logistics services, and other similar value-added services.

3. What are the benefits? Are there any downsides?
The main benefits of working with a freight forwarder are:

Industry expertise and knowledge
They can use their purchasing power to reduce shipping costs
You can focus on your business instead of complicated shipping or customs procedures
Global Agent Network
Provides confidence in exporting to or importing from new markets.
The main disadvantages of working with a freight forwarder are:

It’s an opaque industry and it’s hard to tell the good from the bad
The UK’s freight forwarding industry is unregulated, meaning anyone can start a business
Due to contracting with third parties, freight forwarders have little control over schedules or shipments.

4. Do I need to use a freight forwarder?
No, you can choose to oversee the entire process yourself if you wish. However, the vast majority of international trading companies do use them as it makes things easier and allows them to leverage their expertise and connections.

5. How to find a freight forwarder?
You are lucky! You have found one. This is the website of TJ china freight, a trusted freight forwarder since its inception. We are happy to help you with your international shipping needs.”