The best way to ensure that your freight forwarding efforts are successful is to plan ahead. If you jump into freight forwarding without a plan, the process might end up being more expensive and your freight might not arrive in time.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Waiting until the last minute to cram shipments into a schedule can lead to you being forced to pay more for the shipment to arrive on time. Instead, you are better off having a consistent sailing schedule where you are transparent with the freight forwarder and keep them as informed as possible. Also, if you have a consistent volume, you'll have an easier time negotiating with the freight forwarding company. 

Keep the Freight Forwarder Informed

You will want to inform the freight forwarder on current and future projects. This will help in lowering costs as much as possible. If there are any changes, you will want to inform the freight forwarding company as soon as possible. 

Have Adequate Documentation

For a freight forwarding job to be successful, it is essential that you have as much documentation as possible. Keep records so that you can send information to the freight forwarder when they request it. There are local customs and foreign regulations that you must keep in mind, many of which require documentation to help you remain in compliance. Ask your freight forwarder for advice on how you should manage your documentation. 

Stick with One Company

While you may want to try different freight forwarders while hunting for the lowest price, you may actually save more money in the long-run if you develop and maintain a relationship with a single freight forwarder. Then, you will be able to treat the freight forwarder as a part of your team rather than as a service hired from outside on a temporary basis. Because the freight forwarder will want to keep you as a customer, they will look for ways to lower the price of the service.

A freight forwarder will often have a network of agents and business partners in the country in which you are shipping your goods. This is the key to making sure that your shipments arrive on time and under budget. You will not want to simply choose any freight forwarder because some companies will have contacts in only one country. But, once you find the right company, you'll want to maintain your relationship with them. 

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