Managing your connection with your freight forwarder is critical whether you are just starting out, moving carriers, or trying to optimize your present operations. A well-managed freight forwarder partnership may save expenses, speed up delivery, and reduce confusion. A sloppy connection with your transportation supplier increases the possibility of pricing swings, container delays, and missed information. Here are some suggestions for using a freight forwarder.

Let everyone know ahead of time. Expect problems with “last minute” cargo Because finding space on ships months in advance is difficult enough. This doesn’t mean your shipments will fail, but you may have to accept a higher fee or a delayed container.

There is a regular sailing schedule. If you ship often, tell your freight forwarder. 3PLs will arrange time to work on these customers’ shipments regularly. Volume also helps us bargain with our carriers, saving our consumers money. Notifying us of your cargo volume allows us to provide more competitive bids.

Working with a freight forwarder requires open communication. As previously said, knowing about all existing and prospective projects may help reduce volume expenses. Negative prior experiences with other shipping providers might help your new freight forwarder. Expectations, duties, and tasks should be communicated clearly and promptly when working with a freight forwarder.

Despite all the great new automation and AI breakthroughs in logistics, the success or failure of a package still depends on paperwork. Documents must be submitted in accordance with local and international laws. Set up a system for obtaining and sending documentation to your freight forwarder. Documents will be forgotten, misplaced, or misconstrued without a defined method. Consult your freight forwarder on how to handle your paperwork.

A freight forwarder should be treated as a true business partner. Chasing the lowest-cost suppliers each shipment could rapidly put you in a bind. This means treating them as an extension of your logistics staff rather than a one-off project service. Because of the volume discounts, these connections may reduce total shipping prices and boost transit times as your freight forwarder learns your preferences and shipping requirements.