International shipping services are necessary for many businesses due to the rapid growth of e-commerce. From picking up the goods to arranging transit space, an international freight forwarder coordinates all the steps in global transport. Understanding the process of international shipping is crucial for a business owner who needs such services.
Here are some of the details regarding international shipping, the role of the freight forwarder, and the associated charges.
What Do Freight Forwarders Do?
A freight forwarder UK arranges the movement of goods from point A to point B at an agreed price, within a specific time frame. In most cases, they communicate with all parties via telephone or computer. In addition to quickly resolving any issues, they actively keep you updated on the shipment’s progress.
How to Ship Internationally
Among the seven steps involved in international shipping, five are physical and two are document-related. A cost will be associated with each stage that either the owner of the business or the receiver must pay.
Listed below are the seven steps:
Transport of exports
The cargo is moved from the shipper to the forwarder during this phase. It is likely that the forwarder will be the original warehouse for goods that do not exceed a container load. Usually, the goods are then transported by truck, rail, or both.
In most cases, the shipper will coordinate this step with a local transportation company. It’s better to use a freight forwarder offering export haulage as part of its international shipping service if the consignee is financially responsible for receiving the shipment.
Clearance of exports
Customs procedures are in place to ensure that every shipment leaving a country meets regulatory requirements. The first step in the process is to submit documentation to the relevant authorities.
Companies with valid custom licenses must perform these duties, including freight forwarders, their agents, or customs house brokers. The export customs clearance process must be completed so that the cargo can leave the country.
Handling of sources
From the time the cargo is received at the warehouse until it is loaded into a container, this stage entails the inspection and physical handling of the cargo. There are many steps involved, including:
- Examination
- Loading plans combined with other charges
- A container is packed with goods
- Taking the cargo to the port for loading
Shipment of goods by sea
In order to complete the sea freight within a specific timeline, the international freight forwarder chooses the best shipping line. A contract will be signed between the forwarder and the shipping line for the container to be transported. A shipping line does not need to interact with the consignee or shipper in this case, but the charge will be assigned to one of them.
The bunker and currency surcharges are applied when shipping from port to port.
Clearance of import customs
It is possible to complete this step before the cargo reaches the destination country. In the country of origin, it must be finalised prior to the cargo leaving the customs area (typically a warehouse).
Handling of destinations
Prior to being released, the cargo must also be handled at the destination. After it arrives at the port, the container is taken to the forwarder’s destination warehouse. The consignee will also have to unpack the container, scan the goods, and prepare them for collection.
When handling multiple destination charges, the freight forwarder will manage these charges. To release the cargo to the consignee, each of these must be paid off.
Hauling imports
Lastly, the shipment is transported and delivered to the recipient. This might be done by the freight forwarder or local transportation company that is appointed by the consignee. Consignees will be responsible for unloading the lorry after it has been delivered to the specified address.
International Shipping: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
International freight forwarders are responsible for moving your goods from point A to point B at a set price and in a timely manner. End-to-end processes are complicated and involve many parties, protocols, and charges.
For making informed business decisions, it is important to have a basic understanding of how everything works together.
