International Freight Forwarding Services
International freight forwarders handle the careful coordination of export and import documentation, customs clearance and warehousing. They also have strong relationships with major air and ocean carriers.
A reliable freight forwarder can quickly and accurately communicate your shipment’s progress to you. They can even negotiate transaction/payment terms on your behalf.
Customs Brokerage
Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They are experts in tariff and customs laws and rules and regulations regarding the clearance of merchandise through Customs at the port of entry. They are also knowledgeable about import specifics such as admissibility requirements, classification and valuation and the payment of duties and taxes on imported merchandise. Customs brokers often work as employees of freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), importers and exporters.
In addition to preparing import and export documents, Customs brokers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of import entries and ensuring that declarations comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Faulty entries are costly and can result in fines, penalties or confiscation of goods. As such, it is crucial to work with a company that offers customized brokerage processing that ensures compliance and accurate data capture.
In the world of international freight, operational performance is a top priority for LTL carriers, 3PLs and their customers. A partner that understands the complexities of the international shipping process, like origin data capture and Customs brokerage processing, will help to ensure timely delivery. They will also be committed to ongoing process improvements, innovation and optimization that ensures they can handle any challenge that may arise.
Door-to-Door
Door-to-Door shipping combines various freight modes into a smooth transport chain. It includes origin handling, on-carriage, and port-to-door transportation. This type of shipping is ideal for large, bulky and extremely heavy shipments. It allows the buyer to have a smoother transport experience, which saves both time and money.
The first step is the pick-up of the cargo from the supplier’s warehouse and loading it into a container for shipping. This is known as the “export haulage”. The freight forwarder takes full responsibility for this step. The shipment can be transported via truck or train, depending on the agreement between the freight forwarder and the buyer.
After the arrival of the container at the destination port, customs clearance is performed by the freight forwarder. They take full responsibility for the process and ensure that all customs regulations are met. They also ensure that international freight forwarding services the freight is ready for its final delivery to your customer’s location.
If you are an importer, you should consider using a freight forwarding company that offers door-to-door service. It can help you avoid many obstacles that may occur during the international shipping process. It can also reduce your costs and improve your business efficiency. It is important to hire a freight forwarder that charges a reasonable price and uses cutting-edge technologies. This way, you can be sure that your shipment will reach its destination safely and on time.
Intermodal
Whether your freight needs to be transported by truck, rail or sea, a transportation strategy that incorporates intermodal can offer greater flexibility and lower costs. It also allows you to meet customer demands for environmentally responsible shipping options.
The intermodal freight services we offer are designed to move your products in a standard container that can be attached to trucks, trains or cargo ships. This provides an excellent alternative to truckload freight service and offers advantages like reduced damage/cargo loss, increased security, fuel efficiency and cost savings, and reduced transit time.
Typically, international intermodal transport involves moving goods between ocean vessels and trucks or rail. Domestic intermodal moves combine movements between over-the-road and rail transportation to access additional shipping capacity and reduce reliance on the truckload market. Both modes involve specialized containers that adhere to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dimension guidelines.
An intermodal shipment starts when a trucking carrier delivers a container to a port or train station, where it is transferred to the railroad for inland delivery to its destination. When a trucking company delivers the container to its final destination, it is reloaded onto another train for the return trip to its origin. This is known as drayage, and it requires a high level of coordination between the trucking company, railroad and the shipper to ensure the container remains on track.
Warehousing
International freight forwarders coordinate the movement of goods worldwide. They streamline shipping to make the process easier for businesses. Their services include customs brokerage, order fulfillment, warehousing and transportation. They also help clients follow international shipping regulations and import and export documentation.
They have a black book of trusted contacts and use it to negotiate the best routes for customers. They take responsibility for the documentation and Customs clearance. They work with HS Codes, which is basically a global index of product types, to ensure the correct codes are entered on all documents. They can also advise you on the right tariff classification for your goods.
Most large international freight forwarders are Authorized Economic Operators, which international freight forwarding services means that they have qualified to handle customs clearance in various locations and may be able to defer payment of import duties. They keep abreast of new trade agreements and regulatory changes that might affect their operations.
Most forwarders have their own warehouses where they store cargo. Alternatively, they can offer third party logistics (3PL) services to their clients. These include value-added warehousing (including customs bonded warehousing), Kitting, assembly and returns management. They can even provide customized e-commerce solutions. This service can save customers time and money, as well as ensure that orders are fulfilled accurately. They can also reduce the risk of damage to shipments.