Why Use A Forwarding Agent?

If exporting or importing is a major part of your business, it’s worth developing an on-going relationship with a forwarding agent you can trust and rely on.

Consider them an extension of your own company. Your forwarding agent is, in effect delivering your customer service promise and can be the difference between your overseas customer having a good or bad memory of your company’s level of service and professionalism. Just think how you feel about a supplier if goods arrive days later than promised.

Involve your forwarding agent as soon as possible in the transaction – ideally before you promise a deadline and package the goods. This means that you can obtain advice on the best way to send your delivery to its destination taking into account both costs and deadlines.

Unfortunately there is no legislation to prevent anyone setting up in business and calling themselves a ‘Forwarding Agent’.

As a result it’s not always easy to find a good forwarding agent out of the many hundreds out there, but here are a few pointers to help you avoid the common pitfalls:

• Choose a forwarding agent for the right reasons – many are chosen for cost, location or habit, rather than their ability to deliver your cargo

• Ensure they are a member of a recognised trade body – check the company meets the standards required to become a member of a quality association such as The British International Freight Association, International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the Road Haulage Association

• Are their facilities secure – do they collect goods from your premises using their own transport? Do they use their own secure warehousing facility to store goods until dispatch? Important points to consider if you ever have to claim for loss or damage

• Do they understand your needs – can they respond to your specific service and cost requirements, which may change with each consignment?

• Proven track record – for peace of mind, it’s often worthwhile choosing an agent with a proven track, which has the expertise and financial stability to represent your best interests in the long run

When it comes to choosing a forwarding agent it’s always worthwhile remembering that sacrificing service for price could turn out to be false economy. After all it’s your reputation that’s on the line if your customer doesn’t receive his or her goods when and where they were promised.