But what exactly is freight forwarding?

Simply put, freight forwarding is a shipping service that helps businesses transport their goods from one place to another. However, that's not all there is to know.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about freight forwarding and how it works.

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding entails the process of coordinating and managing the movement of goods from one location to another via one or more carriers by air, rail, sea, or road. Freight forwarders typically handle all aspects of the shipping process, including negotiating rates, customs clearance, booking cargo space, and completing necessary paperwork.

How Does Freight Forwarding Work?

If you need to move fragile goods like high-value, sensitive equipment, a freight forwarder is your best bet. As described above, they offer a range of services that cover all shipping procedures. These services include:

· Preparing and processing all necessary documentation, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and customs declarations (for international forwarding);

· Arranging for the pickup and delivery of the goods, including coordinating with trucking companies, shipping lines, and airlines as necessary;

· Providing insurance coverage and handling any claims that arise;

· Providing advice to shippers on shipping regulations and customs requirements in different countries;

· Tracking the shipment throughout its journey and providing updates to the shipper.

Why is Freight Forwarding Important?

Freight forwarding is critical for businesses that particularly deal with fragile equipment or large volumes of goods because it ensures that goods are transported efficiently and cost-effectively while being maintained in good condition. By working with a freight forwarder, you can take advantage of their expertise and network in logistics and supply chain management. This can help you avoid costly mistakes such as shipping delays and shipment damage.

Types of Freight Forwarders

There are several types of freight forwarders, each with different specialisations and services. They include:

Ocean Freight Forwarders: As the name implies, these forwarders specialise in shipping goods by sea. They work with shipping lines to arrange for the transportation of goods in cargo containers.

Air Freight Forwarders: Likewise, these forwarders specialise in shipping goods by air. They liaise with airlines to book cargo space and manage the logistics of air shipments.

Land Freight Forwarders: These forwarders ship goods by land. They work with trucking companies to arrange for the pickup and delivery of goods.

Multimodal Freight Forwarders: These forwarders specialise in shipping goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as a combination of air, sea, and land.

Freight forwarders also vary based on the nature of the freight. GIGL, for instance, offers specialised freight forwarding services for high value and sensitive equipment used in different industries. They range from medical and laboratory equipment, to communication and broadcasting.

Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder

As established above, a freight forwarder is essential for your business if you are involved in international trade or delicate equipment. However, you must observe due diligence when making your choice.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a freight forwarder:

Experience: This is the first thing to look out. Search for a freight forwarder with extensive experience in your industry and a track record of success.

Specialisations: Consider the type of goods you need to ship and look for a forwarder with experience handling similar types of shipments to avoid complications.

Network: What makes freight forwarding efficient is the presence of a robust network of carriers and agents that can help ensure your goods are transported efficiently and cost-effectively. The best freight forwarders have extensive networks that can achieve this.

Technology: Look for a forwarder that uses the latest technology to manage shipments and provide real-time tracking.

Compliance: The freight forwarder you choose to work with should have a deep understanding of international trade regulations and customs requirements. This will ensure a seamless forwarding experience for you.

Customer service: The right freight forwarder will be responsive and communicative such that you will be provided with regular updates on your shipment's status.

With a specialised freight forwarder like GIGL on your side, you can be sure that your high-value equipment and fragile goods will be well handled. With a robust network of carriers, a reputation for nothing less than excellence, tech-enabled features that allow you to track your shipment, and many more, GIGL ticks all the boxes.

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