An international freight forwarder handles the custom formalities of shipping goods between countries. An international freight forwarder can be more efficient than sending your order to one country and awaiting the shipment. It often takes weeks, if not months, to get your order from point A to point B.

Instead of waiting for a shop to ship your item, you can have it delivered to you in a matter of days. You don’t need to wait for your item to be manufactured either, as imports from some countries can be delivered directly to your door.

Many international freight forwarders also provide other services, such as packaging, shipping and tracking. These elements put them ahead of competitors that only provide the barebones service of customs clearance. Having other services can be beneficial in case you are unaware of the appropriate import codes or have questions about where to ship certain items.

What is the difference between an importer and exporter?

There are three types of businesses involved in the shipping industry: importers, exporters and freight forwarders. Importers buy products for resale in another country. Exporters ship products from one country to another. Freight forwarders coordinate shipments from one location to another. They input shipping information for the customs authorities and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed on time. Usually, importers and exporters deal with the shipping details while freight forwarders coordinate shipments and file the necessary paperwork.

An importer typically buys products for sale in a foreign country. They get the items in bulk, such as cocoa beans from Ghana or coffee beans from Colombia, and sell them in smaller quantities to retailers and companies in the U.S. An importer may also purchase items in another country and have them shipped to their warehouse in the U.S. for resale. Importers provide a necessary service for companies that manufacture, market and sell products in other countries.

An exporter is a business that ships foreign products to countries other than where they are produced. For example, Nike makes most of its products in Indonesia, but ships the sneakers it produces there to other countries, such as Japan and the U.S., for sale. Exporters provide a much-needed service for companies that produce goods in other countries but want to sell those products in their home country. Additionally, some exporters specialize in creating custom products for individual buyers, such as sneaker companies that make individual shoes for celebrities and professional athletes.

What is the role of the freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder is an organization that specializes in shipping products from place to place. They buy large quantities of a product, such as a machine, and then distribute those items to other companies or individuals who need them. For example, if you order a machine from Japan and have it delivered to you in Chicago, you would need a freight forwarder to take care of the customs issues involved in shipping the item across the globe.

Freight forwarders are involved in the shipping process from the time the order is placed until the item is delivered. They get a cut of the profits from the sale of each shipment they coordinate. They also receive a fee from the shipper for their services.

To find the best freight forwarder for your needs, contact the trade associations in your area that represent freight forwarders. Look for members who provide reliable services and have a good reputation. If you have a large, complicated or expensive order, it is advisable to contact several freight forwarders and compare their services and rates.

How do I choose a freight forwarder?

There are several things you should consider before choosing a freight forwarder. First, make sure they have the capacity to handle your order. Some companies specialize in smaller shipments while others specialize in large ones. A good company will have the ability to handle any size order you give them. The second thing to consider is their documentation. It is essential that you use a freight forwarder that is properly registered and insured. Not only will this allow you to file insurance claims in case there is physical damage to your shipment, but it will also reduce the chances of your shipment being seized by customs officials. Finally, look for a reputable company that can provide you with references from previous customers.

Once you have found a reputable, experienced and insured company that can handle your order, the next step is to outline the details of your shipping needs. Be as specific as possible and include all the information that may be necessary for the freight forwarder to calculate the cost of your shipment. For example, did you need the item to be packed in a particular way (e.g., by the box, in a particular shipment)? Did you need additional services, such as customs clearance and insurance coverage? Did you need the item by a certain date? Be sure to ask for an estimate so you can get an idea of what your total cost will be. It is also advisable to get the estimate in writing, via email or fax. You can then compare that cost to the price of other shipping options, if needed.

What are some of the most common customs problems that I might face as a shipper?

There are five major types of customs problems that you might face. Some of them only apply to specific goods while others can arise from any shipment. The first problem is the mismatched item. If you are shipping an item from one country to another, and they do not have the same tariff (tax) applied to the goods, then you will have to pay the additional taxes for import. The second problem is the delay in clearance. If your item has to go through several stages of customs processing before it is finally cleared, then there is a chance that it will be delayed. The third problem is the mis-classified merchandise. If the value of your shipment gets higher than $500, then there is a chance that it will be classified as commercial merchandise and taxed more heavily. The fourth problem is the discrepancy in the declared value and the actual value. If your item’s value is higher than what you declared when you entered the country, then there is a high chance that you will be questioned by the authorities. The fifth problem is the overaged or underage shipment. Certain countries, such as Mexico, will only permit shipments if the item is older than a certain age. If you attempt to transport an item that is younger than that age, then there is a chance that it will be confiscated by the authorities and you will be liable for any fines or penalties.

Knowing how to deal with these issues successfully can save you a lot of stress and money. You can also get an idea of what you are likely to face by reading the customs regulations in your country of destination. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations, as well as the people you need to ask for help if you are not sure of how to proceed with your shipment. Learning how to handle these issues successfully can also make you a better importer or exporter in the future.