Freight forwarders play an important role in the supply chain, especially in the global logistics industry. No doubt the powerful forwarders could gain more business opportunities.
Since freight forwarders are leading the logistics industry, people always need one. But if you are not powerful, then you may lose your market. So how to become the powerful freight forwarders?
Don’t worry, through this article, you will get some further tips to become such a powerful freight forwarder.
What is a powerful freight forwarder?
Freight forwarder is a independent forwarder or logistics company who can offer you various forwarding services. An ordinary forwarder will only offer you some services, but the powerful one will give you some added-value.
Powerful freight forwarders will help you transport goods from point A to point B with nice services. Even if your products are transported in different ways, such as from ship to airplane, they can manage it for you.
Powerful freight forwarder always have a smooth operation process
The reason why powerful freight forwarders are powerful is that they can perform a lot of complex operations ideally. Some operations need a certain technical content, if you are a novice, it could be difficult.
Here are some operation processes that each freight forwarder should be aware. If you would like to become a powerful freight forwarder, you should try your best to smooth these processes:
Commission
The exporter or the owner of the cargo initiates a shipping export booking entrustment to the freight forwarders.
They will display these information, including:
- The detailed shipper,
- Consignee,
- Informant,
- cargo name,
- code,
- specified container volume,
- expected shipping date on the bill of lading.
Booking
After receiving the entrustment, freight forwarders will book the space from the shipping company.
Once the space has been determined, the exporter will send a delivery paper to inform these:
- the specific ship name and voyage,
- sailing date,
- bill of lading number,
- designated station.
Delivery
Freight forwarders will give the delivery paper. Then the exporter will deliver the goods to the designated station according to the contents.
Generally, freight forwarder will arrange the trailer and pulls the boxes to the factory for loading. It provides convenience for the exporters.
Order Confirm
After the cargo is loaded, freight forwarders will confirm the information with the exporter. Then forwarders will submit it to the shipping company.
Once you submit your information, then you can not change it optionally. In any case, if you need a change, you have to pay a fee about US$50–100.
Customs clearance
After packing, the customs broker will initiate a customs declaration entrustment to the exporter. Then the broker will submit the documents to the customs for audit.
Sign back the bill of lading
After sailing, the freight forwarder need to sign back the bill of lading. Since exporter has settled the cost to the forwarder, the forwarder can mail the bill of lading to the exporter, which is the owner.
Finally, the shipper sends the bill of lading to the consignee, and the consignee takes the bill of lading to pick up the goods.
The above is the operation process that freight forwarders need to do in cargo transportation, which is very complicated. The difference between an ordinary forwarder and a powerful forwarder is that the powerful one could handle all these processes faultlessly.
4 Key abilities to becoming a powerful freight forwarder
Mastering good technology may make your freight forwarding business perfect. But in fact, external factors such as technology alone cannot help you become a successful freight forwarder.
For example, freight forwarders need to have some excellent capabilities to be strong.
The following are the key abilities that freight forwarders need to have before they become powerful:
Ability to connect with customers
Interpersonal skills are not only good for employees, but also helpful for doing business with customers. To freight forwarders, interpersonal communication is your ability to build relationships with customers.
Freight forwarders with strong interpersonal skills know how to express themselves. As a freight forwarder, your need to help your customers complete their work. In this regards, a good interpersonal skill can help you satisfy your customers, and get more business.
Ability to be familiar with complex documents and regulations
As you know, international shipping and transportation need to be abroad. Thus it’s important for you to understand and be familiar with relevant documents and local regulations. There are many documents for cargo transportation, such as:
- a large number of paper bills of lading
- a wide variety of customs documents
- letters of credit.
These documents will be involved in the freight forwarding business, so you need to be very familiar with these documents.
This requires freight forwarders to improve themselves. It is a good choice to take some training.
Ability to formulate the right strategy
Strategy is an important part of making your freight forwarder successful.
With so many links in a typical supply chain, you must be able to develop creative strategies to complete your business.
Ability to conduct business
Once you have established your status as a freight forwarder, you need to start your business. This requires some skills, including:
Negotiation skills-whether you are negotiating a contract with a national airline or determining a suitable salary rate for your driver, you need some negotiation skills to maximize your profits.
Marketing knowledge-in these years of rapid technological development, you must know how to market your agency, especially as an independent freight forwarder online and through social media.
The fastest way to become a powerful freight forwarder
Becoming a powerful freight forwarder requires a certain amount of experience and self-exploration. One of the fastest way to be the top is learning from the leaders. That’s why you should join GLA Family.
As a leading freight forwarding network, GLA Family have many powerful forwarders from 170+ countries. Once you become one of GLA, then you can share your experience together.
Last thoughts
With the continuous progress of the freight industry, the demand for freight forwarders continues to increase. It is easy to become a freight forwarder, but it is not that simple to become a powerful freight forwarder.
Moreover, the freight forwarding market becomes more and more fierce. To grow your freight forwarding business, you have to keep upgrading yourself with the tips above.