Practical guide
Why Use an International Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder plans transport and coordinates the parties along the route. This is particularly useful when responsibility for collection, documents, customs or delivery is unclear. Here is how to identify the services you need and assess a quotation.
What does an international freight forwarder do?
A freight forwarder plans and coordinates cargo movement from origin to destination. Depending on the agreed service, this can include freight bookings, collection, consolidation, documentation and ancillary services. FIATA’s definition of freight forwarding also describes its links with transport, storage, cargo handling and supporting services.
Distinguish three roles: the carrier performs the transport; the forwarder coordinates the route and services ordered; the customs broker handles customs formalities. One company may offer several services, but the scope of the quotation should be explicit.
Distinguish three roles: the carrier performs the transport; the forwarder coordinates the route and services ordered; the customs broker handles customs formalities. One company may offer several services, but the scope of the quotation should be explicit.
When is coordination particularly valuable?
Several suppliers, multiple transport legs or special handling requirements call for a clear point of coordination. A first import also benefits from early planning: who collects the goods, receives the documents and arranges transport after clearance?
A practical rule: before selecting a provider, record who performs and who pays for each stage. Any stage without an agreed responsible party is a gap to resolve before booking. If the supplier already offers a complete, defined service, check its scope before arranging overlapping services.
A practical rule: before selecting a provider, record who performs and who pays for each stage. Any stage without an agreed responsible party is a gap to resolve before booking. If the supplier already offers a complete, defined service, check its scope before arranging overlapping services.
What to check when choosing a freight forwarder
01
Experience with the route
Familiarity with the origin, destination and relevant cargo type.
02
Transparent quotations
A breakdown of freight, surcharges, local charges and excluded services.
03
Communication and tracking
A clear contact for updates, documents and changes throughout the shipment.
04
Onward services
Coordination of customs, road transport, storage and delivery as required.
What a freight quotation should include
Compare quotations for the same collection and delivery addresses, cargo and service scope. A price to the port is not equivalent to a price to your warehouse.
Request a breakdown of freight, origin and destination handling, local transport and exclusions. Check the charging basis, quotation validity and which charges depend on waiting, inspections or storage. Establish who handles insurance and customs, and what is excluded.
Clarify cost and risk allocation with the supplier through the Incoterm and named place. The description “door-to-door” does not automatically mean every tax, approval or service is included.
Request a breakdown of freight, origin and destination handling, local transport and exclusions. Check the charging basis, quotation validity and which charges depend on waiting, inspections or storage. Establish who handles insurance and customs, and what is excluded.
Clarify cost and risk allocation with the supplier through the Incoterm and named place. The description “door-to-door” does not automatically mean every tax, approval or service is included.
Illustrative example: two quotations with different scope
An importer receives one quotation for transport to the port and another that also includes supplier collection and warehouse delivery. A lower headline price in the first quotation does not establish which option offers better value.
Add the missing services to each comparison and distinguish fixed amounts from charges dependent on actual handling. Mark any unknown charge for clarification. This illustrates a comparison method; it is not a shipment handled by ELISHAR or a promise of savings.
Add the missing services to each comparison and distinguish fixed amounts from charges dependent on actual handling. Mark any unknown charge for clarification. This illustrates a comparison method; it is not a shipment handled by ELISHAR or a promise of savings.
Before contacting us: prepare a short brief
A cargo description, weight, dimensions, package count, collection point, final destination, readiness date and trade terms provide a useful starting point. If information is missing, say so rather than presenting an estimate as a final figure.
Continue with choosing between sea and air freight and ELISHAR’s international freight forwarding services.
Continue with choosing between sea and air freight and ELISHAR’s international freight forwarding services.
Frequently asked questions
How does a freight forwarder differ from a shipping line or airline?
The shipping line or airline operates the transport. The freight forwarder plans and coordinates the shipment for the customer and can connect carriers, agents, customs and road transport.
Does using a freight forwarder always reduce the price?
Not necessarily. The value lies in assessing total cost and selecting suitable arrangements, including handling, storage, documents and onward transport, rather than only the main freight rate.
What should I check when selecting a freight forwarder?
Consider experience with the cargo and destination, transparent cost breakdowns, operational availability, customs coordination and clearly defined responsibilities.
This article provides general information and does not replace a shipment-specific review of the transaction, goods and applicable requirements.
Planning an import or export?
Send the information you have and we will help identify the next step.