How To Choose a Freight Forwarder In China

Here are some factors to consider:

Scope of services

What services does the freight forwarder provide? While some forwarders handle the full supply chain, including pick-up, transfers, packaging, warehousing, customs brokerage, and door-to-door deliveries, others have more limited services.

To choose a provider that works for you, consider the type of goods you ship and your particular shipping needs. Then choose a forwarder who can fulfill these needs.

Scale of operations 

Are you a large business? Go with a forwarder that has the infrastructure, workforce, and technology to handle your shipment. If you run a smaller business, you might benefit from a more hands-on service. And if you’re looking to grow, you’ll need a provider capable of scaling your operations.

Managing a few shipments each month is very different from shipping thousands of containers a year – and everything in between.

Choose a freight forwarder that meets your business needs.

Industry expertise

Look for a freight forwarder with both the experience and specialization you need. For example:

Does this freight forwarder specialize in your industry?

How long have they been in business?

What kind of goods do they generally handle?

Which shipping lanes are they familiar with?

A freight forwarder experienced in your goods, industry, and shipping routes will help you anticipate charges and issues that may arise – and help you avoid them whenever possible.

Networks and connections

Freight forwarders don’t work alone. Every successful shipment requires coordination with multiple providers, including trucking companies, carriers, customs agents, and brokers.

A forwarder with an extensive logistics network can provide service options customized to your shipping needs, offer a greater range of value-added services, and even leverage their connections in emergencies.

Understand all the services the forwarder you’re considering offers – and if they have the partnerships to get you all the services you need.

Registrations and licenses

When selecting a freight forwarder for shipping from China, check their compliance with all required registrations, licenses, and certifications for operating in the country.

Reputation

You are choosing a forwarder, always take the time to read reviews from past customers to get a better sense of how the business operates. Look for on-time shipments, dedicated customer support, transparency, risk management capabilities, and outstanding past service records.