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How should one do ocean freight forwarding for exported goods? Is there a detailed process?

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Our company recently has a batch of goods to be exported and plans to find an ocean freight forwarder to handle transportation-related matters. However, we have no experience in this area before and don't know where to start. I would like to ask everyone, what exactly should be done to do ocean freight forwarding for exported goods? What needs to be prepared in advance? I hope friends with experience can share the detailed process and precautions.

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Professional consultant answers

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

To do ocean freight forwarding for exported goods, first, communicate with the client to understand the details of the goods, such as the product name, quantity, weight, volume, port of departure, port of destination, etc.

Next, inquire about prices from shipping companies based on the goods information, select a suitable shipping schedule and route, and quote prices to the client. After the client confirms, accept the booking commission, fill in the consignment note and send it to the shipping company for booking.

After successful booking, arrange for the goods to be warehoused or towed. At the same time, prepare customs declaration materials, including the customs declaration form, packing list, invoice, contract, power of attorney for agent customs declaration, etc., and entrust a customs broker to handle the customs declaration. After the goods are released, track the loading situation of the goods, obtain a bill of lading sample for the client to confirm. After confirmation, the shipping company will issue the original bill of lading. Finally, settle the fees with the client and deliver documents such as the bill of lading to the client so that they can pick up the goods at the port of destination.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Remember to confirm in advance whether the goods need special packaging or reinforcement to avoid damage during transportation. Moreover, different countries may have special requirements for imported goods. For example, some countries require a certificate of origin, which should be understood and prepared in advance.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

When choosing a shipping company, consider its reputation and service quality. Some shipping companies often delay the shipping schedule, which will affect the delivery of goods. You can refer to the evaluations of other freight forwarders to make a choice.

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

The customs declaration link is very important, and the materials must be accurate. If the declaration is untrue, not only will there be a fine, but it may also affect the shipment of the goods. So, carefully check the materials when providing them.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

Communicate with the client in a timely manner. Inform the client of information such as changes in the shipping schedule and adjustments in fees as soon as possible, otherwise, disputes may easily arise.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

When doing ocean freight forwarding, also understand the operating habits and cost components of different ports. Some ports may have some special surcharges, which should be mastered in advance.

James Liu
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Before the goods are warehoused, it is best to check the appearance of the goods. If there are any problems, communicate with the client in a timely manner, otherwise, it will be difficult to clarify later.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

In terms of documents, in addition to the basic ones, sometimes other documents may be required for customs clearance at the port of destination, such as a fumigation certificate for wooden packaging, which should be prepared in advance.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

It is also crucial to maintain good communication with the shipping company. In this way, when encountering emergencies such as tight shipping space, they may give priority to helping solve the problem.

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