I've been learning about foreign trade-related businesses recently and often hear the terms "import/export agency" and "freight forwarding." They both seem related to cargo transportation agency. So I'd like to ask: Is import/export agency the same as freight forwarding? Are there any differences between them? If so, what are the differences? I hope professionals can help answer this. Thank you!
In Jinan, planning to hire an import and export agency for company business and want to understand the fee structure. Asking whether fees are charged per transaction or as a percentage of cargo value, and whether different business types have different standards. The best answer states there's no fixed fee standard—charges may be per document, percentage-based, etc., varying by business type, with possible additional service fees. It's recommended to consult multiple agencies for comparison.
Planning to engage in import and export trade, wanting to understand Ningbo import and export agency customs declaration, inquiring about its meaning, role in import/export operations, and advantages compared to self-declaration. The best answer states that it involves entrusting professional agencies to handle customs declaration procedures in Ningbo, with benefits including familiarity with processes/documents, staying updated on regulatory changes, saving labor costs, and quickly resolving issues.
Some people consider entering the import and export agency business because they see others making money, but worry about complex procedures and regulations. The best answer is that while there are opportunities due to demand from SMEs, challenges exist like rapidly changing policies and complicated processes. Beginners can start by learning basics, seeking professional guidance, and taking on small projects—it's a field with both challenges and opportunities.
Interested in working as an import and export agent, inquiring about which roles—such as market development, documentation processing, or logistics coordination—are better and have better development prospects. The best answer highlights that business development has excellent prospects as it generates profits and builds networks, requiring market and product knowledge. Logistics coordination is also good for delving into the supply chain. Documentation processing, though limited, helps master regulations.
Want to know if import and export agency can still be done now, as I heard policies and market environment have changed significantly, worrying about difficulties and risks. The best answer indicates it's still viable—global economic integration keeps import/export trade active, creating space for agency business, but attention must be paid to policies/regulations, enhancing competitiveness, and risk control. As long as these aspects are managed well, it remains worthwhile.
Recently, I have goods that need to be imported/exported, but I'm unsure how to choose among the many agencies available. I'd like to know which type of import/export agency is faster—large comprehensive agencies, specialized agencies focusing on specific products, or local small agencies. The best answer suggests that large comprehensive agencies may have an advantage in speed due to their abundant resources, well-established logistics networks, and professional teams. However, specialized agencies might also excel in their respective fields.
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Professional consultant answers
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Broadly speaking, import/export agency can be understood as freight forwarding, but strictly speaking, there are some differences. Freight forwarding, or cargo transportation agency, refers to those who arrange cargo transportation based on clients' instructions and for their benefit. Their business mainly revolves around the transportation process, including booking cargo space, arranging transport routes, handling shipping documents, etc.
Import/export agency, however, not only covers freight forwarding-related transportation services but may also involve multiple aspects of the import/export trade process, such as assisting with import/export licenses, customs clearance and inspection, foreign exchange settlement, logistics distribution, and even trade financing—a series of integrated services.
Simply put, freight forwarding focuses on transportation, while import/export agency has a broader service scope. If a company only needs transportation-related agency services, freight forwarding is sufficient. If they want to delegate all aspects of import/export business to an agent, an import/export agency service provider would be more suitable.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
It can be said that import/export agency is an extension of freight forwarding. The traditional business of freight forwarding is transportation agency, while import/export agency includes additional aspects of import/export trade operations, such as customs clearance and trade document handling, making it more comprehensive.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
From a service perspective, freight forwarding mainly helps clients with transportation, while import/export agency also handles import/export trade procedures. They are more familiar with international trade processes and can provide more business support to companies.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
They are not exactly the same. Freight forwarding primarily deals with transportation logistics, while import/export agency covers a wider range, such as helping find foreign buyers or sellers and facilitating trade matches—areas freight forwarding generally doesn't involve.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Compared to freight forwarding, import/export agency is more like a one-stop service. Freight forwarding focuses on transportation, while import/export agency handles various import/export tasks on top of transportation, such as tariff calculations and trade contract reviews.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Freight forwarding focuses on the transportation chain, while import/export agency covers the entire import/export process. Companies like Zhongshitong, which provide import/export agency services, can save businesses a lot of trouble.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
The two overlap but are not the same. Freight forwarding mainly deals with cargo transportation arrangements, while import/export agency revolves around import/export business, including but not limited to transportation—document handling is also crucial.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Import/export agency includes freight forwarding functions but extends further into core import/export trade matters. Freight forwarding is more like a transportation expert, while import/export agency is a comprehensive trade assistant.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
They cannot be simply equated. Freight forwarding specializes in the transportation process, while import/export agency requires knowledge of trade rules, policies, etc., providing support at all stages of import/export trade.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Freight forwarding and import/export agency differ in that the former focuses on transportation agency, while the latter is a comprehensive agency. Companies should consider their own needs—whether they require only transportation services or full import/export business delegation.