It depends on the specific service scope of the export agent. Generally speaking, an export agent mainly deals with trade links related to exports, such as customs declaration, inspection declaration, foreign exchange collection, tax rebate and other businesses. While a freight forwarder, that is, a freight forwarding agent, focuses on the transportation arrangements of goods, including booking shipping space, planning transportation routes, loading and unloading of goods, transshipment and other logistics services.
If the business of the export agent covers logistics and transportation, theoretically it may not be necessary to find a freight forwarder. But in actual situations, many export agents only provide trade agency services. In this case, it is necessary to find a freight forwarder to be responsible for goods transportation.
Finding a freight forwarder can make the transportation link more professional and efficient. With rich experience and extensive resources, a freight forwarder can strive for more favorable freight rates and optimize transportation plans. Therefore, it is recommended to first clarify the service content of the export agent. If it does not include transportation services, it is very necessary to find a freight forwarder to ensure the smooth export transportation of goods.
Professional consultant answers
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
It depends on the specific service scope of the export agent. Generally speaking, an export agent mainly deals with trade links related to exports, such as customs declaration, inspection declaration, foreign exchange collection, tax rebate and other businesses. While a freight forwarder, that is, a freight forwarding agent, focuses on the transportation arrangements of goods, including booking shipping space, planning transportation routes, loading and unloading of goods, transshipment and other logistics services.
If the business of the export agent covers logistics and transportation, theoretically it may not be necessary to find a freight forwarder. But in actual situations, many export agents only provide trade agency services. In this case, it is necessary to find a freight forwarder to be responsible for goods transportation.
Finding a freight forwarder can make the transportation link more professional and efficient. With rich experience and extensive resources, a freight forwarder can strive for more favorable freight rates and optimize transportation plans. Therefore, it is recommended to first clarify the service content of the export agent. If it does not include transportation services, it is very necessary to find a freight forwarder to ensure the smooth export transportation of goods.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Some export agents are strong in their own strength and will have supporting logistics services. If they can provide transportation services and both the price and service are satisfactory, it is okay not to find a freight forwarder. But if there are special requirements for transportation, such as specifying a shipping company, maybe a freight forwarder can better meet the requirements.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Finding a freight forwarder still has advantages. Freight forwarders have close connections with shipping companies, airlines, etc. When the shipping space is tight in the peak season, a freight forwarder can find ways to get the shipping space to ensure the goods are shipped on time. An export agent may not necessarily have this ability.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the export agent does not have logistics capabilities and does not find a freight forwarder, the goods transportation will become a problem. A freight forwarder can be responsible for picking up goods at the door, warehousing, etc., making the export process smoother. It is better to find one.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
If the export agent and the freight forwarder are the same one, the operation will be more convenient and the communication cost will be low. But if the export agent does not provide transportation and you find a freight forwarder separately, there may be coordination problems. You should consider this in advance.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
From the perspective of cost, if the export agent can integrate transportation resources and offer a low price, not finding a freight forwarder can save money. But sometimes freight forwarders have discounts due to large volumes, so you need to compare the quotations of the two.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Freight forwarders are familiar with transportation processes and policies of various countries and can avoid many troubles in transportation, such as changes in customs clearance requirements at the destination port. An export agent may not understand these as thoroughly as a freight forwarder.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
You can first ask the export agent to recommend a cooperative freight forwarder. In this way, the cooperation may be more tacit. But you also have to examine the strength of the freight forwarder. You can't just decide based on the recommendation.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
If the quantity of exported goods is small and the transportation service of the export agent can meet the requirements, it is okay not to find a freight forwarder. But if the quantity is large, a freight forwarder may have more advantages and can provide better solutions.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If the export agent has a bad reputation in transportation, it is better to find a professional freight forwarder. Otherwise, if there are problems in transportation, it will affect the entire export business.