Can shipping companies act as export agents? Does anyone know?
Solved#Freight forwarding#
Our company recently has a batch of goods to be exported. We haven't done export business before. I heard that finding an export agent can save a lot of trouble. I learned that some shipping companies have a wide range of business. So I want to ask, can shipping companies act as export agents? If they can, compared with professional export agent companies, what are the advantages and disadvantages of shipping companies acting as export agents? I hope friends with experience can help answer this.
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Shipping companies usually can act as export agents. Many shipping companies will provide export agent services in order to expand their business and perfect the service chain.
In terms of advantages, first, shipping companies are extremely familiar with the shipping process and can better coordinate the processes such as booking space and loading the ship, effectively avoiding delays caused by poor connection of links and ensuring the timeliness of goods transportation. Second, in terms of sea freight prices, they often have a certain advantage and may get more favorable freight rates, reducing export costs.
There are also disadvantages. Professional export agent companies are more professional and meticulous in aspects such as interpreting trade policies and handling documents. Shipping companies may be slightly inferior in this regard. Moreover, the core business of shipping companies is transportation, and export agency may not be their key investment direction, and the focus of service may not be as good as that of professional agent companies. When making a choice, it should be decided according to one's own business needs and the emphasis on each link.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Yes, they can. When shipping companies act as export agents, they have rich resources in transportation. For example, they will be more flexible in arranging shipping space. If it is the peak season, it may be easier to get shipping space.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
They can act as export agents. However, it seems that when shipping companies act as export agents, they may not be as experienced as professional agent companies in customs clearance. Customs clearance can sometimes be quite complicated.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
They can act as export agents. The advantage is that shipping companies usually have their own transportation fleets, and the connection of goods will be closer. But the disadvantage is that they may not be so professional in handling trade documents such as certificates of origin.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Shipping companies can act as export agents. The advantage is that they are familiar with the rules of sea transportation and can give exporters some practical suggestions on transportation. The disadvantage is that their services may not be as comprehensive as those of professional agent companies.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Of course they can. The advantage is that shipping companies can directly control the transportation links, reducing the cost of intermediate communication. But they may not be so accurate in grasping policies such as export tax rebates.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
They can act as export agents. For example, in terms of cargo stowage, shipping companies can make reasonable arrangements based on experience to improve the utilization rate of space. But in terms of controlling trade risks, they may not be as good as professional export agent companies.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Shipping companies can act as export agents. The advantage is that they are familiar with departments such as ports and the entry and exit of goods may be more smooth. The disadvantage is that they may lack the mature system of one-stop service like professional export agent companies.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Yes, they can. The advantage is that shipping companies are more convenient in tracking goods and can timely feedback the transportation status. But in terms of auditing trade contracts and other aspects, they may not be so professional.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Shipping companies can act as export agents. The advantage is that they may be more flexible in the way of freight settlement. The disadvantage is that when handling various applications for export qualifications, they may not be as proficient as professional agent companies.