Does the export agency fee include freight forwarding costs? Come and find out!
Solved#Export agent#
I recently plan to engage in export business and seek the help of an export agency to handle related matters. However, I have some doubts about the fees. I'm not sure whether the export agency fee includes freight forwarding costs. If it does, which specific freight forwarding service fees are covered? If not, what do the export agency and the freight forwarder each be responsible for, and how should these two services be connected to ensure the smooth progress of the export process? I hope someone who knows the ropes can explain it to me in detail.
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Whether the export agency fee includes freight forwarding costs has no fixed standard, mainly depending on the contract agreement signed between you and the export agency company.
Some export agency companies offer one-stop services, and the contract will clearly state that the export agency fee includes freight forwarding costs. In this case, freight forwarding services such as booking, customs declaration, document processing, and other related costs are all covered, which can provide you with convenience, allowing you to only deal with one company for the export process.
However, there are also many export agency companies that only focus on the export agency business, such as handling export qualifications, foreign exchange collection and settlement, export tax rebates, etc. The freight forwarding service requires you to entrust a freight forwarding company separately, and the cost is not included in the export agency fee.
Therefore, when choosing an export agency company, be sure to carefully read the contract terms, clarify the composition of various fees, so as to avoid subsequent disputes. If you are not clear, be sure to communicate and confirm with the export agency company in a timely manner.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Generally speaking, if the export agency fee is relatively high, it is possible that it includes freight forwarding costs. But you have to read the contract carefully and ask clearly which freight forwarding services are included to avoid hidden charges later.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Many times, the export agency and the freight forwarder are found separately, so the costs are more transparent. The export agency is in charge of export-related procedures, and the freight forwarder is responsible for transportation arrangements. You can choose whether to find the same company to do these two according to your own situation.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the export agency includes freight forwarding costs, there may be less flexibility in freight forwarding services. If you find a freight forwarder separately, you can choose a freight forwarder better according to the type of goods and transportation requirements. So whether it includes or not depends on what you value more.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Some export agencies, in order to attract customers, claim to include freight forwarding costs, but the actual quality of freight forwarding services is average. You have to comprehensively consider the reputation of the export agency and the freight forwarder, not just look at whether the cost is included.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
If the export agency includes freight forwarding costs, there may be some packaged discounts on the overall cost. But you should compare the costs of finding them separately. Maybe finding them separately can save a lot of money.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Ask the export agency company if they have a stable cooperative freight forwarder. If they do and the cost includes freight forwarding costs, perhaps the connection and service will be smoother. But don't just believe it. Ask around more.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Judging from past experience, including freight forwarding costs sometimes may affect the reputation of the export agency due to the poor quality of freight forwarding services. So even if it is included, pay attention to the details of freight forwarding services.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
If the export agency includes freight forwarding costs, you also need to pay attention to the settlement method, whether it is a one-time payment or phased payment, to avoid cost disputes.