I'm a staff member of an export enterprise. Recently, I'm doing an export business under the FOB terms. I'm not clear about the appointment of the freight forwarder. I want to ask who, under the FOB terms for exports, appoints the agent, the seller or the buyer? Are there any industry practices or anything that needs special attention? Will inappropriate appointment bring any risks to us?
Our company recently has goods to export from Shanghai and is looking for a reliable export freight forwarder. We would like to inquire about such agents in Shanghai and their advantages. The best answer introduces forwarders like Zhongshitong, which have rich experience, extensive service networks, professional teams, and competitive prices. Additionally, there are freight forwarders specializing in specific fields or routes that can be selected as needed.
I'd like to know whether export through freight forwarder agents can be eligible for tax rebates and the specific operations. The answer is that export through freight forwarder agents can be eligible for tax rebates, provided that the consignor has the right to engage in import and export business operations and has completed the filing for export tax rebates (exemptions). During the operation, the consignor signs an agreement with the freight forwarder. After the freight forwarder exports the goods, it delivers the relevant documents. The consignor submits the application to the competent tax authorities with these documents and the Certificate of Export Goods by Agents, etc. Meanwhile, attention should be paid to the accuracy of the documents, obtaining the purchase vouchers as required, and grasping the application time, etc.
Our company needs to export goods through an overseas freight forwarder but lacks experience. We want to understand the considerations in selecting an agent, preparing documents, cargo packaging, and the export process. The best answer suggests evaluating the agent's reputation; preparing documents like commercial invoices; ensuring sturdy and clear packaging. The export process involves signing a contract, arranging transportation, maintaining communication, and clearing customs at the destination port.
The company has import and export business and wants to find a legitimate freight forwarder. Facing numerous companies, it's. I hope for recommendations and to understand the methods of judging legitimacy. The best answer states that it can be judged from aspects such as qualifications, service experience, service network, etc. For example, Zhongshitong has complete qualifications, rich experience, a wide service network, standardized operation processes, and reasonable and transparent prices, making it a legitimate and reliable choice.
Indicates recent demand for import/export cargo transportation, seeking to understand how import/export freight forwarding works, what services they provide, and considerations when selecting. The best answer states they offer numerous conveniences, are familiar with processes, and can handle tasks like booking cargo space and customs clearance. When selecting, focus on qualifications, service network, reputation, and pricing—professional agents like Zhongshitong can facilitate business operations.
Our company has the need for transporting import and export goods and wants to know the charging standards of freight forwarding. We are worried about being ripped off. The best answer says that the charges are based on multiple factors. For sea freight, the basic freight is calculated by weight ton or measurement ton. For air freight, it is calculated by actual weight or volumetric weight. There are also surcharges, and there are differences among different transportation modes. The nature of the goods and special requirements also affect the charges. The specific charges need to be calculated by the freight forwarder according to the actual situation.
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Professional consultant answers
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Under the FOB terms for exports, usually the buyer appoints the freight forwarder. This is because FOB means free on board, and the buyer is responsible for arranging transportation, so has the right to appoint the freight forwarder.
From the perspective of industry practices, the buyer's appointment of the freight forwarder facilitates its control over the transportation process, ensuring that the goods are loaded onto the ship on time and shipped to the port of destination. However, the seller also needs to pay attention to the risks. If the freight forwarder appointed by the buyer is unprofessional or has a poor reputation, situations such as delivery of goods without a bill of lading may occur, resulting in the seller losing both money and goods. Therefore, although the seller cannot dominate the appointment of the freight forwarder, it can negotiate with the buyer and request to choose a reliable freight forwarder. At the same time, clarify the responsibilities of the freight forwarder in the contract, for example, require the freight forwarder not to release the goods without the seller's instructions, etc., to protect its own rights and interests.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Generally, it is the buyer who appoints the agent because under the FOB terms, the buyer assumes the transportation responsibility after the goods cross the ship's rail, and appointing the agent makes it more convenient for it to arrange transportation and subsequent matters.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Indeed, according to the practice, it is the buyer who appoints the freight forwarder, but the seller also has a certain say. If it is found that the freight forwarder appointed by the buyer may pose risks, the seller can propose a replacement to try to protect its own interests.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
For export FOB, most buyers appoint the agent, but the seller should pay attention to the relationship between the freight forwarder and the buyer. If the two have a close relationship, they may be biased towards the buyer in transportation, and the seller should be cautious.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Usually the buyer appoints, and the seller should properly control the ownership of the goods. If the freight forwarder is appointed by the buyer, the seller needs to confirm that the freight forwarder operates in a standardized manner to avoid damage to itself due to unexpected situations during transportation.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Yes, it is common for the buyer to appoint the agent under the FOB terms. The seller should pay attention to the qualifications of the freight forwarder and can request to view relevant certificates to reduce transportation risks.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Generally, the buyer appoints the freight forwarder, and the seller should follow up on the operation process of the freight forwarder. Once the goods are on board, the seller should promptly obtain transportation documents such as the bill of lading to prevent the freight forwarder from operating in violation of regulations.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Under the FOB terms, it is mostly the buyer who appoints the agent. But the seller can ask the buyer to provide the credit information of the freight forwarder, understand the situation of the freight forwarder in advance, and prevent potential risks.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
For export FOB, basically the buyer appoints the freight forwarder. After the seller ships the goods, it should keep in touch with the freight forwarder to ensure the smooth transportation of the goods and protect its own rights and interests at the same time.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
According to the routine, it is the buyer who appoints. The seller should clarify the scope of responsibilities of the freight forwarder in the contract to avoid unnecessary disputes due to problems with the freight forwarder.