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 needs to export goods and is looking for a reliable freight forwarding company that excels in routes, pricing, service quality, etc. Seeking recommendations and selection considerations. The best answer suggests that selecting a reliable freight forwarder can be based on factors such as route resources, pricing, service quality, and reputation. For example, Zhongshitong performs well in route coverage, reasonable pricing, and one-stop services. Considering these factors can help choose a reliable freight forwarder.
Our company has the freight demand for importing electronic products to Guangzhou. We want to find a reliable import freight forwarder company, hoping that it can perform excellently in terms of transportation efficiency, price and cargo safety guarantee. Please recommend. The best answer suggests focusing on aspects such as service professionalism, transportation network, price, and cargo safety guarantee. Zhongshitong is recommended as it has obvious advantages in customs declaration, transportation, quotation, cargo tracking and insurance, etc.
Those engaged in foreign trade exports have had their high-value goods lost by the freight forwarder they are collaborating with, and the freight forwarder has an ambiguous attitude and doesn't seem to want to take responsibility. The best answer suggests first calmly collecting evidence such as contracts, lists, etc.; then having a serious communication with the freight forwarder, and if that doesn't work, filing a complaint with industry organizations; if that still doesn't work, choosing arbitration or litigation according to the contract, and sufficient materials need to be prepared for the legal approach.
I've just started dealing with import and export business and am confused about the concepts of import agents and freight forwarders. I want to understand the differences between them in terms of business scope, service content, liability assumption, etc. The best answer points out that the differences between the two are obvious. In terms of business scope, freight forwarders focus on transportation operations, while import agents provide comprehensive services; in terms of service content, freight forwarders focus on transportation, while import agents follow up the whole process; in terms of liability assumption, freight forwarders are responsible for transportation, while import agents are responsible for the entire process.
The company intends to export goods through a freight forwarder and wants to understand the charging situation of freight forwarder exports, including charging methods, charging items, and whether there are hidden charges. The best answer states that the charges for freight forwarder exports cover various items such as basic freight, document fees, customs declaration fees, and handling fees. Regular freight forwarders have transparent charges and no hidden charges. The charging standards of different freight forwarders vary, and it is recommended to compare more when making a choice.
I want to know whether a freight forwarder has import and export agency business. If so, what specific services can it provide? What are the advantages and precautions of choosing a freight forwarder as an import and export agent. The best answer points out that freight forwarders usually have this business and can provide services such as booking space, customs declaration and inspection, and transportation arrangement. The advantages are professionalism and energy saving. When choosing a freight forwarder, attention should be paid to its qualifications, reputation, etc.
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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.