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How does a freight forwarder export goods? What are the key steps?

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I'm new to the freight forwarding industry and would like to know how exactly freight forwarders export goods. I hope to get a detailed description of what to do throughout the entire process from start to finish, such as what parties to deal with and what documents to prepare. The more detailed, the better, so that I can get started with my work as soon as possible.

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Professional consultant answers

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

Generally, there are the following key steps in freight forwarder export. First, accept the consignment, sign an agency agreement with the consignor to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, and understand the goods information such as name, quantity, weight, volume, etc.

Secondly, arrange shipping space booking. According to the goods situation and shipping schedule, book shipping space with the shipping company or its agent and obtain the shipping order receipt.

Then, it's customs declaration. Prepare the documents required for customs declaration, such as the customs declaration form, invoice, packing list, contract, etc., and declare to the customs. The goods will be released after passing the inspection.

Next, load the containers and deliver the goods to the port. Arrange for the goods to be loaded into containers and transport them to the designated port yard.

Finally, confirm the bill of lading and settle the fees. Confirm the bill of lading content with the consignor, settle relevant fees such as agency fees, and after the goods leave the port, deliver the bill of lading and other documents to the consignor.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Note that the goods packaging should meet the transportation requirements, otherwise damage during transportation will cause trouble. At the same time, different goods may have special export requirements. For example, for dangerous goods, understand in advance and handle them according to the regulations.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

Communication with the shipping company is very important. Keep abreast of information such as changes in the shipping schedule in a timely manner. In addition, if the information in the customs declaration link is incomplete or incorrect, it will delay the export progress, so be careful when preparing the documents.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Reasonably arrange the space when loading the containers to improve utilization and reduce costs. Also, pay attention to the weather to avoid bad weather affecting the loading of goods onto the ship.

Jennifer Wang
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Market development consultantConsult

During the export process, keep in touch with the terminal, yard, etc. to understand the goods dynamics. Don't make mistakes in settling the fees and clearly explain the details of various charges to the consignor.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

For some goods that require special documents such as certificates of origin, prepare them in advance, otherwise it may affect the customs clearance at the port of destination.

Michelle Chen
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Business coordination consultantConsult

After the goods are delivered to the port, check the quantity and appearance of the goods again to ensure they are correct. If any problems are found, negotiate and solve them with the consignor and the shipping company in a timely manner.

James Liu
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Confirm the bill of lading quickly, otherwise it will be bad if you miss the shipping schedule. In addition, usually accumulate more resources such as customs brokers and fleets to facilitate business development.

Sarah Zhang
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Document expertConsult

International transportation involves the regulations of different countries. Understand the special requirements of the port of destination. For example, some ports have restrictions on packaging materials.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

Establish a goods tracking system to facilitate yourself and the consignor to keep track of information such as the location of the goods at any time and improve service quality.

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