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Is the export process of international freight forwarding complicated? What should be done specifically?

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I've been thinking about doing the export business of international freight forwarding recently, but I've never been involved in it before and I have no idea about the whole process. I'd like to know how to export specifically through international freight forwarding? What documents do I need to prepare? What are the key steps? And are there any special precautions during the operation process? I hope experienced friends can explain it in detail. Thank you very much.

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Professional consultant answers

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

International logistics consultantConsult

The export of international freight forwarding generally has the following steps. First, accept consignments. The shipper provides the freight forwarder with information about the goods, transportation requirements, etc., and the freight forwarder arranges subsequent matters according to these. Then the freight forwarder needs to book shipping space, book shipping space from shipping companies or airlines, etc., and obtain shipping space confirmation. Next, arrange for the goods to enter the warehouse or pick up the goods at the door. Meanwhile, prepare customs declaration materials, including packing lists, invoices, contracts, power of attorney for customs declaration, etc., and declare to the customs. After the goods are released, load them on ships or aircraft. After that, the freight forwarder should track the transportation status of the goods and feed back to the shipper in a timely manner. When the goods arrive at the destination port, assist the consignee in customs clearance and picking up the goods. In terms of documents, the basic ones are the packing lists, invoices, etc. mentioned above. The key points to note are to control the time of each link to avoid delaying the shipping schedule or flight, and to ensure that the customs declaration materials are accurate and error-free.

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

Business coordination consultantConsult

The packaging of goods is very important. Appropriate packaging should be selected according to the characteristics of the goods to avoid damage during transportation. In addition, understand the special regulations of the destination port. For example, some ports have fumigation requirements for wooden packaging.

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

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

Maintain good communication with shipping companies or airlines. If there are changes in transportation, be able to know and adjust in a timely manner. Also, the purchase of insurance can be determined according to the value of the goods and the transportation risks to reduce the risk of losses.

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

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

Pay attention to the differences of different transportation methods. The details of the processes of sea transportation and air transportation are different. For example, air transportation has stricter restrictions on the size and weight of goods.

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

Market development consultantConsult

The freight forwarder should confirm the detailed cost with the shipper in advance to avoid disputes later. Expenses such as ocean freight and customs declaration fees should be made clear.

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

Document expertConsult

For the export of dangerous goods, operate strictly in accordance with relevant regulations, provide accurate information about dangerous goods and appropriate packaging, and handle the certificate of dangerous goods packaging, etc.

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

Transport documents such as bills of lading should be carefully checked to ensure the accuracy of the consignee's information, the description of the goods, etc. Otherwise, it will affect the picking up of the goods.

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

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Be familiar with trade terms. The division of responsibilities under different terms is different. For example, under the FOB term, the freight forwarder is mainly responsible for export customs declaration and transportation arrangements to the ship at the port of shipment.

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

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Understand the requirements for customs clearance at the destination port. For example, EU countries have strict regulations on product certification. Prepare relevant documents in advance, which is conducive to the smooth customs clearance of the consignee.

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