What exactly should be done for foreign trade export freight forwarding? Please enlighten me, masters!
Solved#Freight forwarding#
I've just got involved in the field of foreign trade export freight forwarding and am completely at a loss. I'd like to know what work needs to be done and what precautions should be taken from taking over the business to successfully transporting the goods out. For example, how to communicate with customers, how to select a suitable transportation method, and how to operate the processes such as customs declaration. I hope experienced predecessors can explain it in detail so that I can get started as soon as possible.
Professional consultant answers
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
When doing foreign trade export freight forwarding, first of all, it is necessary to communicate fully with the customer to understand the details of the goods, such as category, weight, volume, destination, etc., and formulate a transportation plan for the customer accordingly. The selection of transportation methods needs to consider factors such as cost and timeliness comprehensively. For example, urgent and high-value goods can be transported by air, and large quantities of goods with no tight time requirements are suitable for sea transportation.
Next is the booking of shipping space, reserving shipping space from shipping companies or airlines. At the same time, it is necessary to assist the customer in preparing customs declaration materials, including commercial invoices, packing lists, power of attorney for customs declaration, etc., to ensure the smooth progress of customs declaration. During the transportation process, it is necessary to track the status of the goods in a timely manner and feed back to the customer at any time. After the goods arrive at the destination port, it is also necessary to assist the customer in handling customs clearance, pick-up and other procedures. In short, carefulness, professionalism and timely communication are the keys.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
When communicating with customers, it is necessary to clearly explain the service contents and charging standards to avoid disputes later. In addition, it is necessary to understand the policies and regulations of the destination port in advance to prevent the goods from being detained due to non-compliance with the regulations after arriving at the port.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
When selecting a transportation method, it is necessary to compare the quotations of different companies more. And it is necessary to pay attention to the reputation and service quality of transportation companies. Otherwise, it will be troublesome if there are problems during transportation.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The customs declaration materials must be accurate and error-free. Otherwise, it is easy to delay the time. Usually, it is possible to communicate more with customs brokers to familiarize oneself with the process and solve problems in a timely manner when encountering them.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
It is important to establish a good supplier network, such as freight forwarding peers, truck fleets, etc., which can provide help at critical moments to ensure the smooth progress of the freight transportation process.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Freight insurance should also be emphasized. Discuss the insurance matters with the customer. In case the goods are damaged during transportation, losses can be reduced.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Learn and master international trade terms, such as FOB, CIF, etc. This is of great help for accurate quotation and clear definition of responsibilities.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Do a good job in document management. Sort and save various documents in order for subsequent query and verification.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations. When it comes to expense settlement, agree on the exchange rate calculation method with the customer in advance to avoid losses due to exchange rate changes.