What is freight forwarding?
Freight forwarding is a service that helps businesses and individuals transport goods across domestic and international borders by managing logistics, shipping, and customs clearance.
What are the different types of freight forwarding?
Freight forwarding includes air freight, sea freight, and road transportation, depending on the type of cargo, urgency, and cost requirements.
How does freight forwarding work?
A freight forwarder coordinates the shipment by arranging transportation, preparing documentation, handling customs clearance, and ensuring timely delivery to the destination.
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a carrier?
A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary that arranges transportation, while a carrier is the actual company that moves the goods (e.g., shipping lines, airlines, or trucking companies).
What is the difference between FCL and LCL in sea freight?
- FCL (Full Container Load): A shipment that occupies a full container.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): A shipment that shares a container with other shipments.
What documents are required for international shipping?
Some common documents include:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Customs Declaration
How can I track my shipment?
Most freight forwarders provide tracking systems that allow customers to check the status of their shipments in real time using tracking numbers.
What is customs clearance, and why is it important?
Customs clearance is the process of getting official permission for goods to enter or leave a country. It ensures that duties and taxes are paid and that shipments comply with regulations.
How do freight costs get calculated?
Freight costs depend on factors like weight, volume, transportation mode, distance, fuel charges, and customs duties.
What are Incoterms, and why are they important?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define responsibilities between buyers and sellers regarding shipping costs, risks, and insurance. Examples include FOB, CIF, EXW, and DDP.