Start-up owners have many core operations to deal with, including the timely import and export of goods. A freight forwarding company specialises in this area. Not only will they manage all your specific global distribution needs, but their knowledge is invaluable and could potentially save you time and money.
Here we’ll discuss why outsourcing your shipping to a global freight forwarder can help your new business prosper.
What Does a Global Freight Forwarding Company Do?
Freight forwarders are the key players in a successful logistics chain. They specialise in navigating all the logistical and legal complexities of the international market. Their key role is to arrange the storage and shipping of your goods for import and export.
How Will Working With a Global Freight Forwarding Company Help You?
The key benefits a professional forwarding company can offer you are manifold:
They’ll Manage the International Shipment of Your Goods
In the early stages of your business, you’ll have many elements to consider and manage, including getting the goods to your customers on time. An international forwarding expert ensures that your specific requirements are met by offering a stress-free shipping service. When working with a company that knows the industry well, you can expect:
- Your exact transport requirements to be implemented as arranged.
- A comprehensive solution that meets all your obligations, global shipping needs, and goals.
- End-to-end visibility using a diverse network of carriers for the best price and services.
They’ll Help You Keep Your Promise to Customers
One of the most frustrating things a customer can experience is receiving their order late or not at all. Unless you’re offering something that they can’t get from anywhere else, they will not shop with you again following a bad delivery.
Though a global freight forwarder may not help with the inventory side of things, their job is to go above and beyond to make sure your delivery promises to your customers are met. The aim of the game is to impress them and turn them into loyal customers. One guaranteed way to achieve this is by keeping them happy through positive delivery experiences.
They’ll Continuously Keep You and Your Customers in the Loop
Another way to keep your customer content is through transparency. This is especially important for customers who might be slightly apprehensive about shopping with an overseas company.
A top global freight forwarder will use a Tracking Management System (TMS). This system is accessible online, keeping both you and the customer updated on the progress of shipments. The ability to locate shipments at all times provides reassurance to all parties concerned.
This feature can also help reduce delivery queries to your customer services team. Thus, saving you money in terms of staff requirements.
They’ll Have a Direct Impact on Your ROI
Due to the complex nature of international freight, companies develop long-term business relationships with many different global agents. Their contacts put them in a better position to negotiate the best deals to save you money.
One such money-saving technique is bulk shipments. As opposed to sending one shipment per customer, they’ll combine several orders in one shipment. Not only is this cost-effective, but it significantly reduces the hassle and delays caused by managing additional shipments. Plus, it makes the whole operation easier for the forwarder.
Move Forward With a Professional Freight Company
When working with a global freight forwarder, they become an extension of your own business. The services they offer play a significant role in helping you maximise your ROI.
They’ll also help increase customer retention, through meeting their delivery expectations and providing transparency via an online TMS. Their long-standing relationship with global contacts allows them access to the best partners available. Their freight knowledge allows them to manage several clients shipping requirements simultaneously.
As a new business owner, persuading consumers to get to the checkout stage is only half the battle. By developing a long-term working relationship with a reputable freight forwarder, you’ll increase the chances of those customers returning to your checkout time and again.