Using brokers and forwarders

Finding and choosing a freight forwarder

As with all aspects of international trade, it pays to do your research before choosing a freight forwarder to look after the transportation of your goods. Draw up a shortlist of at least three and compare them before selecting one. This page explains how to find and choose the right level of service for you.

How to find freight forwarders

There are many bodies that can help you search for freight forwarders, including:

• experienced exporters - preferably those in your sector, whose freight needs are likely to be similar to yours
• your trade association - it should be very familiar with the freight needs of businesses in your sector
• freight-forwarding trade associations - particularly the British International Freight Association (BIFA) for UK freight forwarders and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA) for those overseas

Find your nearest BIFA members on the BIFA website - Opens in a new window.

Bear in mind that while there's a relatively small number of major global freight-forwarding companies, there are thousands of smaller specialist operators.

Find freight forwarders under the category "Freight Forwarding and Storage" on the Yell.com website - Opens in a new window.

How to choose a freight forwarder

The most important factor in choosing your shortlist of freight forwarders should be their experience with the routes and goods your business deals with. For example, if you transport goods that need refrigerated containers, ask for references from businesses with similar needs.

Other things you should find out about your shortlisted candidates include:

• which ancillary services they can provide, and how they charge for them
• how long they've been running and how well established they are - ask for references
• how willing they are to explain the process to you as it unfolds - this can be a valuable learning opportunity if you're new to international trading
• the overall cost for their services - see the page within this guide on the costs of using a freight forwarder

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What a freight forwarder can do for you
• Freight forwarders and customs agents and brokers
• Arrange your own transport or use a freight transporter
• Finding and choosing a freight forwarder
• The costs of using a freight forwarder
• Freight trade associations
• Here's how a freight-forwarding service helps my business trade overseas

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