International Freight Forwarders & Quotes

International freight forwarders work hard to aid global trade. Chances are, most of them will work in the international shipping industry since this accounts for 90% of world trade. When sourcing the best forwarder to facilitate moving your precious cargo, many factors need to be considered. Begin the comparison process by using our quick form below to instantly get up to 5 free quotes from an array of companies!

The variety of products to be shipped is only limited by the scope of one's imagination. Manufactured items, chemicals, raw materials such as coal, oil, wood, grains, rice, wheat, corn and other agricultural products make their way around the world every day on massive merchant ships. Their sizes are staggering. One tanker can be big enough to carry enough oil to heat a city for a year! It wouldn't be surprising to see a container ship carrying over 8000 containers. These containers are stored on and below deck. The ones on deck are stacked on top of each other, sometimes 7 or 8 high, and are held together with special locking mechanisms and accessories. International freight forwarders knows that the benefits of transporting goods via ocean are that you can move an enormous amount of goods over long distances. Plus, it's the most energy efficient form of transport. In this industry, these agents are known as ocean transportation intermediaries or non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC). If they are not based in the United States of America, then they do not need to obtain a license but they should because not only is it beneficial for their reputation, it also gives them more protection and less financial responsibility. NVOCCs can also advise clients of Foreign Trade Zones (also known as Free Trade Zones). This is a duty-free port where goods can be stored and raw materials can even be manufactured. When the shipper is ready, the items can be re-exported. Taxes are paid only later on when the consignment enters another zone where duties and customs must be paid.

Forwarders who operate in Australia are probably familiar with the Customs Brokers & Forwarders Council of Australia (CBFCA) and in the American air freight industry they might be members of the Airfowarders Association (AfA) since they speak for over 200 airforwarding companies. Also known as indirect air carriers (IACs) or international freight forwarders, airforwarders contribute to a $17 billion industry due to the fact that they not only arrange shipment from origin to destination, but because they also oversee the entire supply chain including compliance, customs clearance, warehousing and storage.

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) offers all kinds of resources to international freight forwarders, such as tools to help them take full advantage of new e-commerce techniques, security measures and safety procedures. Additionally, there are over 90 countries represented in The World Freight Group, which is a network of over 100 independent freight forwarders.

International freight forwarders are intermediaries who work on behalf of consignors to arrange the shipment of their goods. They might come together with shippers, transport operators and Customs at a hub or logistic centre, where storage, maintenance and repair facilities may also be located.