There is a famous proverb that says, ‘There is nothing certain, but the uncertain.’ Yes, this statement is true and evident in our daily lives but in doing business and transactions, it’s better to dip your toes first into the water before taking the plunge ̶ you need to know what to expect before closing a deal and that is what a freight rate quote can provide you.
Through these steps, you will be able to have an accurate information on your total shipping expenses and obtain the best freight rate:
Decide where to get a freight quote
Deciding where to get a freight quote can be quite tricky because of the number of options available. To make it easier for you, here are some details on shipping partners that you can choose from:
• Freight Forwarders
If you’re looking for a “one stop shop” that can provide you brokerage, carrier, and international freight forwarding services, then freight forwarders are your best pick.
Be specific with your shipment details
In order for your freight forwarder provide you with an accurate freight quote, you must provide them with the following details:
What are you shipping?
What is the value of your shipment?
What is the size and weight of your shipment?
Where is your shipment going?
When does it need to arrive?
Prepare an RFQ (Request For Quotation)
Once you’ve prepared all the details above, the next step to provide them to your chosen shipping provider. Depending on the services they provide, you may receive just one quote or several to choose from. After you pick a price and service, review all the details to make sure it’s accurate and in order.
Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we treat our clients as partners. We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation and exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge and experience for 17 years in the business.
Contact us today (063) 525-9775 or visit our website www.excelsior.ph
Choosing a freight forwarder is a crucial decision for every business because you need someone whom you can rely on and entrust the safety of your goods.
It is no secret that there are freight forwarding companies who get banned, imprisoned and fined for illegal operations.
There are also some who just aren’t knowledgeable with the ins and outs of the industry, leading to mistakes and inefficiency.
Having that said, here are seven things that you should look for in a freight forwarder in the Philippines to make sure that your transaction goes smooth:
Expertise
When a freight forwarder has been in business for more than a decade, it’s a good indication that they have sufficient knowledge on transport rules and regulations and have already encountered and overcome lots of challenges in the past, given the fact that they outlasted other freight forwarding companies in the competitive industry.
That is why choosing an accomplished freight forwarder over a newbie will give you more assurance that your transaction will be a satisfying one.
A good business reputation
In connection to expertise in the industry, a good business reputation also comes along with it. They wouldn’t last long in the industry if their services aren’t satisfying, and if they aren’t professional when it comes to dealing with customers because negative customer feedbacks are a deal-breaker.
The good thing is aside from word-of-mouth, you can now check their customer reviews online to know whether their customers are satisfied with their service or not.
A vast network
Another benefit of choosing a freight forwarder who has been in the industry for a long period of time is that they’ve already built connections with multiple logistics companies worldwide, and they can use it negotiate for better prices on your behalf, wherever you’re importing from around the globe.
Accreditation
Aside from long industry experience, you can also evaluate whether a freight forwarder can be trusted or not through checking if they are accredited or not.
Before any transaction, look for a certificate of accreditation from the Department of Trade and Industry first or check the recent list of accredited Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), International Freight Forwarders (IFFs) and Domestic Freight Forwarders (DFFs) at the official website of DTI.
A customs broker’s license
If the freight forwarder also offers customs brokerage services, you should look for a custom’s broker license to ensure that they are really knowledgeable on preparing necessary documents, country-specific rules and regulations, and calculation of duties and related taxes. Otherwise, you might end up wasting money and your shipments held at customs.
Excellent customer care
Good customer service should always be a priority when looking for partners in business, especially when you will entrust them to deliver your goods on time and in good condition.
A freight forwarder with excellent customer care manifests effective communication skills and good business etiquette.
Try to inquire first to determine whether or not they are polite, willing to answer your questions, and attentive to details. If they aren’t, better look for another one that you can get along with, understands your needs and is truly concerned with your business.
Otherwise, your transaction might fail due to miscommunication and misunderstanding. In worse cases, it might even result in lawsuits.
Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we treat our clients as partners. We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation and exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge and experience for 17 years in the business.
Contact us today (063) 525-9775 or visit our website www.excelsior.ph
Many businesses resist changes because they overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they might gain by giving that up, including finding a new freight forwarder and customs broker. Yes, finding a new and better one may cost a lot of time and effort, but it’s still not enough reason to settle for a partnership that doesn’t work anymore. Here are six signs that it’s time for you to find a new freight forwarder and customs broker:
Your business is growing
As your business grows, your service needs also increase that’s why you need a freight forwarder that can provide you with a complete range of services.
Your freight forwarder must also be stable and established so that you won’t have to jump from one freight forwarder to another all over again, considering that your business is on the verge of developing and expanding.
If your current freight forwarder is not stable and established, you can’t guarantee whether they will last in the business or not. One day, it might even get dissolved while you’re caught unprepared and have adverse effects on your business. It’s best to look for a freight forwarder that you can grow and succeed with.
Poor customer service
In every business transaction, effective communication skills are highly essential because it fosters efficient service provision and a healthy business relationship between two (or more) parties.
If you are having a hard time communicating with your current freight forwarder and customs broker, if it’s not because of poor communication skills perhaps you’re dealing with another contact person every time.
If you don’t make a move as early as now, it won’t only make you uncomfortable with the business relationship; it might also affect the productivity and profitability of your business.
Outdated technology
Using modern technology doesn’t only help a business save time and avoid hassles, it also helps in keeping ahead of the competition.
Most freight forwarders now use online tracking, electronic proof of delivery, and electronic billing among others to make sure that the products will reach its destination intact and on time.
However, there are still some freight forwarders who refuse to keep up with the trends, thinking that it works just the same or it’s too expensive. What about your freight forwarder? Are they helping you keep ahead or are you falling behind your competitors?
Recurring service failures
Although occasional problems are unavoidable in the freight forwarding business due to factors like weather, calamities, strikes, and transportation problems, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse for recurring service failures because it’s probably caused by lack of knowledge and experience, poor customer service, or outdated technologies as mentioned above.
Uncompetitive rates
Is your current freight forwarder charging you a reasonable rate? Do the quality of service that they provide match its price? If you think that you’re paying more than how much you should, why not canvass on other freight forwarders and compare the amounts? Who knows, you might even find a freight forwarder with cheaper yet better services or one that you can bid with for a lower rate.
Is it a partnership?
Last but not the least, you should assess whether your freight forwarder and customs broker treats you like a partner. Are they committed to providing you with the best services? Do they care about your success?
In the end, it’s not just the skills and knowledge that counts. It’s the business ethics that make transactions smooth and business partnerships last.
Here at Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics, we treat our clients as partners. We also conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business.
Contact us today at (063) 525-9775 or visit our website www.excelsior.ph
Your company is getting bigger, and so are your market and the number of shipments to be made. The problem is, you don’t have your own shipping function. Why not get it outsourced through a freight forwarding partner so that you can focus on expanding your core business further?
To help you fulfill the required documents
Document processing is one of the most crucial and complex stages in every business transaction. Especially in importing and exporting products, wherein there are many different documents, clearances, and permits to be processed. Through partnering with a freight forwarder, the fulfillment of your commercial, transport, financial, and government documents will be hassle-free because you will be assisted throughout the process.
To reduce expenditures
Freight forwarders ship loads of products on a regular basis, that is why they can use their affiliation with multiple transportation companies across the globe to negotiate for better prices on your behalf. Your freight forwarding partner can also cut back your costs through consolidating several small shipments with products from several clients into one large shipment.
To avoid product damage and delay
The main goal of every product-driven business is to have its goods delivered to the right location, intact and on-time. Teaming up with a freight forwarder will help you achieve it through cargo insurance document management services, route optimization, and transport tracking.
Products in transit are inevitably exposed to risks and dangers that is why cargo insurances are highly essential. In case of accidents, theft, and other unfortunate events during the transportation, damaged insured goods can be converted to cash claims.
While route optimization will make the delivery of your time-sensitive products faster by using the shortest and most convenient path. Most freight forwarding companies now use modern technology to find the best routes in order to avoid late deliveries.
Transport tracking, on the other hand, works through using tracking numbers as identification in determining the current location of a shipment.
Indeed, hiring a freight forwarding partner helps in optimizing a supply chain. But in choosing one, aside from the above-mentioned services and benefits, you must also ensure that the freight forwarder is dependable, trustworthy, and experienced to make sure you’re in good hands.
Excelsior Worldwide freight logistics have been in the business for seventeen years and counting. With trained and experienced employees who uphold the principle of integrity, we provide only the best services to our clients.
Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our services.
A productive and efficient partnership with a freight forwarder is critical in today’s challenging import-export landscape. Not only it is important to generate the best return for your investments, but it can also significantly boost your competitiveness in the market because a freight forwarder streamlines the overall logistics operations of your business in the long run.
Here are the ways to ensure a successful partnership with your chosen freight forwarder.
Communicate Your Priorities
If your freight forwarder knows what matters to your import-export business on the get-go, they will be able to provide you with the solution best suited to meet your goals. For instance, if you want to achieve significant cost-savings, then they can help ship your cargo by sea. If you need to receive your goods quickly, they can offer to ship your goods by air instead.
Hiring a freight forwarder for your business doesn’t free you up from compliance responsibilities. It is essential that you understand your compliance obligations as an exporter since failure to comply with compliance regulations can put you and your freight forwarder to severe legal and financial implications.
As an exporter, there are four key compliance considerations which you need to deal with:
Proper classification of what you’re shipping.
Trade policies and regulations in your country.
Proper labeling in your cargo.
Proper documentation requirements.
While a reliable freight forwarder will be more than willing to help you in these aspects, lack of basic understanding in this area can lead to serious issues, since most forwarders often tender shipments based on information that exporters give to them.
Only Work with a Reliable and Trustworthy Freight Company
When choosing a freight forwarder, reliability and trustworthiness are two factors that most business owners tend to overlook. Don’t make the same mistake of taking the risk of partnering with a freight company without these characteristics because it will only affect your reputation in the industry.
We are also duly licensed as Total Logistics Company by the Bureau of Customs, and holds a Philippine Economic Zone Authority accreditation, which has the additional benefit of simplifying and speeding up the customs process for your shipments.
Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Contact us today to learn more about our service.
A reliable and trustworthy international freight forwarding company is crucial to the success of any import/export business operations. Regardless of the size of your company, this aspect could mean make or break your business.
Make sure to ask these five questions before you entrust your cargo in someone else’s hands.
1. Are You Trustworthy?
First, you need to choose a company that puts integrity at the core of their business. A freight forwarding company acting in integrity means that they are not driven by a desire to earn huge profits, get in on trends, and other external mechanisms. Instead, they sincerely value the trust their customers put in them, and in the result, they become the “go-to company” in their respective niche.
A trustworthy company is also one that is a member of a reputable associated and has accreditations which embody their legitimacy and reliability.
Excelsior upholds utmost integrity in their customer service, business dealings, and business operations. They are duly accredited as Total Logistics Company by the Bureau of Customs and have strong affiliations with key authorities and logistics organizations in the country.
2. Do You Provide the Shipping Service I Need?
It’s important to make sure that the freight forwarder you intend to hire provides the freight service that you need. Do they have the mode of transport necessary to transport the volume of cargo you want to ship? Do they provide port to port, port to door, door to port, or door to door services?
3. Do You Have Strong Experience in the Field?
Freight forwarding companies have sprouted like mushrooms in the recent time, so it is only imperative to choose one that has a reputation that has been built accordingly through the years. A good freight forwarder should indicate the number of years they have been in operation, as some of the companies they have managed to provide service with.
As well as checking how long your chosen freight forwarder has been in business, it’s also worth checking how much experience they have that’s relevant to the cargo you wish to ship. Excelsior has been in service for the past 17 years and continues to be the trusted freight forwarder of a plethora of different businesses in the Philippines these days.
4. Is Your Rate Cheaper Than Shipping Line?
Perhaps the most cited reason why most businesses use a freight forwarder is that they offer cheaper rates than shipping lines. They do this by proposing rates to multiple shipping lines, giving cost advantage which they subsequently pass to their clients. Therefore, it only makes sense to choose one that charges less compared to what shipping lines offer. This is crucial if you want to save money on your import/export cost effectively.
5. Do You Cater Brokerage Services and Provide Own Trucking Services?
Probably, you are looking for a freight forwarder because you want to simplify the complicated process of moving your goods across borders. As such, it is more practical and cost-effective to choose a freight forwarder who is also capable of meeting your customs brokerage and trucking services needs.
By doing so, you will only have to deal with one company with regards to brokerage documentation, and that all your cargos will be managed consistently from the point of origin to the point of destination.
Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.
For the past years, freight forwarding companies have been doing good in the world of logistics, wherein most of the importers right now is choosing to use the service of Freight Forwarder rather than choosing the service of Shipping Line.
In order to understand why more and more importers rely on the service of freight forwarding companies, we detail in this infographic the biggest advantages that freight forwarders have over traditional shipping lines.
1. Flexibility
Freight Forwarder could be more flexible in terms of quality service and rate which is very critical for importers these days. Instead of going directly with the shipping line, a freight forwarder will negotiate on your behalf to get a competitive deal and discover the most suitable arrangement for your shipments.
2. Service
A freight forwarder is a total logistics provider, which means that an importer can access a wide variety of services more conveniently. Freight forwarder could offer different types of Incoterms depending on what arrangement of importer wanted to do.
In fact, there are shipping arrangements that a freight forwarder could offer to a budding importer that a shipping line cannot, such as such as Ex-Works and Air Freight. Lastly, freight forwarders provide brokerage services which are a critical aspect when running a legitimate importing business.
3. Rate
Of course, a freight forwarder will still use the service of a shipping line to transport the goods since they do not have their own vessel to do so. However, to make their rates more competitive than shipping lines, freight forwarders use the extreme competition in shipping line industry as leverage. They do this by proposing rates to all shipping lines instead of using only one shipping line, allowing them to charge the most cost-effective rates to their customer more effectively.
4. Reliability
One of the hardest parts on the side of importers is the communication. Most importers – especially those that are new in the business – can testify how hard to contact shipping line and how inconsistent their service when it comes to updating the arrival details of their shipment.
On the contrary, freight forwarders are known in the industry as reliable service providers. They can come up with solutions on-the-go be it for harsh weather, customs errors, inaccessible routes, vehicle breakdowns, and other problems that could arise and delay the transport of your shipment.
5. ContractAgreement
A reliable and trustworthy freight forwarder could get not only the best and most competitive rates but other cost-privileges such as Demurrage, Detention, Ocean Freight, Credit Term and ability not to be affected by General Rate Increase.
By choosing to work with a freight forwarder, you will also be able to choose from a wide variety of shipping line options. They know where to load best in terms of your need/demand. It’s either low rate or transit schedule. You can also enjoy the service contracts/agreements they have with different shipping lines in terms of extended free time and waive of unnecessary charges, thus helping you lower your overall importation cost.
Excelsior Worldwide conduct free orientation for those who are willing to learn about importation & exportation. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience for 17 years in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.
One of the first things that you should know when starting an importing and exporting business is how to get the right freight rate quote for your shipments. Referred to as the price at which a certain cargo is delivered from one point to another, getting the right freight rate quote is a critical step in achieving profitability in the shipping industry.
To maintain a relatively healthy cash flow, you have to make sure that the cost it takes to transport your goods from one point to other remains within your budget.
And to ensure that you get an accurate and affordable freight rate quote, there is information that you should collect and pass to your freight forwarder subsequently. To know the factors at play that can affect your freight rate quote, check our pointers below.
First and foremost, you have to consider the type of transportation required to transport your goods. For beginners, the most dominant type of transport in shipping process are aviation, ship transport, and land transport (rail, road, and off-road transport.). Each of these options has their own pros and cons. For instance, air is the fastest mode of transport, but also the most expensive, followed by ship transport, and then land transport.
Incoterms, which stands for International Commercial Terms, is a set of pre-determined commercial terms published by International Chamber of Commerce that serves as the basis of agreement between the buyer and the supplier. It details the risks, costs, and tasks that each party should assume with regards to the fulfillment of delivery and transportation of shipments.
If you are buying goods internationally, your best choices are Freight on Board, Ex Works, Cost and Freight, and Cost, Insurance, and Freight. These options offer the greatest control over shipping cost from your perspective as the buyer.
For instance, the FOB means that the seller leaves your shipments at the port of origin, all set-up for international transport. As a buyer, it gives you absolute control over all related expenses and coordination of delivery of your shipments to your warehouse or final area of destination. This option is the most recommended option for importers and buyers since it allows you to choose the shipping routes and times, as well as negotiate prices with the freight forwarder of your choosing.
As obvious as it can be, knowing the specific type of goods is what many people forget to consider when requesting for a freight rate quote. This is critical because there are different pricing and handling rules that apply for each type of item you are shipping, so make sure to supply your freight forwarder with this information right away. For instance, how items such as raw pulp or lumber wood would be handled and stored inside the ship would be very much different for items like wooden furniture.
Aside from the type of the cargo you’re shipping, your freight forwarder should also know the specific details about your shipment. This includes the following:
Dimensions – Typically observed in ocean freight shipping which utilizes containers. The usual sizes of containers are 40 ft. and 20 ft. As a rule of thumb, the larger the dimensions of your shipment, the higher the freight rate quote will be.
Weight – The weight of your shipments is important, especially if you plan to transport it via air. This because air freight prices are mostly based on weight, compared to ocean freight prices which depend mostly on size.
Hazard/ Toxic Cargo – Shipping hazardous items will require you to pass a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to avoid any issues while the container is being loaded. The MSDS entails all the data about your cargo such as the nature of toxicity, its chemical and physical properties, methods of storage and disposal, etc.
Pallet – If your shipments can be palletized, then it can be stored inside the container more efficiently and can reduce your transportation cost.
You have different options of how you want your shipments to be delivered. It’s best to choose the option that fits your budget can work well on the inland logistic network of your area and is in line with the needs of your business.
Door-to-Door – Offers the highest convenience to the buyer. In this option, the client is not involved with the sea freight container shipment as the shipper is tasked to handle everything.
Port-to-Port – The shipper handles the shipment from the port of origin to the port of destination.
Port-to-Door – Suitable for customers who have their own logistics networks, and can move their shipments from the port of origin to their warehouse.
There are several methods for loading your shipments in the container:
Live Load – In this option, an ocean freight container is loaded at your location. The trucker waits until you load, secure, and seal the container for the international shipment. There is a free loading time limit for live loads, which usually vary from one to two hours. Exceeding the free time limit means you have to pay a fee for every exceeding hour.
Drop and Pick – Like the live load, the ocean freight container is delivered to your place of load, but the trucker will leave the container for a few days. After it is loaded, it will be picked up and returned to your freight forwarder’s yard.
Commercial vs Residential – A surcharge is added to your quote when shipping to residence instead to a commercial place or location.
The freight rate quote is volatile, meaning it is only available for a determined amount of time – usually about 30 days. Although planning ahead of time is good, you can never really get an actual quote for your shipments until your cargo is ready to be shipped. However, you can ask your freight forwarder an estimate to get an idea of what your shipment might cost.
Another factor that will impact your freight quote is the duty tax. This is a kind of tax imposed by the government on shipments and is determined by calculating a percentage of the value of the commodity. In the Philippines, the duty rates can vary from 0% to 65%, with an industry average of 10.5%. Related: Why Should You Pay the Correct Customs Duty and Tax?
These are the factors that can affect the final quote of your shipments. As much as possible, partner with an efficient and professional freight forwarder and communicate to them all the details so that you can get a quote that is accurate and fits your budget.
Contact Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics Corp. now and let us help you get an accurate and affordable freight quote today. Call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.
Cost-efficiency is one of the primary goals of many businesses, and the same holds true in import and export business. As such, choosing the right customs broker and freight forwarder is extremely important to make this goal a reality.
In this infographic, we will discuss how an efficient customs brokerage and freight forwarder firm can help your import and export business grow and keep the cost low in the long run.
A successful small business needs to put its product in front of customers, even if those customers are in the other countries. An efficient customs broker that provides intercontinental coverage is imperative to helping your goods reach those customers quickly and efficiently.
And if you’re importing parts and components, a broker with locations at all major ports and border crossings can help ensure your goods get to you in a timely manner. Ask your broker about their coverage and what services they can offer to help you reach new markets.
While you keep your efforts focused on your business, you can look to your broker for expert advice on moving goods across the border. Your broker should be able to offer guidance on customs regulations, tariffs, valuation, classification and more – advice that can help you reduce shipping times and save money.
To provide this advice, your broker must have licensed or certified customs professionals available who can answer questions about the customs process – all you need to do is ask. Don’t hesitate to inquire and take advantage of any guidance or services your broker provides that can improve your processes, help with your record keeping and prepare you for customs audits.
Technology and automation have had a huge impact on business in the 21st century. All brokers are required to have, at a minimum, automated systems that exchange shipment data with U.S. and Canada Customs.
Many brokers offer additional technology tools and/or use specific systems in-house that can help you increase your efficiency, control your costs, and reduce your risk of non-compliance. These include proprietary imaging solutions, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions, e-billing options, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) tools and more.
These solutions can reduce paperwork, simplify your accounting and help keep your business in good standing with Customs. Check with your broker about the technology offerings they have at hand and how they can help you improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Manageability and organization are incredibly important for businesses which need a sense of control over their supply chain and can recover quickly in the event of a loss. Many third-party logistics companies may be too bulky to offer the transparency and personal touch that international shippers need. If a shipment is lost it could take multiple departments, phone calls, and repeated questions to get the answers you need. On the other hand, freight forwarders utilize their wide-ranging networks to quickly trace the problem directly to its source, enacting immediate solutions.
In our natural quest for reliability, we often insist on contracts and binding documentation that guarantees a certain level or quantity of service. But the shipping industry is full of moving parts (both literally and figuratively) and it could actually hurt your business to stay tied to one carrier for a year or more. Freight forwarders give you a lot more freedom to do what is best for your business, and the awareness that you could switch firms at any time drives them to keep you constantly satisfied.
Freight forwarders offer unique versatility which can come in handy for meeting tight deadlines or when dealing with unforeseen obstacles. A seasoned forwarder has the resources to handle unfortunate circumstances like rerouted shipments or delays at sea.
Imagine you’re shipping goods to Panama from China, Europe, and the United States, and one of your shipments is diverted to another port due to stormy seas. How prepared are you to react and handle that smoothly? To a freight forwarder, situations like this are just another day at the office.
As a business owner, having the right customs broker and freight forwarder to help you with your shipment is a wise business decision that will help you and your business remarkably. It is not only practical but also time and cost-efficient.
At Excelsior, we value your business and your time. This is why we want to offer you a customs brokerage service that is efficient, professional, and ethical. For more information about our customs brokerage services, call us at (+632) 525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph.
1. Flexibility
