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.
In the shipping world, one of the most common catchphrases that we often hear is the freight forwarder or forwarding agent. As one of the most critical elements in the global supply chain, freight forwarder has the task to assist and support you in the importing and exporting process- ensuring that all your goods are delivered to your warehouse safely and efficiently.
As your business grow and expand, and the competition in the industry becomes stiffer, you must also keep up with the number of shipments that must be delivered to your customers locally and abroad. To achieve that, you can have the services of a freight forwarding company to manage the shipping function on your behalf, while you stay focus on the things you do best. Detailed below are some the key advantages of using a freight forwarder in your business.
Freight Forwarders Offers Services That Are Rather Complex for You to Handle
Choosing a freight forwarding service instead of handling the whole logistics functions in-house or another type of logistics provider can bring in a lot of difference especially on the type of services that they can handle. A lot of small and medium enterprises doesn’t have the capability and resources to manage all the shipping requirements effectively, in which case a freight forwarder does have.
Using their knowledge and skills in the importing and exporting industry, they can transport your cargo to any destinations more efficiently. They have the resources to handle unexpected circumstances like redirected shipments or delays, saving you a lot of time and effort in the process.
Some of the services that a freight forwarding provides includes:
Inland Transportation Tracking- Freight forwarding firms track your shipments while they are in transit by truck, rail, or air.
Shipping and Export Documents Preparation- Because shipping a high volume of goods is just another day for freight forwarders, they have all the required skills in the shipping documentation.
Warehousing- They either have their own warehouse in several locations or lease one in an area they don’t service themselves.
Booking Cargo Space- They know which carriers are best at serving a location so they have the advantage when it comes to shipping abroad or even to various regional domestic markets.
Freight Consolidation- They can turn several small shipments into one large shipment at a lower cost.
Cargo Insurance/ Filing Insurance Claims- Because of their knowledge about the intricacies of shipments, they can obtain insurance coverage for your shipments as well as how to deal with insurance should anything go wrong with a shipment.
Freight Forwarders Offers a Specific Set of Services at an Ideal Cost
Another advantage of having the service of a freight forwarding company in relation to other outsourcing logistics solutions, such as third-party logistics companies or freight brokers, is that they offer a specific set of services which prices are ideal and more cost-effective than 3PL companies that have a broader range of services and freight brokers whose scope of services is only limited to arranging the mode of transportation and does not issue their own bill of lading.Freight forwarders, because of their large network of connections for their services, can negotiate with carriers for lower cost due to the high volume of containers they ship. They can find better freight quotes and have the knowledge which carrier has the most cost-effective routes, allowing your shipments to reach their final destinations faster and at an ideal price.
Truth be told, the shipping industry is indeed full of complexities and volatility. Dealing with these by yourself might result into an expensive shipping process or worst- lost shipments. By having the services of a freight forwarding company, your shipments can move much easier because you are only communicating with one entity.
For one aggregated cost from a single freight forwarding company, you can save a lot of time, money and frustrations. You do not have to mingle with the different trucking company, air carrier, and an ocean carrier to negotiate for services and compare prices because freight forwarders combine these to give you more flexible shipping options.
Manageability and organization are one of the most important aspects for many businesses today, especially in logistics function. Freight forwarders give its clients a sense of control over their supply chain, allowing them to foresee the risks as well as to recover quickly in the event of loss of shipments. Compared to many 3PL companies who have a broader breadth of service and stiff structure, freight forwarders have a unique combination of services which allows you to modify the shipping plan to make sure all your shipments reach their destination safely and in a timely manner.
Furthermore, many 3PL companies, due to their wide-ranging scope of services, cannot offer transparency and personal touch that international shippers need. If your shipment is lost, it could take a very long time before you get the answer you need. Freight forwarders, on the other hand, utilize their wide range of networks to quickly trace the issue to its roots, acclaiming solution at first-hand.
These are just some of the many reasons why partnering with a freight forwarder can help your import or export business grow and expand. Knowing these benefits, what you should do now is to evaluate if your needs do qualify for a freight forwarding service since not every shipment demands this type of shipping arrangement.
You’ve found one! As an international freight forwarder, Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp. ensures that each cargo arrives at its destination safely and in a timely manner. We act as your shipping agent to transport your cargo from point A to point B without hassle. Plus, our wide network of air, sea, and land carriers allows your shipments to travel on the most effective routes across different channels. Let Excelsior guide you in the world of shipment today. Call us at (+632) 525-9775 or send us an email at wecare@excelsior.ph
1. Flexibility
