Once you decide to outsource your shipping to a freight forwarder, there is no denying that you expect nothing less than the very best return on that investment, And the only viable way to make that happen is by maintaining a solid and efficient working relationship from the word go. From streamlined logistics and lower freight costs to quicker transit times, there is more to working with a Freight company than meets the eye.
Irrespective of what stage of the working relationship you are at with your international shipping company, there are a few things to keep in mind to reap a multitude of benefits. And that is precisely what this quick guide will help you uncover today. Below are a few surefire tips to help you get the most out of your freight forwarder without the hassle.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is the building block in ensuring an efficient and productive working relationship with any service provider. Things are no different when counting on a reputable Houston shipping company since you need to communicate your priorities for the solution to be tailored best to suit your business. After all, the essence of hiring a freight forwarder in the first place is to make the shipping process easier.
Be sure to outline your expectations, establish responsibilities and sharing information about past, current and future projects across both parties. Actually, this is a no-brainer as it plays a vital role in creating and sustaining a healthy, productive, and transparent working relationship.
Leverage Online Tools
Among the numerous benefits of using a good international shipping agent is that you have access to multiple online tools. These tools help make the service as easy and convenient as possible. For instance, cargo tracking tools will come in handy whenever you want to communicate with your customers and plan your business activity around the expected arrival of good. No wonder it pays off to get all the relevant online tools set up the first when counting on a freight forwarder.
The Details Matter
A reputable freight forwarder offers a wide range of shipping services to meet the needs of its clients. This includes Hazmat shipping, Project Cargo, International Shipping, and drayage/trucking, to mention a few. To ensure you reap maximum benefits from these services, always take the time to review the proposal you get from the sales or business development team.
Use this as the opportune time to see if anything is missing or needs to be added. Furthermore, check if the pricing is correct and inform your freight forwarder of anything else that might need to be disclosed. In case of any doubts, feel free to let them know to ensure you get precisely what you need from your freight forwarder.
The Bottom Line
To make the most of working with a freight forwarder, trust and communication is key. By employing the correct measures from the word goand then continually working to maintain an open, transparent and dynamic rapport, rest knowing good things are destined to come from the relationship.