International Transportation Solutions That Scale Your Business
International Ocean Freight Forwarder
What is an International Ocean Freight Forwarder?
An International Ocean Freight Forwarder manages and initiates the logistics network of a shipment. International trade requires forwarders to have expertise in reviewing commercial invoices, shipper's export declaration, bill of lading (BOL), and other import/export documentation and compliance necessary for transportation. An international ocean freight forwarder moves goods from a manufacturer to the final distribution point by container on an ocean freighter.
Full Service International Ocean Freight Forwarding
If you are shipping ocean freight on a global scale, it is imperative to partner with an international freight forwarder that can provide efficiency and transparency throughout the entire process. The three main areas of focus are: Ocean Cargo, Documentation, and Regulations. The freight forwarder would provide Ocean Freight Logistics, Customs Clearance Services, and Compliance and Regulatory guidance.
How Does an International Ocean Freight Forwarder Work with your Business?
International Shipments: An international ocean freight forwarder with a global reach has access to a vast network of Carriers, rails, and Trucking Companies. The ocean freight forwarder will have contracts with these carriers resulting in a more competitive, efficient, and secure shipping environment for Exporters and Importers. International ocean freight forwarders will have the ability to coordinate with the ocean carriers, accurately generate the required documents, track shipments, file insurance, and meet the governmental requirements needed for your shipment. Partnering with a qualified global ocean freight forwarder can help streamline your supply chain.
International Documentation: Shipping containers and/or freight globally can be a highly complicated and stressful situation. Partnering with an international ocean freight forwarder eliminates what can be a significant and costly distraction from your core business. An ocean freight forwarder manages your complex supply chain by determining the required documentation needed for international ocean shipments based on the products/commodity you are shipping, the countries of origin and destination, and the parties involved in those transactions. The ocean freight forwarder then prepares those documents and works with the relevant government agencies to enable the movement of your shipments internationally.
International Compliance: In addition to the documents required for the transportation of your shipment there are often licenses required for the Import and Export of certain products. The U.S. governmental agencies that require licenses and or the adherence to specific guidelines include: USDA, APHIS, FDA, CBP, TSA, BIS, OFAC, DDTC, to name a few. Other countries have similar agencies and requirements that must also be followed. A knowledgeable ocean freight forwarder will help you determine and meet those international requirements based on the specific factors of your shipments.
What Impact Can an International Ocean Freight Forwarder Have on your Business?
Grow Your Business: International Ocean Freight Forwarders provide quick and seamless access to international markets. The ability to reach the demands of your clients across the globe in an expedited manner opens innumerable opportunities for expanding businesses.
Cost: An international ocean freight forwarder can lower the overall cost of your shipments by offering consolidation when necessary, by comparing competitive rates using digitized rate management systems, and by managing multiple sectors within ocean freight logistics, simultaneously.
Access to Knowledge: It is no secret that ocean freight logistics can be a complex business. Shipping, documentation, and Customs all bring their fair share of challenges. Working directly with a qualified international ocean freight forwarder provides valuable knowledge and experience not available elsewhere. Ocean freight forwarders can give industry insight and best practices on a global level.
International Ocean Freight Services
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International Trade Consults and regulatory / compliance services
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Documentation
International Ocean Freight Guidance for your Global Business
Sourcing an international ocean freight forwarder is critical to the shipment of your product. Your ocean freight forwarder should have a global network, expertise in your products, their transportation and customs requirements, and be readily available to advise you through the professional and regulatory hurdles. For further assistance or guidance on your products and in your markets, please contact our team HERE!