If you’re a seller on Amazon, then you would undoubtedly know the importance of an amply stocked inventory. Most of the sellers transport their goods to Amazon warehouses, wherefrom Amazon delivers them to the customers. Moving your goods around to the destined warehouses can be an intricate process. It can be even more complex once you include international boundaries.
Making your global business more accessible, a freight forwarder for amazon lessens the work of shippers to half. A freight forwarder is an intermediary who takes care of the export and import of shipped products, strictly following government regulations. Freight forwarding saves you the trouble of finding custom brokers, carriers and the ordeal of paperwork.
Now that you know the importance of hiring a freight forwarder, how do you find one? Here are some excellent ways to find the best Amazon freight forwarder for your Amazon sales.
1 Knowing your needs
Before setting out to search for an Amazon freight forwarder for your business, realize precisely what you require. Do you need to ship to international locations? If yes, then which countries are your primary targets?
Though freight forwarders chalk out the best routes, anticipate on your part which kind of mode will be reliable. If your goods require specific handling and storage, it would be best to look out for forwarders specializing in such goods.
For instance, if you know your goods will need air transportation, you can look out for freight forwarders who specialize in air freight. Look for forwarders with intermodal transport if your goods are not that specialized. This will ensure their timely export.
2 Checklist of services
Have a checklist of services that are a crucial part of freight forwarding. Some freight forwarders might miss out on one thing or another. To find your ideal Amazon freight forwarder, ensure that you’re provided with the following services:
- Custom clearance:
Good freight forwarders have their custom brokers. They assist with import and export processes and take care of documents, taxes, and duties. Custom brokers are very worthwhile to assess if your shipment meets all the required criteria for successful movement. Freight forwarders without custom clearance services should be avoided.
- Cargo insurance:
To cover any loss to cargo during its transportation, forwarders offer their clients cargo insurance. Air or sea freights are prone to many accidents. Therefore, cargo insurance is a must.
- Cargo consolidation:
Freight forwarders ship many small shipments together, which are to be exported to the exact location. These multiple shipments are very cost-effective in every way. All the sellers whose goods are consolidated only have to pay bulk rates for their shipping.
- Inland Tracking:
Keeping an eye on your cargo while it is being shipped is very important. In case of any mishap, tracking allows you to settle the issue at the earliest. To update the shippers in real-time, freight forwarders provide tracking portals to their clients. Information about location, delays, warehouse status and other things can be acquired easily.
- Shipping and export documents:
A potential freight forwarder should be able to provide you with all the necessary shipping documents. These include export and import licenses, bill of entry, commercial invoice, etc.
3 Transparency
Always work with a freight forwarder who offers transparent quotes. All the charges should be informed about beforehand. If there will be any surcharges during the transportation process, they should be discussed in detail. Researching well into the process and various factors like carrier and fuel can keep you from being tricked.
4 Experience with Amazon FBA
Since you are selling on Amazon, your freight forwarder should be experienced in Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). They should have a good customer base from the Amazon community. Regular shipping experience will make it easier for the freight forwarder to combat any shipping issue.
Apart, an experienced forwarder is well familiar with various shipping requirements. Amazon lays down specific rules and regulations regarding the shipping of goods.
A well-established forwarder will have access to many central services of the Amazon warehouse. Here, good networking is essential as well. A resourceful forwarder can be an asset to your Amazon business.
5 Communication
Good ones are always quick in responding and taking action. In case of any urgent replenishment, you should be able to rely on your freight forwarder.
Your potential forwarder should be able to keep you up-to-date with the requirements of Amazon. It will keep you informed about the stock of your goods at the Amazon warehouse. Not only this, with an experienced service, you can even get valuable advice to boost up your sales.
6 Google Search
In this digital age, searching online is the easiest way to find anything. Perform a Google search to come across dozens of freight forwarders. Search specifically as per your need and cargo type.
Include details like preferred mode of transportation, the destination country/region, and the type of business you deal in. Choose experienced services like Shipo with ample clients.
7 Trade associations
Trade communities can be a good source for finding freight forwarders as well. Others’ experience in the same niche can be valuable. You can also come to know about many freight forwarders through FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations).
8 Established companies
Look into the already established companies in your line of business. The services they use for freight forwarding are likely to prove beneficial to you as well. If you know other fellow sellers on Amazon from your area, chances are you’ll be acquainted with the services they use.
The Bottom Line
A good freight forwarder can have the back of your business like nothing else. When you know what to look for, you are likely to find it. Have a clear idea of what good freighting service means to you. Good knowledge of logistics will be a redeemer.
Choose an experienced Amazon freight forwarder. Like any other business relation, you need to invest time to have a good bond with your freight forwarder. Random switching to another won’t always work. Over time, a solid network will only escalate your business manifold.
