Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders If your business ships internationally, you'll quickly find that there's a long checklist of things to be done before your goods can get to where they're going. To alleviate the stress of coordinating these logistics functions, you may want to work with customs brokers or freight forwarders. They can: Help prepare import and export documentation Facilitate the movement of goods through customs Reserve cargo space on various transportation modes and monitor shipments Deliver products to a warehouse or other destination chosen by the sender Basically, customs brokers manage imports and inbound customs clearance, while freight forwarders oversee exports and arrange transportation for outbound shipments. However, as the industry becomes more competitive, logistics companies are adapting a one-stop-shop model and offering a variety of services. Tips & Tactics Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide The cost of freight forwarding services is a legitimate export cost that should be included in the price you charge to your customer. Freight forwarders can help you prepare price quotes by advising on freight costs, port charges, consular fees, costs of special documentation, insurance costs and their own handling fees. They can also recommend the best packing methods for protecting your goods during transit or can arrange to have the merchandise packed at the port or containerized. If you prefer, freight forwarders can also reserve the necessary space on a vessel, aircraft, train or truck.
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