If you're a seller on Amazon, you no doubt know the importance of a well-stocked inventory. Most sellers transport their goods to Amazon warehouses, from where Amazon delivers them to customers. Moving your goods to destination warehouses can be a complex process. It can be even more complex once international borders are included.
Contents1 Knowing Your Needs2 Service Checklist3 Transparency4 Experience with Amazon FBA5 Communication6 Google Search7 Trade Associations8 Established Companies The Bottom LineMake your global business more accessible, a freight forwarder for amazon halves the work of loaders. A freight forwarder is an intermediary who takes care of the export and import of the products shipped, in strict compliance with government regulations. Freight shipping saves you the hassle of finding customs brokers, carriers and the ordeal of paperwork.
Now that you know the importance of using a freight forwarder, how do you find one? Here are some great ways to find the best Amazon freight forwarder for your Amazon sales.
Before you go looking for an Amazon freight forwarder for your business, realize precisely what you need. Do you need to ship to international locations? If so, which countries are your main targets?
Although freight forwarders indicate the best routes, anticipate on your side what type of mode will be reliable. If your goods require specific handling and storage, it would be best to use freight forwarders specializing in these goods.
For example, if you know that your goods will require air transport, you can look for freight forwarders who specialize in air freight. Look for freight forwarders with intermodal transport if your goods are not so specialized. This will ensure their timely export.
Have a checklist of services that are a crucial part of freight forwarding. Some freight forwarders may miss one thing or another. To find your perfect Amazon freight forwarder, make sure you have the following services:
Good freight forwarders have their customs brokers. They assist with import and export processes and take care of documents, taxes and duties. Customs brokers are very helpful in assessing whether your shipment meets all the criteria required for a successful movement. Freight forwarders without customs clearance services should be avoided.
To cover any loss of freight during its transport, freight forwarders offer their customers freight insurance. Air or sea freight is prone to many accidents. Therefore, cargo insurance is a must.
Forwarders ship many small shipments together, which must be exported to the exact location. These multiple expeditions are very profitable in all respects. All sellers whose goods are consolidated only need to pay wholesale rates for shipping.
It is very important to keep an eye on your cargo while it is shipping. In the event of an incident, the follow-up allows you to solve the problem as soon as possible. To update shippers in real time, freight forwarders provide tracking portals to their customers. Information about location, delays, warehouse status and other things can be obtained easily.
A potential freight forwarder should be able to provide you with all necessary shipping documents. These include export and import licenses, entry invoice, commercial invoice, etc.
Always work with a freight forwarder who offers transparent quotes. All charges must be informed in advance. If there are any surcharges during the transport process, they should be discussed in detail. Thorough research on the process and various factors such as carrier and fuel can prevent you from being cheated.
Since you are selling on Amazon, your freight forwarder should be experienced in Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). They should have a good following from the Amazon community. Regular shipping experience will make it easier for the freight forwarder to deal with any shipping issues.
Other than that, an experienced freight forwarder is familiar with various shipping requirements. Amazon sets specific rules and regulations regarding the shipping of goods.
A well-established freight forwarder will have access to many of Amazon's central warehouse services. Here, good networking is also essential. A resourceful freight forwarder can be an asset to your Amazon business.
Good ones are always quick to respond and take action. In case of urgent replenishment, you should be able to rely on your freight forwarder.
Your potential freight forwarder should be able to keep you up to date with Amazon's requirements. It will keep you informed of the stock of your goods at Amazon's warehouse. Not only that, with an experienced service, you can even get valuable tips to increase your sales.
In the digital age, searching online is the easiest way to find anything. Do a search on Google to find dozens of freight forwarders. Search specifically according to your needs and the type of cargo.
Include details such as preferred mode of transportation, destination country/region, and type of business you are doing business with. Choose experienced services like Shipo with many customers.
Trading communities can also be a good source for finding freight forwarders. The experience of others in the same niche can be valuable. You can also discover many freight forwarders via FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations).
Search in companies already established in your sector of activity. The services they use for freight forwarding are likely to prove beneficial to you as well. If you know other sellers on Amazon in your area, chances are you know the services they use.
A good freight forwarder can have your business back like nothing else. When you know what to look for, you're likely to find it. Get a clear idea of what good freight service means to you. A good knowledge of logistics will be a redeemer.
Choose an experienced Amazon freight forwarder. Like any other business relationship, you need to invest time to have a good bond with your freight forwarder. Randomly switching to another won't always work. Over time, a strong network will only intensify your business.
