The rights of consumers in the retail sector are very well known, but when it comes to buying freight and shipping services for your business the laws and conventions are very different. This article tells you what to expect if you buy freight forwarding services and something goes wrong.
One mistake that a lot of people make is to assume that the carrier, shipping company or freight forwarder is simply obliged to refund them the full value of whatever goods may be lost or damaged. After all, if your shoes fall apart the day after you buy them, you would expect to take them back to the shop and get a replacement pair, or a full refund!
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Forwarding Freight
The business of forwarding freight is certainly picking up, as complete globalization is not only a prediction of things to come but already a reality that continues to expand. Forwarding freight largely involves international shipping, by way of truck, train, water vessel or airplane. All documentation must be accounted for as any international transaction is subject to governmental supervision and various legalities. Some of these documents (whether paper based or digitally stored) include invoices, shipper’s export declaration, bills of lading and other documents accounting for carriers that are importing or exporting products. Keep in mind that if you work in the United States in the business of forwarding freight then you must be licensed according to each respective authority. For example, an Ocean Transportation Intermediary requires licensing by the Federal Maritime Commission. Similarly, forwarders that work by air will require licensing as a cargo agent for the International Air Transport Association.
Shipping companies are unique in the sense that they are only called upon when we have a delivery of a particular nature to make. The moment our shipment is too big for our local post office to handle we are faced with finding the right freight provider to help us with our delivery. Naturally, import/export businesses that make their bread-and-butter from the delivery of goods are one of the largest users of international cargo shipping services. Shipping companies have managed to thrive and expand exponentially in recent years due to the opening up global markets, free trade and the internet, which has made purchasing items from distant lands, not only feasible, but safe and highly convenient. Read more…
Freight forwarders, or third-party logistics providers, are the single most effective way to transport goods. Many top companies, such as United Parcel Service and FedEx, act as freight forwarders. U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk says, “More than a quarter of a million U.S. firms export goods. Ninety-seven percent of those firms are small to medium-sized businesses with fewer than 500 employees, and more than two-thirds have fewer than 20 employees. These are homegrown enterprises. They exist in cities and towns all across America, and they have an incredible amount of potential.”
Instructions
1. Step 1
Freight forwarders are a person or company who dispatches shipments on behalf of other companies or individuals domestically or internationally. Start small with a few contacts in the beginning. Contact the local chamber of commerce for distribution companies who are members and contact them about setting up with your company. Let them know that keeping the shipping contacts within your area guarantees that the local economy will benefit. Read more…
