What Is Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another via a single or multiple carriers via air, marine, rail or highway.
The importance of freight forwarding for global trade was recognized in Canada in 1948 with the establishment of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA). CIFFA recognized that forwarding freight, whether by land, marine, rail or air requires coordination, regulation and agreed-upon best practices to ensure that goods flow in a timely and proficient manner across borders, over seas, and throughout the world.
The Principles of Freight Forwarding
The principles of freight forwarding are premised on the efficient and cost-effective transfer of goods that are maintained in good condition throughout their travels. To accomplish this, freight forwarders become experts in managing the logistics necessary to ensure that goods arrive on time. Successful trade and shipping in expanding globalized markets means having the right tools at your disposal.
Negotiating tariffs, customs regulations and being fluent in the requirements of shipping by land, sea, rail, and air, freight forwarders manage the risks and benefits of shipping both nationally and internationally using the latest advances in information technology.
Successfully Navigating the World of Freight Forwarding
Having the knowledge and skills to navigate the regulations of freight forwarding is integral to ensuring the successful shipment and delivery of goods. Even as the knowledge of customs regulations is an important component, the successful transfer of goods through freight forwarding relies on its service industry. As such, freight forwarding depends on having the right people whose commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that goods reach their final destination in a timely and efficient manner.
Many customs brokerage firms recognize this and ensure that their most qualified personnel are available to tailor and develop a comfortable shipping experience for their clients. Negotiating the logistics and regulations of freight forwarding is a complex task; the proper import and export of goods depends on choosing a customs brokerage firm and a freight forwarder you can trust.
Recommended:
Freight Forwarding Directory
International Freight Forwarding
Canadian Freight Forwarding
US Freight Forwarding
Tracking Applications/Software
Customs Forms
Warehousing
