How to determine if freight forwarders have legal operation qualifications?

In 2025International logisticsUnder the background of increasingly strict regulations, it is recommended to verify through three steps:

• Basic license verification: Require provision of business license, customs registration certificate, NVOCC certificate
• Industry certification confirmation: Prioritize agents holding international certifications such as FIATA, IATA, WCA
• Practical capability verification: Query their customs declaration success rate in the past six months through the Single Window system (public query function has covered nationwide since 2025)

How to evaluate reliability of freight forwarders industry experience?

It is recommended to adopt the "case study + data" dual verification method:

• Request transportation cases of similar products in the past 3 years (customer information can be blurred if required)
• Check their monthly average handling volume on main routes (compliant forwarders are required to disclose basic operational data since 2025)
• Focus on examining experience in handling special categories:
  • Dangerous goods transportation requires IMDG certification
  • Cold chain logistics needs to demonstrate temperature control system certification

What are the root causes of significant freight forwarder price differences?

In 2025, with increased volatility in the shipping market, price differences mainly stem from:

• Space acquisition capability: Whether annual contracts are signed with shipping companies (CMA/MSC etc. will implement a tiered agency system in 2025)
• Surcharge transparency: Pay attention to the calculation basis of 12 routine surcharges including EBS, CIC
• Service package configuration: Whether value-added services such as destination port clearance and tax refund document processing are included

How to avoid potential service risks from freight forwarders?

Recommend establishing a three-tier risk control mechanism:

• Contract Terms: Must clarify delay compensation standards (refer to the 2025 version ofInternational freightStandard Agency Contract Template)
• Insurance coverage: Verify whether their carrier liability insurance covers cyber attack risks (new coverage item added in 2025)
• Security of funds: Use third-party escrow accounts for settlement, avoid direct payments to personal accounts

Special considerations for small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises when selecting freight forwarders?

For enterprises with monthly shipment volume <20 containers, it is recommended:

• Prioritize regional freight forwarders specializing in niche markets
• Confirm minimum order quantity (Many forwarders introduced 1/4 container LCL services in 2025)
• Focus on their response speed to inspections (Request average processing time data)

How important is digital service capability when choosing a freight forwarder?

With smart logistics penetration reaching 78% in 2025, verification is mandatory:

• Whether API system integration is supported (Especially order synchronization with cross-border e-commerce platforms)
• Does the electronic document system comply with the new GB/T 38540-2025 standard
• Can the real-time tracking system display sensor data like internal container temperature/humidity

How to effectively compare the comprehensive service quality of different freight forwarders?

Recommended to use quantitative scoring table (Total 100 points):

• Basic qualifications (20 points)
• Price structure (15 points)
• Digitalization level (25 points)
• Emergency handling cases (20 points)
• Industry reputation (20 points)

How to protect your rights when encountering international logistics disputes?

2025 cross-border dispute resolution new mechanism requirements:

• Clearly specify applicable law in contracts (Recommended: Singapore or Hong Kong law)
• Maintain complete communication records (Including instant messaging content)
• Timely apply for blockchain notarization of electronic bills of lading (Officially launched by China Maritime Safety Administration in 2025)