What makes a freight forwarder truly professional and reliable?

When selecting a freight forwarder, focus on evaluating three key dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Verify international certifications such as NVOCC licenses and FIATA membership; the 2023 case in which a company’s cargo was stranded due to partnering with an unlicensed forwarder serves as a cautionary tale.
• Service Network：
  • Whether to overwrite the destination port通関Service
  • Do you have fixed space on the major trade lanes?
• Price transparency: Please provide an ALL-IN quotation that includes a detailed breakdown of THC, DOC fees, and other charges.

Sea送料What exactly is included?

2025配送New changes in the cost structure:

• Basic freight (according to the FAK rate table)
• Fuel追加料金(including IMO 2020 low-sulfur fuel surcharge)
• Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
• Destination port handling charges (pay special attention to the newly-added EDI fees at South American ports)

It is recommended to request the freight forwarder to provide sample invoices for the same route over the past three months to verify the pattern of cost fluctuations.

How to avoid common risks in container shipping?

Based on 2024 international cargo insurance claims data, special attention should be paid to:

• Cargo Damage Prevention：
  • 40HQコンテナLoading rate not exceeding 95% of volume
  • Fragile goods must undergo third-party inspection and supervision of loading.
• Timeliness risk control: The contract should explicitly include compensation clauses for voyage delays.
• Insurance coverage: Confirm the effective conditions for special clauses such as war risk and strike risk

What should I do if I encounter customs clearance issues?

In 2025, customs authorities in multiple countries will implement digital customs clearance; the following measures are recommended:

• Prepare electronic versions of the Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, and other documents in advance.
• Request the freight forwarder to provide pre-confirmation service for the destination port HS CODE.
• Establish an emergency communication mechanism to ensure that the customs clearance contacts on both sides can be reached 24/7.

The case of a certain electromechanical export company that avoided a US$200,000 tariff loss in 2023 by pre-confirming the HS CODE is worth emulating.

What should be noted when transporting special cargo?

For hazardous materials, oversized cargo, and other special freight:

• MSDS and UN packaging certification must be provided.
• Apply for special containers (such as open-top or flat-rack containers) 45 days in advance
• Confirm the import restrictions on specific goods in the destination country (e.g., new regulations for battery-containing products).

How can I track the status of my shipment?

We recommend using the following method for real-time monitoring:

• Shipping line official website container tracking system
• GPS IoT device provided by the freight forwarder
• Electronic Receipt Function of the International Trade Single Window

By 2025, 78% of leading freight forwarders have already implemented blockchain-based transport data notarization; it is recommended to prioritize service providers equipped with this technology.