What are the characteristics of the best transportation company?
Cargo handling is an essential part of the entire shipping process. Therefore, finding the best shipping company that can guide you through the different types of shipping methods will not only help you save money, but also how it works. So, if you are looking for a reputable and experienced shipping company, this article will provide you with the ultimate guide.
In this article, we explained in detail what a shipping company is and how to choose the best shipping company, in addition to its uses. So, let’s check them out.
Before we find out how to find the right shipping company, let’s briefly understand what shipping is!
What is the transportation of goods?
In simple language, cargo transportation is a service that is used to transport cargo from a place of origin to the destination and recipient of the cargo. In addition, a shipping company is an expert who has complete knowledge and works on the process of transporting goods.
Additionally, cargo carriers come in many shapes and sizes. Includes small forwarders who are primarily involved with shipping companies and freight brokers. On the other hand, some specialize as air freight or sea freight or an integrated logistics solution.
Advantages of choosing the best transport company
The shipping company handles almost the entire work from preparation of documents, reservations and payment arrangements for each part of the shipment. Here are some of the jobs done by cargo transporters. Therefore, choosing the best international and domestic shipping company is essential. These include:
They work as cargo carriers on behalf of parties involved in transportation.
Providing customs brokerage services that include clearance and transportation duties.
They help to fix problems and defects if needed.
Why is it important to choose the right international shipping for your business?
List of processes involved in international shipping mission. These processes are full of hassle and complicated and to make sure it is simple and doable, shipping companies come in. They have access to a wide network of transportation service providers, along with supply chains. They have service license and possible modes of transportation which include road mode, sea mode, rail mode and air mode. They have a positive and healthy relationship with shipping companies, port services, international shipping lines, customs agents and shipping insurance brokers all over the world.
Transport acts as a long-term business partner. Therefore, it is very important to choose the most suitable shipping company that understands your business needs and fulfills the requirements accordingly. International shipping companies deal with large shippers and do not focus on providing high-level service to a small company or individual. Conversely, a small forwarder does not have the quality of tools and resources to handle large shippers.
How to choose the best shipping company?
Now that we know what shipping is and who a shipping company is, let’s now figure out how to find the best shipping company.
1- Research on the field of transportation
Before choosing a shipping company, we need to know more about what a forwarder can and cannot do. For this, it is recommended to read various blogs, industry terms, international treaties and regulations required for transportation.
2- Find out about your internal needs
This includes knowing specifically about your needs. Here, by understanding the shipping method you want to choose, the specific services you’re looking for, the volume of the shipment you plan to ship, the Incoterms you want to ship under, and any specialized support you expect from the company. You are looking for the transport, research.
3- Do they have enough experience?
Experience is an important criterion when choosing the best moving company. For example, if you are dealing with import and export customs work, it is necessary for your freight forwarder to have sufficient knowledge of navigation rules and regulations, both at the origin and at the destination. In addition, ensuring that you have complete knowledge in dealing with all types of cargo will help in the safe transportation of goods.
4- Have an appropriate and transparent pricing structure
The carrier you choose should offer a clear pricing structure. For example, if you request to reserve your space and later find out that a higher price has been requested than originally negotiated. Here, make sure to choose shipping companies that offer complete transparency in pricing without any ambiguity. Because many carriers charge brokerage fees or fuel surcharges. To get a great shipping quote, here is a list of information one should have when requesting a quote from their shipping agent:
- Origin and destination of your shipment (shipper’s delivery address, final delivery address at destination)
- Incoterms are agreed between the customer and the seller.
- Type of transportation and transportation methods (FCL, LCL, bulk transportation, land transportation, sea transportation, air transportation, etc.)
- Fixed parameters in the transport project
- What capabilities do you have as an importer or exporter?
- What capabilities do you have as an importer or exporter? Any specialized support such as large shipments, hazardous/chemical shipments, etc.
5- Do they offer shipping insurance?
The most important thing to consider when choosing the right shipping company is to ensure that cargo insurance is provided. Cargo insurance not only provides peace of mind but also ensures risk mitigation. Covers all necessary coverage, including air, sea, or ground transportation against potential losses. So, when finding the best carrier, don’t forget to check if they offer specific cargo insurance that covers key issues depending on your needs.
6- Do they offer the right service for your transportation needs?
It is important to understand if the shipping company you are considering offers the necessary document management and full shipping services. This includes having a general understanding of the required documents. Are they able to provide the following services:
- Obtaining the necessary certificates (inspection, insurance, etc.)
- Preparation and review of documents
- Correcting errors in documents
- Assistance in customs clearance
- Providing transportation logistics services
- Provision of warehousing services
In addition, you need to know if they offer the following logistics services:
- Find the right cargo insurance coverage
- Payments
- Negotiating shipping rates
- Appropriate pricing for export and import
- Find transportation routes
- Packing and loading arrangement
7- A network of representatives in the country or city of your destination
This is an essential criterion for any shipment, including DAP, DDP, or DDU. Consider shipping companies that have a good network with agents in the destination country or city. To be informed about things like customs issues, port strike, etc. As a result, it helps you to make the entire shipping hassle-free.
Choosing the right shipping company will help you get a complete roadmap and help you manage a smooth shipping process. So, ensure the result of your research and search and choose the best international and domestic shipping company that will provide you with an excellent journey of your cargo to its destination.
8- Look for transport companies that are equipped with digital services
Digital Freight Forwarders (DFF) use a digital platform to provide a wider range of logistics services. DFFs have their core value around a seamless user experience of moving loads from point to point. At the same time, manual procedures and paperwork can be replaced by DFF’s instant, fast and standardized pricing.
Having digital transportation as a logistics partner enables the exporter/importer to get rid of the day-to-day problems of logistics management and help improve the quality of transportation.
Therefore, it is possible to introduce the international transport company supporting the Blue Ocean as one of the best domestic and foreign transport companies in Iran. A company with experienced and experienced human capital and sales and support experts with technical knowledge. Get in touch with our experts now for advice on shipping your cargo all over the world and inside the country.
