The international import and export of goods is a complex process governed by a long list of documentation, customs clearance, storage, and transportation requirements. Without in-depth knowledge of these procedures, your business can face delays, extra costs, and lost revenue. Working with a freight forwarding company eliminates guesswork and streamlines the shipping process, allowing you to focus on growing your company.

What is Freight Forwarding?

A freight forwarding company is a middleman that arranges the transport of goods from one place to another. They maintain relationships with air, sea, and land shipping providers to find the fastest route at the best price. Freight forwarders also attend to details like customs clearance, ensuring that your items arrive at their destination safely and in good condition. 

What Services Do Freight Forwarding Companies Offer? 

Freight forwarding companies position themselves as partners for import and export businesses. Arranging transportation is only the beginning of their services. They provide knowledge and expertise to ensure that all shipments have the correct documentation, insurance, packing lists, and invoices to keep your goods safe during transport. 

These companies can also provide warehousing and inventory management services. Delegating these tasks to them allows you to remain focused on other aspects of your company, like product development.

How Does It Help Your Business?

Freight forwarding is a streamlined approach to international shipping. Unless your company has experience with all aspects of the supply chain, managing all of these moving pieces on your own can be impractical. For example, even a seemingly minor error in customs documentation can lead to your shipments being seized and held until the correct form is provided. Besides incurring more expenses, the disruption to your supply chain can affect other parts of your business. Additionally, freight forwarders already have established relationships with transportation providers, so they can find a more cost-effective price to ship your goods.

If you're looking for a reliable freight forwarding company to help enhance your business, contact Unicold Corporation in Honolulu. Since 1962, they have been a trusted freight forwarding company in Hawaii, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles and Oakland, CA. They specialize in frozen food shipping, offering efficient distribution options that ensure product safety and on-time delivery. Learn more about their freight services online, or call (808) 836-2931 to discuss your needs.