Partnering with the right freight forwarder is immensely important for your business’s success as it’s a way to get your goods delivered to the customers on time and safely. But how can you ensure that the freight forwarder you choose best suits your logistics and supply chain requirements? Do you know what factors you should consider while choosing a freight forwarder? In this article, we will discuss the most significant factors to consider while selecting a freight forwarder to outsource your logistics and supply chain management. So, keep reading on till the end!
What to consider when choosing a freight forwarder?
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Experience & Reviews
You certainly wouldn’t want to trust someone unreliable or inexperienced with your valuable goods. Therefore, it’s important to choose a freight forwarder with vast experience, reliability, and a good reputation. One way to do that is to check the testimonials and reviews available on the freight forwarders’ websites. The freight forwarders with good and reliable testimonials should be preferred. You can also check their date of establishment, accreditations, and the specialized services they provide to ensure you’re making the right choice.
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Vast carrier network
While choosing your logistics provider, you should look for a 3PL (third-party logistics) company with a vast carrier network, so you don’t have to face any capacity issues at the time of need. It’s an extra advantage if the company you choose is a member of a global freight forwarding network (this is especially important if you transport goods across the border). Additionally, your freight forwarder should have strong business relationships with carriers and flexible schedules.
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Technology and innovation
Technology and innovation are the future of the logistics and shipping industry. Therefore, you should look for a freight forwarder that provides technology-driven services like online quotes, order scheduling, digital invoices, and real-time freight tracking. It is important that your logistics provider use modern technologies to keep you informed throughout the transportation process of your goods. It should also provide you with online customer support so your queries and questions can be answered as soon as possible.
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Comprehensive logistics services
Your logistics partner should provide comprehensive logistics services personalized to meet your shipping needs. These services can include shipping goods via all standard modes of transportation, warehousing/storage facility, online inventory management, and real-time tracking of shipments. You may ask your freight forwarder to provide additional services your business needs right now, such as system integration and third-party fulfillment.
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Customer satisfaction
When choosing a logistics provider, it’s important to do some research to find out its rating for customer satisfaction. If the logistics provider has the reputation of meeting or exceeding customer expectations and a reliable history of satisfied customers, you can choose it without any second thought.
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Timely delivery
This point is especially important if you frequently ship time-sensitive goods that need to be delivered as soon as possible. Many logistics companies in your area can claim to ensure 100% on-time delivery, but you should never trust a company without carefully reviewing its order history and reviews. It’s important that the company you’re choosing keeps its promise regarding timely delivery.
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Cost factor
While selecting a logistics partner, remember that the best freight forwarder might charge you more to efficiently handle your logistics. Therefore, you should avoid going for the cheapest option. The ideal way to consider the cost factor is to list your logistics requirements and budget and compare it with the services provided by the logistics partner you intend to choose.
Choosing a logistics company that offers flexible shipping pricing is a good option to ensure your transportation needs can be met within the budget. Your logistics provider should also offer multiple payment options so you can pay the shipping fees hassle-free and conveniently.
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Strategic location
When choosing a freight forwarder, you should make sure it’s located at a strategic point, near your business location and local warehousing facilities. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs.
Why is VPL Logistics the right freight forwarder for you?
If you’re looking for a freight forwarder with all the above qualities, VPL Logistics is the best option. We provide top-notch, reliable, and dependable freight transportation services, adding value and competitive advantage to your business.
