International freight forwarders (referred to as "freight forwarders") are third-party service providers that coordinate the entire process of international cargo transportation. By integrating transportation resources, professional document processing, and risk management, they help customers achieve efficient cross-border logistics operations. The following are specific functions and service contents:
1、 Transportation organization and coordination
Multimodal transportation scheme design: Based on the characteristics of the goods, time requirements, and cost budget, integrate transportation modes such as sea, air, and land, and design the optimal transportation route.
Space booking and transportation arrangement: Cooperate with shipping companies, airlines and other carriers to book space on behalf of customers and coordinate cargo loading, unloading, transit and other links.
Full process transportation monitoring: Real time tracking of cargo dynamics to solve unexpected problems such as transportation delays and damages.
2、 Customs declaration and clearance services
Import and export customs declaration: Representing clients to declare goods information to customs, submitting customs declaration forms, invoices, packing lists, and other documents to ensure compliant customs clearance.
Inspection and quarantine declaration: Assist in completing inspection and quarantine procedures for special goods such as food and dangerous goods.
3、 Document Management and Processing
Document preparation: Prepare trade and transportation documents such as bills of lading, waybills, and certificates of origin to ensure accurate information and compliance with international standards.
Document transmission and archiving: Synchronize documents with customers, carriers, and relevant departments, and keep them for long-term reference.
4、 Value added services and risk management
Freight Insurance Agency: Assist clients in purchasing transportation insurance, handling claims affairs, and reducing the risk of cargo damage.
Storage and distribution: Provide temporary storage, sorting and packaging, and "last mile" delivery services.
Supply chain optimization consulting: Design logistics solutions based on customer needs, optimize costs and efficiency.
5、 Industry positioning and division of labor
Intermediary role: Freight forwarders do not own transportation vehicles, but provide services by coordinating resources such as carriers, ports, and customs.
Specialized division of labor: Some freight forwarders focus on specific links (such as customs clearance and booking), or provide comprehensive services throughout the entire chain.
summarize
International freight forwarders have become an indispensable bridge in cross-border trade by integrating transportation resources, professional document processing, and risk management. Its services cover the entire chain of transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, etc., helping enterprises reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain reliability.