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There are many things to consider when you’re shipping a product. You have to figure what kind of container your product will travel in. Also, you must know how much shipping will cost, and when it will get there. If you are shipping internationally, or even outside the continental United States, you will also have to worry about the laws in different ports, what kind of paperwork you will need to fill out, and if it is legal to ship your products to certain countries.
You could attempt to work out the logistics yourself. Or you could hire a professional freight forwarder to do the job for you. You could also try to figure out the customs laws yourself. But, you could also to hire a broker to take care of the things you will need to import products instead.
It is always in your best interest to have both a freight forwarder and a broker to help you with your shipping decisions and needs. It can also be helpful to know about the functions of each one.
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What Does a Freight Forwarder Do?
A freight forwarder will manage the shipping of your product from the time you plan the shipment to the time it actually arrives at its destination. They will figure out the exact location your product needs to go to and come up with a logistic plan to get products to the customer.
They will determine the type of insurance the product needs to ship and compare rates for you. Freight forwarders will also purchase the insurance and make sure your product gets to its destination in one piece.
They’ll know the arrival time and departure time of every mode of transportation you use. If you are exporting a new product to a foreign country, they will also help you prepare any paperwork that you might need.
One of the most important parts of the logistics of shipping is making sure the product has enough warehouse room to be stored when it gets to its destination. A forwarder can ensure there will be room for your product.
A freight forwarder may even have a license to handle ocean freight shipping as well as air cargo shipping.
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What Does a Broker Do?
A customs broker will have a license that enables them to work directly with the United States Government’s Customs Department. They specifically assist importers with getting products shipped into the country.
Ocean Freight Forwarder Services can handle filling out the basic paperwork it takes to import or export products. However, the broker will handle such things as the valuation of products. They will also be able to assist you in the payments of duties and taxes.
Classifying the type of product you have can be harder than you think. However, a broker will be well versed in product classification. Classification requires extensive knowledge of tariffs in different countries and it requires a good deal of research.
Your business has a great product that deserves to be shared with the world. The assistance of a broker and a freight forwarder will help you get your product anywhere you want it to go.
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