There are many questions to consider when finding your perfect freight forwarder. If you are a small business owner in Vancouver you might be wondering how to find a freight forwarder in Vancouver and which questions to ask to make sure you get everything you need out of your freight forwarding services.
It is important when picking a freight forwarding service to learn everything you can about the freight forwarder so you can make an informed decision. We created this list of 7 essential questions to ask your Vancouver freight forwarder to help you get the information you need.
Can I track my freight?
Tracking is an important part of shipping, and especially in today’s digital age, tracking is something you should be able to do fairly easily. Although it’s a service most freight forwarders in Vancouver offer, you should still ask about it to make sure. That way, if your order is held up or something goes wrong, you will be able to know right away through their online tracking portal.
What’s included in your rates?
Every company’s services will vary slightly, so you’re wise to ask for a breakdown of what’s included in a company’s rates. Although most of them will cover the basics, you may find that some don’t cover things like packing, customs clearance, and online tracking.
What additional charges could come up with my shipment?
If you are shipping goods that require extra care or time for shipment, or may run into trouble crossing the border, you may end up with additional charges or customs taxes. In this case, make sure that you ask your freight forwarder what charges are likely to be incurred for your shipment, so you won’t be caught by surprise.
Do you offer insurance?
As there is always a chance of something going wrong outside the freight forwarder’s control, it is wise to obtain cargo insurance. This will allow you to have peace of mind throughout the shipping process. Expenses of lost or damaged goods will be covered. Make sure you ask your freight forwarding service if they offer insurance and what it will cover, or if they can refer you to a different source for insurance.
How extensive is your network?
A freight forwarder who is well established in the international network will come in handy. Ask them about their network and credibility; do their partners vouch for them? Are they well connected? Their connections should streamline the shipping process from start to finish.
Do you specialize in my company’s freight?
Different freight forwarders may have different areas of specialization. Depending on what you are shipping, you may be better off to go with one company over another, especially if you know your goods require extra attention or customs clearance.
Who is responsible for packing and documentation?
Some freight forwarders handle the packaging of your freight themselves, or the documentation and paperwork required to clear customs. Make sure you know what you’re responsible for and what your freight forwarder will handle on your behalf. If you aren’t sure if something is being taken care of, it is always better to ask.
Final thoughts
We hope that these questions will help you find the right freight forwarder in Vancouver. No matter what you’re shipping, it is important to have a freight forwarder who will take care of everything you need taken care of.
At Welke, we’re happy to answer all your questions and always go above and beyond for our customers. To determine if we’re the right freight forwarder for you, get a quote today.