Getting goods moved.
WHAT OPTIONS EXIST
Sea freight, in containers or as part loads Air freight Road, for regional movement Courier, for small consignments
WHAT SEA FREIGHT SUITS
Bulk, weight and value where time is not critical.
WHAT IT COSTS IN TIME
Weeks.
WHAT AIR FREIGHT SUITS
Urgency, high value relative to weight, perishables.
WHAT IT COSTS
Substantially more per unit of weight.
WHAT A FULL CONTAINER PROVIDES
Lower cost per unit, and fewer handling risks.
WHAT A PART LOAD PROVIDES
Access without filling a container.
WHAT IT COSTS
Higher rate, more handling, and delays from consolidation.
WHAT A FREIGHT FORWARDER DOES
Arranges carriage, documentation and often clearance.
WHAT TO ASK FOR IN A QUOTATION
Every charge, at origin and destination What is excluded Transit time What happens if it is delayed
WHY EXCLUSIONS MATTER
Destination charges frequently appear later and surprise people.
WHAT TO COMPARE
Total cost door to door, not the freight rate.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT INSURANCE
Whether it is included, and what it covers.
WHAT CARRIER LIABILITY PROVIDES
Very limited compensation, usually by weight.
WHAT THAT MEANS
It is not insurance.
WHAT TO ARRANGE
Proper cargo insurance, for the full value.
WHAT TO CHECK ABOUT PACKING
That it will survive handling.
