On behalf of exporters & importers, freight forwarders are responsible for the overseas transportation of goods and strategic logistic planning. They oversee freight rate negotiations, container tracking, freight consolidation, and more.
The logistics of international
shipping involves several layers due to the difference in customs clearance
procedures and protocols across different ports & countries. Freight
forwarders are in charge of shipping schedules, documentation, negotiation of
transportation prices, shipping insurance, freight consolidation and
deconsolidation services to make the process easier for exporters &
importers.
A freight forwarder's
expertise in navigation regulation and the process of trading goods like timber
that curtails time and cost make them an important aspect of the shipping
transportation process. They work with logistic
partners like shipping
companies and customs to ease the process.
The role of a freight forwarder:
●
A
freight forwarder advises sellers regarding different logistic-related
expenses, including documentation costs, freight expenses, port expenses,
consular fees, and customs clearance during the exporting process.
●
They
suggest the correct route for shipment to the seller by considering transit
cost & perishable nature of the goods, keeping in mind the safety & the
estimated time of delivery.
●
They
oversee the transportation of the goods and their packing & loading into
the carrier.
Timber Exchange is an
automated supply chain platform that provides a one-stop solution for exporters
& importers to find global counterparties, freight forwarders and
360-degree supply chain automation services in a single platform.
Benefits of using Timber Exchange for freight forwarders:
●
Access only high-trust timber networks: In the Timber Exchange platform, importers & exporters get
access to a high-trust timber network. The Timber Exchange B2B marketplace only allows thoroughly vetted companies to trade in the
platform, which builds its credibility.
●
Zero-commission marketplace: In the automated supply chain platform, freight forwarders,
timber exporters and importers across the world can find each other under one
roof. None of them needs to get introduced via a commission-based source,
thereby saving them unnecessary costs.
●
Tender directly with leading companies: Timber Exchange offers a multilingual platform through which
freight forwarders can contact leading companies across the world directly,
bypassing language barriers.
●
Track all shipments: Freight forwarders can track multiple containers at once &
their current routes in real time by entering their B/L or bulk vessel numbers with the help of advanced supply chain tools through the
automated platform.
●
Use electronic documents: Timber Exchange is an AI-driven platform that aims to minimise
the paper documentation process by focusing on electronic documents instead.
●
Track the freight & plan ahead for any unanticipated
disruptions: In ocean freight
shipping, track and trace service is a vital feature for monitoring
unanticipated disruptions, delays, port strikes and incidents that impact ocean
trading. Timber Exchange provides real-time
AI tracking
and keeps every counterparty updated.
●
Seamless trading between counterparties: This supply chain platform is a one-stop solution for the timber
industry. Timber Exchange's automated supply
chain solution
focuses on the very need of the timber industry - starting from trading in a
high-trust network to tracking the entire supply chain seamlessly.
From storage and
management to the final shipment, freight forwarders strategize and ensure
seamless transportation of the cargo on behalf of the exporters and importers.
Along with providing timely updates, looking out for the booking process and
ensuring the delivery safety of the goods, freight forwarders also provide
expert advice regarding documentation-related issues. The supply chain and
logistics aspect of freight forwarders act as a bridge between the buyer and
seller. Feel free to contact
Timber Exchange to
get a demo of the platform.
