In the evolving landscape of global trade and commerce, efficient and reliable freight forwarding is crucial for businesses to meet their shipping requirements. Freight companies act as intermediaries between businesses and various transportation services, managing the logistics and ensuring that their items reach their destinations on time and without incident.
Choosing the right freight forwarder is a strategic decision that can impact your supply chain. Therefore, it’s vital to reflect and think about your wants and needs, as well as do some research, before you pick your new go-to freight company in New Zealand.
Here are some top tips to guide you in finding a reliable freight forwarder for all of your cargo needs:
Evaluate Their Experience. First and foremost, you only want to look at freight companies that are experienced and reliable. Avoid companies that have a negative reputation, are too vague about their services and prices or who don’t have experience with the services that you require.
Begin your search by considering the industry experience of the potential freight forwarders that you’re considering. An experienced NZ company is likely to thoroughly understand the complexities involved in transportation, specifically in New Zealand. They’ll understand the best routes, any regulations that apply to their work, all documentation needed, potential challenges that could arise and anything else that a good freight forwarder should know.
Additionally, look for a forwarder who specifically has experience with the type of shipments that you need to be transported. Do your items need any special care? Should they be stored at a specific temperature, or are they rather fragile and need specialised handling? If so, always contact your potential freight forwarder beforehand to discuss your particular needs.
To gain some insight about freight companies in New Zealand, read through their websites to learn more about them.
Examine The Services That They Offer. Different freight companies offer different services, so it’s essential to align your needs with the services provided. Take a moment to read through the various services that they provide and consider the kinds of services that you need.
Shipment Tracking Capabilities. In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in logistics. Choose a freight forwarder that employs advanced systems for tracking shipments in real-time. This visibility into your cargo’s journey allows you to anticipate and address any issues promptly, enhancing overall supply chain management.
The ability to see where your shipment is can also give you peace of mind. Delays and accidents can happen to even the best, most experienced New Zealand freight forwarders, and if they do happen, then you can stay calm while keeping an eye on your important goods.
Excellent Customer Service. Good customer service is something that any company of any kind should strive to have, and it’s especially important when your freight forwarder is transporting your valuable goods. Your freight forwarder should be easy to get in touch with, very responsive to your questions and very good at communicating with you. Regardless of if they’re giving you a good update or having to share some bad news, they should remain prompt and professional.
After all, they’re handling your goods, so you deserve to stay fully updated throughout the entire process. If you contact any potential freight companies before you hire them, try to assess their communication skills and their customer service. Do they genuinely seem interested in helping you with your needs, or do they treat you like just another customer?
Transparent Pricing And Contracts. Clear and transparent pricing is absolutely essential for budgeting and avoiding unexpected costs. As a business person, you know that it’s vital to know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re paying for. Review the forwarder’s pricing structure, including any additional fees or surcharges that may apply. Ensure that the terms and conditions outlined in the contract are clear, and seek clarification on any ambiguous points before you enter into an agreement with them.
Avoid companies that are too vague or dodgy about how much they’ll charge you. If they refuse to give you an estimate of how much they’ll charge for your specific services, or if they brush off any questions about price, they may end up presenting you with a bill that’s far larger than you expected.
Selecting the right freight forwarder is a strategic decision that requires careful thought regarding various factors, from industry experience to prices. Finding the right company out of all of the freight companies available can be difficult, but if you make the right choice, it’s completely worth it – especially if you choose us at Secure Transport.
We have over thirty years of experience, and we look forward to helping people like you for a long, long time. If you’re interested in our services, please feel free to call us on +6421549052. We’d love to speak to you about your needs.
Ensure your goods are transported securely; just trust Secure Transport!
09 444 1243