It might appear to be simple to ship cargo to foreign countries without a freight forwarder however you may run into major problems. In this post, we will explore the seven risks of handling international shipping on your own.
Mistakes with Customs Rules
Customs rules can be extremely complex. Missing documentation or breaking rules can lead to penalties, transportation delays, or confiscated goods. Freight forwarders are familiar with these rules and may assist you avoid costly mistakes.
They can also handle various countries’ restrictions to ensure that your shipment is not delayed or penalized. Attempting to deal with customs problems on your own can lead to mistakes that could harm the whole supply chain.
Late Deliveries
Time is one of the most important factors in shipping. Without a freight forwarder, your goods may miss key connections or experience delays. This can upset your customers and hurt your business.
Freight forwarders coordinate schedules and plan for contingencies, reducing the risk of delays. Without the expertise, you may struggle to fix problems quickly, leading to missed deadlines.
High Shipping Costs
The pricing team at freight forwarders can get you better rates because they work with many carriers. Without them, you might pay more for shipping or get charged extra fees.
They can also consolidate shipments to reduce costs and optimize routes for efficiency. Handling shipping yourself could mean paying for services you don’t need or missing out on bulk discounts.
Problems During Emergency Situations
Shipping is not always predictable. Issues like bad weather or port delays or even port strikes can happen. Although freight forwarders are usually equipped to handle these problems, you alone might struggle without their help.
For such situations, freight forwarders have backup plans and contacts to minimize disruptions and promptly resolve problems. Without them, you’re left scrambling for solutions, which can lead to longer delays and lost revenue.
Lack of Shipment Tracking
Freight forwarders use third-party or their own tools to track your shipment. Without these, you won’t know where your goods are or if there’s a problem or not. Tracking systems also allow you to plan better and keep customers informed about delivery times. Without it, you risk losing trust with your clients if delays occur and you’re unable to provide updates.
Shipping Alternatives
Freight forwarders make shipping plans based on your requirements. If you handle shipments yourself, you may be forced to accept less-than-ideal solutions. They can adapt to your needs, such as identifying faster delivery routes or lowering expenses.
Stress and Miscommunication with Consignee and Carriers
Managing carriers and customs on your own can be stressful. Errors or confusion can cause big problems and harm your business. By serving as a single point of contact, freight forwarders simplify communication and reduce errors.
It can seem cheaper when skipping a freight forwarder, but the risks are high.
From customs issues to unexpected costs, the problems can easily outweigh any savings. A freight forwarder not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures that your shipments arrive on time and without issues.
Before deciding to handle shipping on your own, think about whether it’s worth jeopardizing your business over avoidable risks.
