If you are in the market for a freight forwarding service, it’s important to choose one that is going to improve the efficiencies of your business’s supply chain. There are three main types of freight forwarding services: air freight, ocean freight, and road transportation. Each type of service has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of freight forwarding service so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your business.
First off, what is a freight forwarder?
A freight forwarder is a company that helps businesses ship their products to customers around the world. They are responsible for handling all of the logistics involved in international shipping, including customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a freight forwarder is and does, let’s take a closer look at the three main types of freight forwarding services: air freight, ocean freight, and road transportation.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest type of freight forwarding service. If you need your goods to arrive at their destination as quickly as possible, air freight is the best option. However, air freight is also the most expensive option. If cost is a major factor in your decision-making process, you may want to consider one of the other two types of freight.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight is a slower option than air freight, but it is also much less expensive. If your consignment isn’t time critical and you are working with a limited budget, ocean freight may be the right choice for you. However, keep in mind that ocean freight can take weeks or even months to arrive at its destination, so if you need your goods to arrive quickly, this is not the best option.
Road Freight
Road Freight is the best freight forwarding option is you are transporting goods from part of the UK to another. Many companies use road freight in addition to shipping goods via sea or air to transport their goods from the sea port or airport onto their final destination.
Choosing a freight forwarder for your business
Choosing the right freight forwarder for your business is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, including cost, speed, and reliability. You will also want to make sure that the freight forwarder you choose has experience shipping to your destination country and is familiar with the customs regulations there.
It’s also important they are fully up to date with with new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). HMRC is preparing to launch its new Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which all importing and exporting businesses will need to use.
Finally, their location is critical to how quick and responsive they can react to your consignment requests, so choosing a freight forwarder who is located close to a UK airport or seaport will be a huge advantage.
Blacksmith Freight Services is located at Manchester Airport’s Freight Terminal with a large warehouse facility to store your goods before or after transit. Your goods can quickly be disembarked from an aeroplane direct to our warehouse until they are ready to be shipped to you, or direct to your customer.
If you’re looking to work with a freight forwarding company in Manchester, contact us today to discuss your requirements.