How does freight forwarding work in the UK?

If you’re involved in international business, you’ve likely heard of freight forwarders before. Their goal is to simplify the international shipping process by handling the entire process from transportation to delivery. This is your complete guide to understanding exactly how freight forwarding works in the UK.

What is a freight forwarder?

Put simply, a freight forwarder is a company that receives and ships goods on behalf of other companies. This responsibility begins when the goods are picked up from the seller and lasts until they are delivered at the buyer’s specified location.

They play a vital role in international trade, and can prove invaluable to businesses thanks to their unique connections and experience in navigating the import/export process. They can also offer knowledge and advice regarding logistic expenses: freight and port expenses, consular and insurance fees, the cost of necessary documentation, and custom clearance charges.

How does freight forwarding work?

The freight forwarding process is complex, with multiple stages involved behind the scenes. A good freight forwarder will make the process appear as seamless and efficient as possible. Here are some of the key steps in the process:

1. Arranging the transport from the origin, such as a factory or warehouse, to the shipping port or airport for shipment.
2. Preparing the necessary documents, licenses, and paperwork.
3. Negotiating, booking and loading the cargo for transportation.
4. Organising the insurance and delivery tracking where required.
5. Arranging the haulage and delivery to the agreed location in the UK.

There are multiple cargo transportation channels that a freight forwarder will cover, the most common being air, sea, road and rail freight. Some freight forwarders will also provide a custom clearance service. This will save you from additionally hiring a custom broker to deal with the import/export side of the international deliveries, such as commodity codes and EORI requirements.

Benefits of freight forwarding

If you’re a business owner considering whether to manage this process yourself or use a freight forwarder, make sure you are aware of the key benefits a freight forwarder can offer:

• You will only need to deal with one person when arranging the shipment, rather than numerous people at different stages of the process.
• A good freight forward will be experts in paperwork, which can be complex and time-consuming.
• Freight forwarders with strong local connections can negotiate cheaper costs on your behalf.
• They can provide you with peace of mind and level of security. If something goes wrong, you will not have to deal with it alone. Instead, they can guide you through any issues and work quickly to fix them.

Freight forwarding in the UK with KG Logistics

KG Logistics, an independent freight forwarding company, can offer you an expertly managed import and export solution. No matter how complex the project, our 35 years of combined experience will ensure your cargo is delivered within the specified timeframe.

Our main trading lanes are to and from Australia, China, Turkey, and the USA – with a range of transportation services to guarantee an efficient and cost effective solution. Our industry experience allows us to provide reliable sea, air, rail, and road freight services and establish strong connections in all corners of the globe.

Speak to our experts today on 01634 540109 for a free, no obligation quote.