Although the article below is from an exporter's perspective, there are numerous
overlapping scenarios which are equally applicable to Importers in general:

10 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Freight Forwarder:

When sitting up an export business, there are two important actions an exporter must take:

1) buy a facsimile machine 2) get a freight forwarder

While the first is a relatively simple operation, the second is a major decision that an exporter must make carefully.

Look in any telephone directory under "Freight Forwarders" and you will see hundreds of listings. But how do exporters decide which freight forwarder is best for their company and their product?

Exporters are advised to choose freight forwarders by measuring them against the following 10 criteria:

1) Is the freight forwarder's company big enough to handle your business when the forwarder is away from the office?

Just because the forwarder is on a business trip or away on vacation, your export efforts shouldn't come to a halt because there's no one to answer questions or handle shipping instructions for your product.

2) Is the freight forwarding firm stable?

Has the company "been around" very long? Does it have financial stability? Commercial banks and trade references can help with checking this criteria.

3) Can the freight forwarder handle whatever product you want to ship, whichever way you want to ship it (air or sea)?

The freight forwarder also should be an import broker to handle the customs angle for you in case you need to import something or have goods returned from overseas.

4) Does the freight forwarders have a good network of agents overseas, particularly in your target market? What do these agents handle?

A good network of overseas agents ensures a smooth path for your product with a minimum of delay. This is important for perishable products or ones that need special handling. A container of wine sitting on the dock in a warm country can pose a real hazard to your product's reputation.

5) Can the freight forwarder communicate with you as a novice?

Is the freight forwarder willing to take the time to explain terms and procedures in a way you can understand?

6) What is the freight forwarder's document turnaround time?

Is the freight forwarder located near the airport, steamship offices and banks? A strategic location cuts document turnaround time and ensures you get paid quickly via the banks.

7) Does the freight forwarder have some knowledge of your product?

If possible, choose a freight forwarder who has some knowledge of the special needs of your product. If the freight forwarder usually handles only furniture, will the company be attuned to the needs for shipping wine or fresh produce?

8) Have you checked the freight forwarder's references? It is crucial to check references for any company that will be handling your business. Also check customer satisfaction.

9) Does the freight forwarder have errors and omissions insurance?

Even the most conscientious freight forwarder can make a mistake. A minor error on documents can delay your product, hurt sales and stall your receiving payment for the goods. Make sure your freight forwarder has "errors and omissions insurance" to provide for just this eventuality.

10) What are the freight forwarder's communication facilities?

Credit/Souce: FAS Worldwide (formerly AgExporter)

Thanks for your valuable advice.

Quoting from [Giant Trader]:

Although the article below is from an exporter's perspective, there are numerous

overlapping scenarios which are equally applicable to Importers in general:

10 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Freight Forwarder:

When sitting up an export business, there are two important actions an exporter must take:

1) buy a facsimile machine 2) get a freight forwarder

While the first is a relatively simple operation, the second is a major decision that an exporter must make carefully.

Look in any telephone directory under "Freight Forwarders" and you will see hundreds of listings. But how do exporters decide which freight forwarder is best for their company and their product?

Exporters are advised to choose freight forwarders by measuring them against the following 10 criteria:

1) Is the freight forwarder's company big enough to handle your business when the forwarder is away from the office?

Just because the forwarder is on a business trip or away on vacation, your export efforts shouldn't come to a halt because there's no one to answer questions or handle shipping instructions for your product.

2) Is the freight forwarding firm stable?

Has the company "been around" very long? Does it have financial stability? Commercial banks and trade references can help with checking this criteria.

3) Can the freight forwarder handle whatever product you want to ship, whichever way you want to ship it (air or sea)?

The freight forwarder also should be an import broker to handle the customs angle for you in case you need to import something or have goods returned from overseas.

4) Does the freight forwarders have a good network of agents overseas, particularly in your target market? What do these agents handle?

A good network of overseas agents ensures a smooth path for your product with a minimum of delay. This is important for perishable products or ones that need special handling. A container of wine sitting on the dock in a warm country can pose a real hazard to your product's reputation.

5) Can the freight forwarder communicate with you as a novice?

Is the freight forwarder willing to take the time to explain terms and procedures in a way you can understand?

6) What is the freight forwarder's document turnaround time?

Is the freight forwarder located near the airport, steamship offices and banks? A strategic location cuts document turnaround time and ensures you get paid quickly via the banks.

7) Does the freight forwarder have some knowledge of your product?

If possible, choose a freight forwarder who has some knowledge of the special needs of your product. If the freight forwarder usually handles only furniture, will the company be attuned to the needs for shipping wine or fresh produce?

8) Have you checked the freight forwarder's references? It is crucial to check references for any company that will be handling your business. Also check customer satisfaction.

9) Does the freight forwarder have errors and omissions insurance?

Even the most conscientious freight forwarder can make a mistake. A minor error on documents can delay your product, hurt sales and stall your receiving payment for the goods. Make sure your freight forwarder has "errors and omissions insurance" to provide for just this eventuality.

10) What are the freight forwarder's communication facilities?

Credit/Souce: FAS Worldwide (formerly AgExporter)

May I ask if how can i get forwarder that was lowest freight cost?

May I ask if how can i get forwarder that was lowest freight cost?

You have to check with several forwarders and compare them to arrive at the lowest 

possible freight offer. Also check the service and turnaround times they offer. 


Thereafter it's all about building and maintaining the relationship so they always

offer you the "best". 

studying ,  i am a new comer , they are very useful . thank you very much ! 

Sky..Dongguan Hengsheng Mould Steel  Co.,Ltd.China

 oh, i also want to know how to find a cheapest way to send goods to our customers. Especially by express way. Lots of customers need a small quantity and better to send by express but express fee is high.