Matters need attention during inquiring from forwarder

Usually, we will send makeup brushes via Express, air or sea depending on the weight and size of the shipment. No matter which way, since we can not ship by ourselves, we have to check all details with the forwarders. Firstly, we need to get quotation from the forwarder on the shipment. Here we would like to list some matters that need attention during inquiring from forwarders.

While inquiring from forwarder, we need to offer detailed information to forwarders. The detailed information includes: 1) the detailed address and post code of shipper and consignee; 2) the total weight of the shipment; 3) the detailed size of the shipment. The detailed address of shipper and consignee decide the delivery distance; the weight and size decide the changeable weight. Some may concern why also needs size information? Should the shipping charge only depend on the weight? For this question, please refer to our explanation on Heavy cargo and bulky cargo.  

Some customers would like us to pay the shipping charge and arrange everything on the shipment, while some believe they can get better price from their forwarders. Usually, the shipping charge paid by shipper especially Chinese shipper must be cheaper than by consignee. For example, if the shipment is sent via FEDEX, the charge paid by Chinese shipper may be just USD1000, but if paid by consignee, the charge will be over USD4000.0. Freight prepaid causes no risks to forwarders but freight collect will cause high risks if the consignee is not available or refuse the shipment, therefore freight prepaid must be cheaper than freight collect.

Of course, if the customers have large business in China and have established long-term cooperation with the forwarder, they may get special offer from their forwarders, and can get lower price than shippers. In this case, they certainly should choose their own forwarders. Just ensure that the forwarder will certainly offer such price for the shipment. So it is better to sign a contract with the forwarder for the shipment.

Whatever, no matter ship via our forwarder or customer’s forwarder, we should offer exact information to forwarders, and try to find the best solution for customers in price and service.