Everything you want to know about freight forwarders

Freight Forwarders in India: What You Should Know

The transport and logistics sector plays an important role in business operations in India. Records from 2017 show that close to 2.5 trillion tonnes of freight were moved across the country by road—amounting to 67% of the total freight for the year. These numbers are overwhelming and underline the importance of freight forwarders in logistics.

What are Freight Forwarders?

Simply put, freight forwarders are responsible for transporting goods between destinations—both domestic and international. They act as intermediaries between the shipper and the recipient, negotiating with multiple carriers and offering reliable, economical routes. Apart from transport, they also manage:

• Customs
• Documentation
• Insurance
• Packaging
• Storage during transit
• Inventory management

Benefits of Hiring Freight Forwarders

1. Taking the Hassle Out of Transport: Freight forwarders manage everything from packaging to navigating customs, allowing businesses to rely on one partner for end-to-end transportation.
2. Route Optimisation: They calculate the most efficient routes based on delivery timelines, cost, and mode of transport—ensuring timely and cost-effective shipping, even across international borders.
3. Choosing the Right Mode of Transport: Whether it’s road, rail, or air, freight forwarders recommend and arrange the best mode based on the nature and urgency of shipments.
4. Packaging Solutions: Depending on the route and type of goods, forwarders ensure that cargo is packaged securely, cost-effectively, and in accordance with logistics requirements.
5. Economies of Scale: With vast networks and partnerships, forwarders can offer bundled services at lower prices, optimizing logistics budgets with comprehensive quotes.
6. Documentation Simplified: Handling customs, licenses, and complex forms becomes easier as forwarders are experts in logistics paperwork.
7. Freight Insurance Assistance: Freight forwarders help you choose suitable insurance plans to safeguard your shipment from potential loss, damage, or delays.
8. Custom Clearance: With experience at multiple ports, they handle customs regulations, avoiding hold-ups and extra costs.
9. Real-Time Updates: Freight forwarders keep you informed of your shipment’s location and expected delivery times through real-time tracking.

How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder

Here are some important criteria to evaluate when choosing a freight forwarder in India:

• Are they duly registered and certified?
• Do they have a strong client portfolio?
• Can they provide verifiable references?
• Are their terms and conditions transparent?
• Is their pricing structure clear and itemized?

Making the right choice can significantly reduce the stress and complexity of goods transportation, ensuring quick time-to-market and a strong competitive edge.

Pikkol – Your Trusted Logistics Partner

At Pikkol, we aim to make every move hassle-free. Our trained professionals and streamlined processes ensure that your freight forwarding and logistics requirements are handled with the utmost care and efficiency.

Trust Pikkol for reliable, cost-effective, and timely freight forwarding solutions.