How to choose a reliable shipping agent?

In order to find agent partners who can work hand in hand with us on the future development road, share the same joys and sorrows, and are both reliable and worthy of our full trust, we need to gradually use accurate and effective methods and strategies among the large number of potential logistics companies to accurately find those who are really in all aspects. Agent partners who are reliable and have good cooperation quality and ability. Lay a solid and solid foundation for a series of subsequent business cooperations, so that the cooperation can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

1. Qualification review: say no to "shell company" (basic requirements)

The required qualifications include business license, NVOCC filing, international freight forwarding filing, industry certification, U.S. business project, etc. Different qualifications have corresponding verification methods and risk warnings. The verification tools are Tianyancha/Enterprisechacha (corporate credit), the official website of the Ministry of Transport (NVOCC), the single window of the Ministry of Commerce (fright forwarding filing), and the official website of the shipping company (cooperative verification).

2. Resource assessment: cabin and customs clearance are key advantages

Give priority to agents who have long-term agreements with mainstream shipping companies, and ask about their direct passenger agreements with shipping companies, cabin guarantee rate and peak season bookings. Fright forwarders usually have core advantageous routes, and avoid choosing "all-round" but no specialized agents. Agents who provide double customs clearance and tax services need to have a cooperative network of overseas customs clearance banks, customs clearance experience of similar goods and abnormal handling ability.

3. Service evaluation: details determine success or failure

In terms of team professionalism, the operator needs to have more than 3 years of practical experience in maritime transportation, and the customer service response speed should be fast. The operation process should be transparent, and the whole process logistics tracking system should be provided and the logistics status should be pushed regularly. The strength of value-added services includes warehousing, insurance, special cargo handling, destination port delivery, etc.

4. Price comparison: beware of "low price trap"

The agent is required to provide a detailed quotation to clarify the composition and common traps of basic freight, dock fees, additional fees, customs clearance and delivery and other expenses. If the quotation is obviously more than 20% lower than the market price, you should be vigilant. Give priority to agents who have transparent quotations and can promise no hidden fees in writing and sign formal contracts.

5. Risk control: ensure the safety of goods

Inquire about the compensation standards and insurance services for the loss/damage/delay of goods. The regular agent will provide the original bill of lading and clarify the claim settlement process and statute of limitations. Understand the abnormal handling mechanism of goods and the backup transportation plan. Payment should be made through the company's public account, and the contract should specify the payment node.

6. Small single test: Practice is the only standard for testing the truth

For the first cooperation, test transport small batches of goods first, and verify the customer service response speed and professionalism, booking time limit, logistics track update frequency, customs clearance efficiency, and terminal delivery service quality. After the trial order is successful, we will expand the scale of cooperation and establish a long-term relationship of trust.