What makes a freight forwarding company professional and reliable?

Seven core dimensions to consider when selecting a freight forwarder:

• Qualification verification: Check NVOCC license, FIATA membership and other international certifications
• Service networks: Evaluate destination port agent coverage capability (recommend requesting at least 3 cooperation cases)
• Risk control: Confirm whether cargo transportation insurance and port congestion contingency plans are provided
• The digital capacity: By 2025, agents must be equipped with real-time tracking systems (such as blockchain container tracking)
• Compliance Records: Check customs AEO certification status and violation records for the past 12 months

What items are included in freight forwarder service fees?

Typical cost structure consists of three main modules:

• Basic costs
  • The Maritime/air transportBasic freight (including fuel)Additional fees) is
  • Terminal handling charges (THC)
• Government fees
  • Customs declarationFee (paperless declaration will be fully implemented starting 2025)
  • Inspection of vaccinesCosts of
• Value Added Services
  • Special packaging treatment
  • Destination port warehousing

How to respond when cargo is inspected by customs?

Recommended three-stage response strategy:

• Prevention in advance: Ensure the "three-document consistency" of the commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.
• In-process handling: Require agents to provide on-site coordination services (some countries require advance filing)
• Post-event improvement: Establish commodity code database (focus on recording 2024 HS Code adjustments)

How to avoid additional charges at destination ports?

Three new changes requiring special attention in 2025:

• Demurrage calculation rules: Multimodal transportThe containerFree period shortened to 7 days
• Green port surcharge: 23 countries including EU begin collecting carbon emission surcharges
• Data declaration requirements: ASEAN countries mandate advance 96-hour manifest data transmission

What should be noted for special cargo transportation?

Recommendations for three types of special cargo:

• Dangerous goods: Must obtain IMDG Code certified packaging
• Cold chain goods: Select temperature-controlled containers with both CMA+ISO dual certification
• High-value cargo: Recommend split shipments and purchasing full-process transportation insurance

How to evaluate the reasonableness of freight forwarder quotations?

Recommend using comparative analysis method:

• Obtain quotation details from at least 3 suppliers
• Key comparisons:
  • Bunker adjustment factor calculation formula
  • Peak season surcharge floating mechanism
  • Exchange rate settlement method (recommend choosing forward exchange rate quotation)

What new policies need attention in 2025?

Focus on three policy changes:

• China Customs: Fully implement the "two-step declaration" customs clearance model.
• International Maritime Organization: Implementation of new Ship Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI) regulations
• U.S. Customs: Updated anti-terrorism factory audit standards (C-TPAT version 2.0)

(Note: 2024 customs pilot data cited in this article comes from General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 45)