How to Get the Best Out of Amazon FBA Using Freight Forwarding

You’ve discovered a terrific high-demand, low-competition brand as well as a trustworthy vendor. But how do you get your goods from the manufacturer to a fulfilment facility on Amazon?

One of the most difficult components of selling on Amazon is overseas delivery. Because there are so many moving components and regulatory restrictions, it’s advisable to enlist the help of specialists to transport your products from overseas to Amazon FBA properly.

In this post, we’ll go over what freight forwarders are, why you should use one, and how to identify a reputable business to handle your shipment.

What is the definition of a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarding company facilitates the delivery of items from an overseas producer to an Amazon fulfilment centre, a third-party fulfilment centre, or a selected warehouse.

They handle the entire delivery procedure for you and, as industry specialists, are familiar with all of the technical specifications for getting your items through immigration and into Amazon.

It would be practically hard for a normal person to manage the transportation process on their own without the help of a freight forwarder. When exporting overseas, there are several policies and rules to consider; therefore, it’s preferable to delegate the operations to a freight forwarder.

What is the role of a customs broker?

By acting as a mediator between you and customs, a customs broker guarantees that your items clear customs during the shipping process. They tell the shipper the required documents to be cleared, and they compile and submit it to customs.

A customs broker is necessary since a problem at customs can cause your cargo to be delayed.

The majority of freight forwarders provide brokerage services, which means they can function as your customs broker. This eliminates the need to hire a different firm.

What are the benefits of using a freight forwarder?

As Amazon private label sellers, we all wish the foreign shipping procedure was a lot simpler, but it isn’t. Many things can go wrong for huge, heavy goods that must be transported by water or air, including customs clearance delays or damaged cargo.

It’s essential to employ a freight forwarder to manage every stage of the process from the manufacturer to an Amazon fulfilment centre if you want to guarantee that your products reach safely and on schedule.

1) They take care of the entire package.

You don’t have to do anything with your shipment except fill out some paperwork and pay for it when hiring a freight forwarder. A skilled forwarder will ensure that your shipment arrives at its ultimate destination in a legal, safe, and timely manner.

Forwarders know what to expect at each stage of the shipment’s journey. If you try to do it yourself, you risk missing a crucial step, which could result in your merchandise being lost, confiscated, or delayed.

2) Freight forwarders are well-versed in all aspects of shipping.

The last thing you want to deal with after you’ve done the hard work of finding a successful product and a dependable source is dealing with shipping firms, government agencies, and logistical challenges. Freight forwarders have specialist knowledge, expertise, and best practices in the end-to-end transportation process.

3) They can cover your cargo with insurance.

Even with a freight forwarder, a lot may go wrong when exporting overseas, especially by water. Check to see if the forwarding firm you chose has cargo insurance, which can provide you with extra protection if something goes wrong with your goods while they are being shipped.

4) Clearance of customs

The most important benefit of engaging a freight forwarder is customs clearance. If your products are held up at customs, it can take a lot longer for your shipment to arrive.

When is it appropriate to use a freight forwarder?

Now that you understand what a freight forwarder is and what they can do for you, here’s how to use one:

If the weight of your package is less than 200 kg

For shipments weighing less than 200 kilograms, avoid using a freight forwarder (440lbs). Request that your supplier uses a courier service like DHL, FedEx, or UPS to handle the cargo. The most cost-effective and quickest option to receive your little shipment is to use a courier.

In this case, the courier who delivered your items will also function as a customs broker and deliver the goods to their final destination. You may receive a bill from FedEx/DHL for the customs/duty expenses.

If your package weighs more than 200kg.

If the consignment weighs more than 200kg, hire a freight forwarder, whether shipping by air or sea freight. It will be more cost-effective and save you a lot of time and aggravation. It would be best always to utilise a freight forwarder when shipping by water.

How much does using a freight forwarder cost?

It’s difficult to predict the cost precisely because there are so many components in the shipping process, such as product types, weight, volume, and distance. A marine shipment will typically cost roughly $1 per kilogram, though the final cost will vary depending on the total volume of your items.

During the epidemic, shipping costs and timeframes have also increased, so make sure you have the most up-to-date estimates and expenses when performing your research.

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