How to verify the real qualifications of a freight forwarder?

According toInternational freightFIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) 2025 Latest Industry Report: Formal freight forwarders must possess the following documents simultaneously:

• International Freight Forwarding Filing Certificate(Can be queried on the official website of China International Trade Single Window)
• Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Business License (NVOCC Certificate)
• Liability insurance certificate of at least 2 million RMB
• Industry association certification (such as WCA Global Freight Forwarding Alliance membership qualification)

It is recommended to request to view the original documents and verify them on relevant government websites, paying special attention to whether the certificate validity period covers your shipment timeframe.

How to determine the compatibility between a freight forwarder and my business?

2025 international trade data shows that 76% of transportation disputes originate from service capability mismatches. It is recommended to evaluate according to the following dimensions:

• Route coverage capability
  • Whether there are self-operated agents at the destination port
  • Customs clearance experience for special ports (such as St. Petersburg, Russia and Santos, Brazil)
• Cargo compatibility
  • Operation qualifications for special cargo (such as dangerous goods, refrigerated goods, oversized cargo)
  • Declaration experience for corresponding commodity HS codes
• The digital capacity
  • Whether real-time space inquiry system is provided
  • Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) issuance capability

What are the reasons for large differences in freight forwarder quotes?

Year 2025The MaritimeWith market fluctuations intensifying, beware of the following quotation traps:

• Hidden costs: THC (Terminal Handling Charges), EBS (Emergency Bunker Surcharge) and 36 other possible additional fees
• Exchange rate risk: For USD quotes, confirm the settlement exchange rate benchmark date
• Contract space: Some low prices may come from temporary space replenishment after container rollover

Requested ProvisionAll-in RateAnd include it in the contract, while specifying the validity period of the freight rate.

How to respond quickly when encountering a freight forwarder going out of contact?

According to the 2025 revised Regulations on the Administration of International Freight Forwarding Industry, the following measures are recommended:

• Immediately apply for dispute mediation to the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA)
• Verify the actual status of the goods using the bill of lading number on the shipping companys official website
• Initiate the insurance claim process (must report within 14 working days after cargo damage occurs)

Important reminder: Be sure to specify when signing the contractPerformance bond clause, typically 10-20% of the contract amount.

How can small and medium-sized enterprises obtain high-quality agency resources?

For SMEs with annual shipment volume below 200 TEU, three effective channels are recommended:

• China Council for the Promotion of International TradeCertified agent directory provided by local branches
• Alibaba InternationalLogistics service marketPerformance guarantee section
• Participate inChina Import and Export Fair(Canton Fair) logistics service section

2025 new trend: Some ports are pilotingBlockchain freight platform, which enables real-time tracking of freight forwarding service records.