Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Basics

Discover why customs brokers and freight forwarders are necessary to your overseas supply chain

If you work in the business of import or exporting merchandise overseas, customs brokers and freight forwarders are imperative to the success of your business. They are an integral part of the supply chain that act as the transportation intermediaries between merchandisers, shippers and the federal government.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders can help you make sure that you have all of the proper paperwork filled out for your shipments as well as have paid all of the appropriate fees and taxes. They are put in place to ensure also the safety of the goods entering the country. They are put in a position of responsibility to help protect the rights of you as a business, but also to look out for the safety of that of the general population as well.

To find out more about customs brokers and freight forwarders basics:

1. Start looking for information on transportation intermediaries from the federal government.

2. See how the customs major brokers and freight forwarders go about business.

3. Use resources provided by customs major brokers and freight forwarders.

Start with the government for customs brokers and freight forwarders basics

Since the federal government oversees the safety and the taxing of the merchandise that comes into and out of the United States, they play a major role in who is eligible to become one of the customs brokers and freight forwarders that help bring goods into the country. Use Federal resources to help better understand transportation intermediaries and how they can assist you.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security what a customs broker does and how you become qualified to become a customs broker. It also gives detailed information on the customs broker exam. Find out about freight forwarders from Export.gov. Find out why you should use a freight forwarder, and how you can find a freight forwarder.

Check out how the major freight forwarding companies do it

Take a look at the services offered by the major transporter forwarders in the U.S. Use their services as a basis for comparison when looking at other service providers.

Use resources provided by customs brokers and freight forwarders

Take advantage of the many tips and information shared by freight forwarding companies and brokers. Use their knowledge and skills to your benefit as they post it as part of their marketing strategy.

• When choosing a freight forwarding company, ask for a list of contact references. Don't be afraid to call everyone on the list to discuss satisfaction in the areas of pricing, customer service and professionalism.

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