These days the issue of timely and qualitative freight delivery is of prime importance. Modern users have an awesome opportunity to purchase goods all over the globe. Copious logistics services are ready to deliver the cargo of any level of complexity anywhere. An extensive network of small and large transportation agencies benefits many businesses. Yet, at the same time, it may create some problems.
Thus, every business owner has to decide whether to cooperate with local or international forwarders. Both variants have pluses and minuses you should consider when making your choice. The first aspect you should consider is definitely the destination of your cargo. If you need to ship goods from one country to another, you are to cooperate with international brokers. Yet, if you need to transport parcels within one state, you may select both variants. It’s a big mistake to think that global carriers work only with long-haul freights. They are ready to cover any distance.
The next aspect to consider is speed. Lightning-fast delivery is the greatest desire of both business owners and buyers. Local carriers are able to fulfill orders faster (but not in all cases). It’s a good idea to discuss deadlines before you sign an agreement with this or that company. The greater part of modern logistics agencies has special apps. They allow you to figure out how much it will take cargo from point A to point B. Moreover, they allow you to monitor the whole process. When it comes to expedite transportation, local forwarders beat international opponents easily. Moreover, regional carriers have more relevant and accurate information about truckload and traffic jams in the coverage area.
Finally, you can’t help but pay attention to the prices. Local forwarders are cheaper, as a rule. Yet, it has to be stressed, it’s not a good idea to make your choice due to the financial issue only. You have to investigate such features as reliability, competencies of the workers, and compliance with legislation. It’s better to avoid platforms that do not provide clients with detailed information about their capacities and functions.
There is one interesting fact that should be highlighted. Many large international shipping firms cooperate with local brokers when fulfilling some orders. It happens if they lack storage areas or trucks. Moreover, nowadays the services of 3PL logistics are becoming more and more popular. They provide the whole spectrum of delivery options you may order. The firms themselves do not have trucks or storage capacities. But they are able to find all the necessary vehicles, tools, and equipment to
So, it’s up to you to decide which type of freight forwarding company is better for your business – international or local ones. Yet, if you own a small-turnover firm, it doesn’t make sense to work with logistics giants. They are more costly but offer almost the same set of options as local brokers do. Yet, if you have to deal with huge amounts of products or non-standard cargo that crosses continents, it’s almost impossible to cope without efficient assistance and the vast capacities of global forwarders.
