Freight forwarding: Five Tips That Will Help You Choose Your Agent

John Good Logistics has over 180 years’ experience in the transportation of a wide range of cargoes world-wide, including customs clearance, warehousing and trucking services.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a freight forwarding partner…

Keeping costs down
Customers will always look for competitive rates and a forwarding agent can help keep costs down. Knowing which shipping line to use and identifying the quickest and most cost efficient route can be a mine field but this is where an agent can help. Additionally, finding different providers can be a painstaking task and questions arise such as: Do they provide value for money? Are they reliable and trustworthy with BIFA accreditation? Can they provide customs support and assist with all necessary documentation? You can be confident that John Good Logistics can answer these concerns and help control costs as a one stop shop for all your forwarding requirements.

Expertise and experience
As with any service, it’s always good to have that personal touch. When it comes to freight forwarding, having a single point of contact is extremely beneficial – an individual who knows your business and can co-ordinate and monitor the progress of cargo until it reaches its final destination. With over 180 years’ experience in the shipping industry, John Good have the expertise to ensure a smooth transition of your cargo from origin to destination. With global services catering for a wide range of different cargoes, it is imperative you choose a forwarding agent with the knowledge and know-how to ensure you receive the best possible service and advice.

Industry-leading IT systems
Freight forwarding activities supported by a first-class IT system will always provide an enhanced service to meet customer demands. At John Good Logistics, we operate a state-of-the-art software system, Cargowise, which gives our customers unrivalled ownership, visibility and control of individual shipments from start to finish. We monitor daily movements through a track and trace facility, allowing us to meet the growing requirements of our customers. By adopting a pro-active and innovative approach, we are able to quickly identify the needs of our customers and drive efficiencies and cost savings into their business.

Communication is key
Efficient channels of communication and flow of information is vital when it comes to freight forwarding as it allows customers to access real time information and shipment status. A deep understanding of your business is key and John Good offers piece of mind to its customers with a team of dedicated account managers and freight forwarders who have worked in the industry for many years. You can contact them in the safe knowledge that an experienced member of the team is just a call or email away.

And finally …
To ensure your cargo reaches its destination as smoothly and as quickly as possible, you need committed and dedicated freight forwarders. You need your agent to be pro-active, provide a rapid response and possess a “can do” attitude. Saving time and money are key business goals in most industries, but are even more significant in the world of shipping and logistics. The primary aim for both shipper and consignee is always to ensure the quick and efficient transportation of goods from origin to final destination without unnecessary obstacles or hiccups. At John Good Logistics we recognise this is paramount.

At John Good Logistics, we provide a full range of high-quality freight forwarding services, including:
• Seafreight: FCL, LCL, RORO, conventional and break-bulk shipments worldwide.
• Airfreight
• Road Haulage: Container transport and pallet distribution.
• Warehousing: General commodity warehousing, bulk storage, receiving and unloading of containers, pick and pack, ERTS facilities, bonded warehousing.
• Documentation: Completion of import and export documentation worldwide.
• Customs: NES entries, customs clearance, intrastat, CFSP messaging.