How to choose a freight forwarder: 9 questions to ask
A freight forwarder organises the whole move: collection, booking space on a ship, plane or lorry, customs paperwork and delivery. A customs broker only handles the customs declaration. Most small importers want a forwarder that includes customs clearance.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the quote door to door, and which charges are not included (port fees, customs entry, delivery, duty and VAT)?
- Do you handle the customs entry, and will it be in my name with my EORI number?
- Can you use postponed VAT accounting for me?
- Do you deliver to Amazon fulfilment centres and book the appointment?
- Who are your agents in China, and who do I contact there?
- How long is the quote valid, and how do you handle rate changes before sailing?
- What insurance do you offer, and what are the limits under your standard trading conditions?
- Are you a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association?
- Can you share recent reviews or references from businesses like mine?
Red flags
- A price far below everyone else with no breakdown of charges.
- No written terms, or terms that leave all risk with you.
- Pressure to pay the full amount before the goods are loaded.
Find and compare forwarders
Our freight rate comparison shows an estimate for your route and the best-rated forwarders at both ends, so you can ask two or three for firm quotes and compare them.
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Questions people ask
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a customs broker?
A forwarder organises transport from door to door, and usually customs too. A customs broker only prepares and submits customs declarations.
How many forwarder quotes should I get?
Two or three is enough to see the market, as long as each quote covers the same route, service and charges.
Related guides
How to ship stock from China to Amazon FBA in the UKSea, air or express from China to an Amazon UK fulfilment centre: which to choose, carton rules, labels, customs, VAT and a realistic timeline.What a container from China to the UK costs this weekThis week's spot price for a 40 ft container from Asia to North Europe, what is and is not included, and how to estimate your full door-to-door cost.How to import goods from China to the UK, step by stepEORI, commodity codes, duty, import VAT, postponed VAT accounting and customs agents: what a small business needs to import from China, in plain English.