How to find freight forwarders

How to find freight forwarders
There are many bodies that can help you search for freight forwarders, including:
· experienced exporters – preferably those in your sector, whose freight needs are likely to be similar to yours
· your trade association – it should be very familiar with the freight needs of businesses in your sector
· freight-forwarding trade associations – particularly the Chinese International Freight Association  for China  freight forwarders and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA) for those overseas
Bear in mind that while there’s a relatively small number of major global freight-forwarding companies, there are thousands of smaller specialist operators.
Find freight forwarders under the category "Freight Forwarding and Storage" on the Yell.com website.
How to choose a freight forwarder
The most important factor in choosing your shortlist of freight forwarders should be their experience with the routes and goods your business deals with. For example, if you transport goods that need refrigerated containers, ask for references from businesses with similar needs.
Other things you should find out about your shortlisted candidates include:
· which ancillary services they can provide, and how they charge for them
· how long they’ve been running and how well established they are – ask for references
· how willing they are to explain the process to you as it unfolds – this can be a valuable learning opportunity if you’re new to international trading
· the overall cost for their services – see the page within this guide on the costs of using a freight forwarder