Everything You Need To Know About Freight Forwarding From China To The United Kingdom

With very few exceptions if you have a retail business that relies on a regular flow of new inventory the harsh reality is that you will have to deal with the manufacturing powerhouse that is China. The complexities and challenges of importing items from China, particularly at scale can and indeed is a full-time job which certain companies specialise in, and so for any small business the idea of trying to do it yourself on top of all the other challenges you face is nigh on impossible. That is why many companies turn to experts such as Atlantic International who can deal with any problems which may arise, leaving you to focus your energies on growing your business and maximising your return on investment. Let’s examine the freight forwarding process from start to finish.

1 The Information Gathering Process

Like most things in life, the most important aspect of any task is in the preparation. Before any decisions are made, you or the freight forwarder will need all of the necessary information to make an informed decision. This will include things such as the type and quantity of goods, any specific packaging requirements, and just as importantly any non-negotiable delivery dates. Once they are in possession of this information the freight forwarder can then decide on the most suitable shipping method and the route it will need to take.

2 The Booking Process

In much the same way as when you book a holiday once you have all of the information to hand, you can now start the ball rolling. Your freight forwarder will book what they perceive to be the best type of transportation services, which could include air freight, sea freight, or even land transportation. The other benefit of using a freight forwarder is that they will deal with all of the necessary paperwork, including the packing list, bill of lading and all of the commercial invoices.

3 Stock Collection and Transportation To the Airport or Port

Things are now starting to move quickly because once the booking confirmation has been received the freight forwarder’s next task is to arrange for the collection of your items/stock from the supplier in China. Then depending on the method of transportation to the United Kingdom your stock will be taken to the relevant airport or sea port.

4 It’s Time To Go International

Before being loaded into the aircraft or onto the ship, the goods will be cleared by customs in China. Once this hurdle has been passed the goods will be put into the transportation vehicle. At that point, your freight forwarder will constantly track the location of your goods, and will also be in direct contact with the UK importer keeping them updated and fully informed at all times.

5 UK Customs Clearance

Once your inventory arrives in the United Kingdom it must pass through the UK Customs as you would expect. Once again this is where having a freight forwarding company as a partner can make the process a lot simpler. The freight forwarding company will assist with completing the paperwork, and make sure that all local regulations are complied with.

6 The End Goal - Delivery

Once customs have been cleared, the goods then need to be transported from the seaport or airport to your destination in the UK. At Atlantic International, we will then collaborate with any local carriers that you want to use to make sure that everything is delivered safely and on time and also to deal with any unexpected problems or issues that may arise.

The Importance of Choosing A Quality Reliable Freight Forwarding Company

Hopefully having read all of the various steps above you will have realised that employing the services of a freight forwarding company is a necessity rather than a luxury. There are a large number of freight forwarding companies on the market, but obviously, not all companies operate to the same high standard. So the next question is how to select the right freight forwarding company for your specific needs and requirements.

1 Do They Have The Requisite Experience Particularly When Dealing With China

Although there are numerous freight forwarding companies based around the world not all of them have the knowledge or experience in handling shipments that originate in China. This is not a predicament you want to find yourself in, because there are extensive regulations and indeed customs procedures that you need to be aware of. Additionally, if a company has little or no experience of exporting from China, then their knowledge of the transportation networks in relation to China will also be poor. Atlantic International has been forwarding freight from China, for many years, we have a lot of experience and have numerous trusted partners within the industry.

2 Customer Service

The freight forwarding industry is no different than any other industry in that you want to employ a company with outstanding customer service. Do your research, and speak to other clients of the freight forwarding company you are considering, with the aim of ascertaining if they will offer you the relevant support and customer service you deserve. Atlantic International are proud of our reputation and the customer service we deliver. All of our customer service team are committed and dedicated to providing market-leading levels of customer service, which is why we retain virtually all of our customers and continue to grow.

3 Modern Reliable Technology

When your valuable stock is being transported across the globe, you want to know where it is at all times. Tracking technology continues to evolve at a frantic pace, which is why Atlantic International consistently invests in the latest technology and training for our staff. This way we can identify with pinpoint accuracy exactly where your products are at any time during the transportation process.

Atlantic International is one of the leading providers of freight forwarding services from China to the United Kingdom. If you are searching for a reliable efficient and cost-effective freight forwarding company then contact our friendly customer service team today on 01527 874 980