The Important Things You Need To Take Into Consideration When Selecting A Freight Forwarder From China to the UK 

Your business is finally beginning to take off, and this in turn means that you have spent many hours conducting your due diligence to find the right manufacturer in China, to make your goods to the required standard at the best price possible. 

Unfortunately, as with many aspects of doing business, your work is far from being done. The next decision you have to make is arguably even more important - how to successfully get those goods from China back to the United Kingdom, to sell them. After all, without getting your products into your target market, you don't have any way to convert that investment, sweat and tears into profit. So choosing the right freight forwarding company can potentially be a make-or-break decision for your company, and one that certainly shouldn't be taken lightly. The question is how do you do everything in your power to make sure you get this decision right the first time? 

At Atlantic International, we have successfully forwarded freight from China, thousands of times. We know what we are doing and perhaps just as importantly we are obsessive about delivering high-quality customer service. That is the reason behind this particular article to share our areas of knowledge and expertise with any potential customers out there. Our long-term aim of course is to become your permanent freight forwarder. So let's dive deep into the world of freight forwarding, and let us make sure that you get this critical decision right at the first time of asking. 

Experience Experience Experience. 

Freight forwarding is a technical challenge that encompasses hundreds of moving parts with the potential for numerous things to go wrong, thousands of miles away from the United Kingdom. If and when things do go wrong, which is always a strong possibility, you want to be confident in your freight forwarding partner’s ability to resolve problems quickly and efficiently. And to be honest with you the only way any company becomes proficient in solving a myriad of problems is with experience. That is why the first thing any company you are considering needs to possess is years and years of experience. 

Atlantic International has a proven track record of success, and while we will never claim to have the solution to every problem, as new problems can arise on a daily basis, we do have the tactical nous, enthusiasm and determination to deal with whatever is thrown at us. In addition, you don't just want to choose a company that has many years of experience, you want a company with many years of experience in the Chinese to UK market. That's something that Atlantic International possesses in abundance and is one of the key reasons behind our meteoric rise in the last decade or so. 

A Comprehensive Portfolio of Services That Can Cater To Your Every Requirement. 

We have all heard the statement that “too many cooks spoil the broth” and in our opinion, the best freight forwarder for your small to medium-sized business should be able to deliver on every aspect of the process. The second you begin using different companies for different elements of the trip is the second that issues will begin. And of course, then, everyone will blame everyone else leaving you in the middle and tearing your hair out. By choosing a company that does everything from start to finish you eliminate these potential disputes, and have one point of contact. To be clear any quality freight forwarding company should provide at a very minimum the following services 

• Warehousing
• Packaging
• Customs Clearance
• Freight Consolidation
• Last Mile Delivery

In addition to reducing the complexities of dealing with multiple providers by using one company, you should also benefit from cost savings and a much simpler process from start to finish. As you should expect Atlantic International offers all of the above services and indeed some others that may benefit you in the future as you grow. 

Price

There is no disputing that price is a critical component for every business, after all achieving the best price possible directly relates to your profitability, but critical decisions regarding your business should not be exclusively focused on one factor. You want to be reassured that quality is never compromised by lower pricing which could ultimately cost you more in the long run. With freight forwarding and all of the potential problems that can arise choosing the cheaper option could result in unnecessary or even extended delays which could cost you customers and significantly more than any savings achieved with the lowest price. 

Then there is the risk to your reputation, which takes many years to build but can be destroyed in seconds. The key is to balance value for money with quality of service so always focus on both aspects when making your decision. Atlantic International prides itself on our competitive pricing and old-fashioned customer service that we believe is hard to find anywhere else in the industry. 

Reputation

As referred to briefly earlier in the article the reputation of any freight forwarder is critical when making decisions as to which company to choose. One of the major benefits of the modern world is that the internet allows you to examine the credentials of any company you are considering. It is however important to remember that generally speaking people who are delighted or content with a service rarely write a positive testimonial, whereas unhappy people are quick to criticize. With that being said Atlantic International has built up an excellent reputation over many years, one of which we are very proud. We are more than happy to introduce any prospective clients to our previous customers because we are confident in the quality of the service we provide. 

How Reliable Is a Company's Track Record?

Another relatively simple barometer of the quality of a company is to check its reliability record, specifically about the meeting of delivery deadlines and the careful handling of shipments. It is this reliability that will maintain the integrity of your supply chain and as a consequence ensure that you meet their deadline expectations. 

‍In conclusion, it is critical to conduct your due diligence before choosing a freight forwarding company in Birmingham. Choosing the right company such as Atlantic International could give you a distinct advantage in the marketplace, while choosing badly could have a detrimental impact on your reputation.

If you are in the market for a quality professional and reliable freight forwarding company in the Birmingham area then call Atlantic International today on 01527 874 980