Look at the aisle in a grocery store and ask yourself: how is it possible to transport these goods in one trip? Or how to send a custom-made luxury handbag in three days because the client needs it for an event? You might also ask how government agencies donate and send coronavirus vaccines to other countries. It is where a freight forwarding company in Singapore comes in.

Such companies provide transportation to clients who do not have the means to move an entire grocery store of consumer goods or time-sensitive items. Here is the customer journey and features of a shipping agent company in Singapore.

 

WHAT IS A FREIGHT FORWARDING COMPANY?

A freight forwarding company is a logistical firm that specialises in transportation, exportation, and movement of goods. They also benefit many industries ranging from FMCGs, medical, heavy equipment, and anything else that requires them to ship products across borders.

It starts with a customer who seeks to send goods to a recipient they cannot access. For example, a multinational company that produces toiletries (like shampoo and toothpaste) wants to expand their reach and market their products to a new country. Of course, their existing fleet of vans and trucks is not enough, and they do not have large container vans for this purpose. As a result, they contact a shipping agent in Singapore to take care of everything.

Overall, they bridge the gap between the sender and recipient: In this case, the company and their target market. They make movement possible with their specialised services.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BROKER AND A FORWARDER

 

It is necessary to differentiate a broker from a forwarding company in Singapore. A broker is a company that seeks to connect companies. They can help clients find the best shipping agent that suits their needs or the other way around. They also oversee everything to ensure a smooth relationship between the shipper and carrier. You can see this as a friend who introduced two people to one another to form something.

In contrast, air or sea freight forwarders in Singapore do the actual shipping themselves. They also hold more liability because of the storage service they provide. Insurance is also in the equation to maintain the quality of their shipments.

THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY

 

Individuals and businesses hire a shipping agent for different reasons. They might be sending a special present to someone abroad, exporting their products internationally to widen their reach, and even attending to a client’s request to receive a time-sensitive parcel. Here is the typical journey customers go through when transacting with a forwarding company in Singapore:

#1: FORMING A GOAL OR PURPOSE

The journey starts with a goal or the reason the client needs the services of a forwarding company. For instance, an FMCGs company wants to send an entire grocery store of food products to a particular country. Naturally, they do not have the means to move bulk items, and they will resort to a shipping agent for assistance. Another case would be an expatriate who has the means to utilise a container van for their entire household because their employer will pay for their relocation expenses. At this stage, the customer seeks to ship their goods most efficiently.

#2: CONSULTING WITH A COMPANY

At this stage, your concern would be finding the best freight forwarding company in Singapore that can meet your demands. First, get to know each other. Ask about the business, and introduce yourself as the client so they would learn about your concerns. You can also learn about their services. Second, lay down all your requests. If your inventory has temperature requirements, relay that information. Communicate everything that will help them provide the best possible service.

#3: FINALISING THE ORDER

The last stage is finalising the order or preparing everything for shipment. While the air and sea freight agency in Singaporetakes care of everything, you can still check what happens and how they manage your order. They will also process the necessary papers for international transport to comply with regulations. After this, all you have to do is wait for your shipment to arrive at the destination.

THE FEATURES OF A GOOD FREIGHT COMPANY

 

 

Not all freight forwarding companies in Singapore offer the same services. Their quality also depends on the preferences and needs of the customer, so it is not a universal sizing scheme. In short, you will decide at the end of the day. Here are the features every shipping agentshould have:

#1: A WELL-DEVELOPED WEBSITE

People in the digital age start by exploring the internet when looking for a freight forwarding company. They use a search engine to look for promising options, and they interact with each of them. A well-developed website is something easy to navigate and read.

#2: RESPONSIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

The website contains everything, but customers will have many questions after reading about their services, mission & vision, and company portfolio. You need a shipping agent who attends to their customers’ needs and accommodates them anytime.

#3: FLEXIBLE PRICING

Freight forwarding services in Singapore should have the appropriate pricing. Customers get the quality they deserve without experiencing exorbitant fees and hidden charges.

#4: COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Government agencies regulate international transport. They have standards, and companies should comply with them. For sea freight clients in Singapore, the company should handle the necessary paperwork on taxes, duties, and customs clearance.

#5: WELL-MANAGED FLEET

Logistics companies use vans, trucks, aeroplanes, ships, and other vehicles. On top of transporting goods is proper maintenance of their equipment. You can ask the company about this or explore their website if there are any details.

#6: COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Delays are inevitable in freight forwarding in Singapore. However, a good company commits to providing the best service possible. They practise accountability when getting across obstacles, such as late arrivals and damaged parcels. Such trait says a lot about them as a company.

STAR CONCORD PTE LTD, of the Pacific Star Group, specialises in land, air, and sea freight in Singapore. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact them or visit their website.