1.What is the basic operational process of export sourcing agency?

Standard freight forwarding operations consist of six key steps:

• DemandConfirmation:Clarifythecargocharacteristics(dimensions/weight/HScode),transportationmethod,andtradeterms.
• ProposalQuotation:IncludeComprehensivequotationincludingfee+surcharge+customsclearancefee+documentationfee
• Bookingoperation:Obtaintheshippingcompany’sSO(ShippingOrder)andarrangecontainerallocation.
• CustomsDeclaration:Verifythecustomsdeclarationform,Complianceof13documentsincluding
• GoodsTracking:Provideshippingscheduleupdatesandreal-timefeedbackoncustomsinspections.
• SettlementandDelivery:Issuetheoriginalbillofladingortelexrelease,andcompletethesettlementoffees.

2.How to Assess the Professionalism of a Freight Forwarding Company?

It is recommended to evaluate through four dimensions:

• QualificationVerification:VerifytheNVOCCcertificate(Non-VesselOperatingCommonCarrierqualification)andFIATAmembership.
• Routecoverage:Doesthemainrouteincludeyourtargetmarket(suchastheroutestoRCEPcountriesin2025)?
• :WhetheritsupportsdirectconnectionanddeclarationwiththeElectronicTaxBureau:DoesitprovideEDIdataexchangeandvisualtrackingsystems?
• Casestudy:Requesttoprovideoperationrecordsforthesamecategoryofgoods(withspecialattentiontohazardousmaterials/coldchainandotherspecialgoods).

3.What hidden costs are included in freight forwarding fees?

In addition to the basic ocean freight,special attention should be paid to three types of surcharges:

• PeakSeasonSurcharge(PSS):In2025,shippingcompaniesgenerallychargesurchargesinthesecondandfourthquarters.
• PortCongestionSurcharge(CGS):Currently,thestandardchargesattheportsofRotterdamandLosAngeleshavereached$350/TEU.
• LowSulphurFuelSurcharge(LSS):AccordingtotheIMO2025newregulations,itmayincreaseto$120percontainer.

IV.How to Determine Liability in Case of Cargo Delay?

Based on a real case from a certain company in 2024:

• EventDetails:TheshipmentfromShanghaitoHamburghasbeendelayedby23daysinarrivingattheport.
• Determinationofliability:
  • Thefreightforwarderfailedtopromptlynotifythevoyagechange–liableforpenalty.
  • Strikesattheportofdestinationconstituteforcemajeure—noliabilityshallbeassumed.
• Handling results: 30% of the claimed freight charges + waiver of storage fees

5.What impact will the international trade policy have on freight forwarders in 2025?

Three new policies require special attention:

• EUCBAMCarbonBorderTax:Steelgoodsrequireasupplychaincarbonemissionsreport.
• U.S.UFLPAAct:AdditionalinspectioncertificatesarerequiredforthetransportationofXinjiangcottonproducts.
• RCEPrulesoforigin:ASEANcountries’goodsmustmeettheregionalvaluecontentstandardtoenjoytariffreductions.

6.How to Prevent Risks in Cargo Transportation?

It is recommended to implement five safeguard measures:

• PurchaseOceanMarineAllRisksInsurance(Therateisapproximately0.15%ofthecargovalue.)
• RequestthefreightforwardertoissueFulltemperaturerecording(Refrigeratedcargo)
• SignDemurrageCapAgreement(Usuallylimitedto$200/day)
• ImportantcargoselectionDirectsigningwithlinercompanies(NotanNVOCCagent)
• RegularauditsoffreightforwardersISO28000SupplyChainSecurityCertificationValidity

Automobile ExportAre there any special requirements for logistics?

Different from traditionalThree key operational points:

• Customsdeclarationmode：Thecross-bordere-commercesupervisioncodes9610/9710mustbeadopted.
• FinalMileDelivery:Requireintegrationwithoverseaswarehouseschedulingsystems(e.g.AmazonFBA).
• ReturnProcessing:Agreeinadvanceonthelabelingforreturnsandtheallocationratioofreturnshippingcosts.

8.How to establish long-term cooperation with freight forwarders?

It is recommended to implement four mechanisms:

• EstablishQuarterlyKPIAssessment(On-timerate≥95%,Errorrate≤0.3%)
• ImplementationFreightratelinkagemechanism(RefertotheSCFIindexforadjustingthebaserate)
• CarryoutCustomsComplianceTraining(Atleast2policyinterpretationsperyear)
• SharingSupplyChainDataDashboard(VisualizedInventoryTurnoverandLogisticsLeadTime)