It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. Today we can get the product we want even if it was manufactured an ocean away. But what makes all this a reality? The key is international freight forwarding, which ensures the success of shipments so that products reach our hands safely and on time.
From Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España we show you in detail what international freight forwarding is, the different types that exist, how it works and how we can help you to improve your logistics operations.
What is International Freight Forwarding?
International freight forwarding is the management and movement of goods and products between different countries, whether by sea, air, road or rail. This activity is essential to ensure a constant supply of products, which promotes global trade and economic growth. For example, air transport is frequently used to ship electronic devices from Asia to Europe, while sea transport is ideal for moving large quantities of raw materials, such as steel or oil.
Main Characteristics of Sea and Air Transportation
Sea and air transport have different characteristics that make them unique for different logistics needs. On the one hand, maritime transport is ideal for bulky and large-tonnage goods, such as industrial products or raw materials, as it has a large capacity and allows large volumes to be transported at lower cost. On the other hand, air transport is the best option for urgent shipments, perishable goods or high-value goods, due to its speed and reliability.
We, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, offer both types of transport. We are committed to help our customers to choose the best alternative according to their needs and required delivery times.
Types of International Freight Transportation
As for international sea and air freight, there are several types of international transportation, each with its own advantages and limitations. Let’s take a look at the key features of each:
Maritime Transport.
Depending on the type of cargo, companies can choose between the following types of maritime transport:
Full Container Load (FCL)
If your business needs to ship large volumes of goods, then this is the perfect option. By using a full container, the customer has the exclusivity of the container, which guarantees greater security and control over the cargo. It is an ideal option for products that require considerable space or special handling, such as heavy machinery, furniture or construction materials.
Consolidated Cargo (LCL)
But if you don’t need a full container, then you can choose this option. In this case, several cargoes from different customers are grouped into one container. This allows you to reduce costs, as the expenses are divided between the different customers. Some small and medium-sized companies can benefit from this type of transport, as they generally do not require large shipping volumes.
Ro-Ro Transport (roll-on/roll-off)
This method is used to transport vehicles and machinery that can be driven or rolled into a vessel. Trucks, industrial vehicles or heavy machinery are some of the most common loads in ro-ro transport.
Air Freight
Ideal for urgent shipments and products that need fast delivery by the following types of transport:
Regular Air Freight
This is the standard option for shipments that need to reach their destination quickly, but are not necessarily extremely urgent in nature. It is a service used primarily for perishable goods, electronics or pharmaceuticals that need to arrive quickly, but can be scheduled with some flexibility.
Express Air Freight
Designed for extremely urgent deliveries, it ensures that goods arrive in the shortest possible time. What type of goods are usually transported? Ideal for shipping vital medical supplies, machinery components that require immediate replacement to avoid production downtime, luxury goods that need to be delivered on specific dates for important events, or even important documents that need to arrive in a very short time frame.
Air Charters
When shipments are particularly large or urgent, and cannot be accommodated by regular cargo flights, there is the option of air charters. This means that an aircraft is chartered specifically to transport the goods, allowing great flexibility in terms of schedule and cargo volume. It is considered a premium solution for complex logistics needs.
Are Incoterms Important in International Freight Forwarding?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are international rules that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers.
The terms help to avoid misunderstandings and disputes by clearly stating who bears the costs and risks during transportation. These terms help to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts by clearly establishing who assumes the costs and risks during transportation. Therefore, it is essential to have good advice on the appropriate Incoterms for each operation, since these terms clearly define the responsibilities of each party, optimize logistics processes and help minimize risks. Some of them, such as FOB (Free On Board) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), make it possible to agree from the point of delivery to who assumes the costs and risks in each stage of the transport, which facilitates greater efficiency in international transactions.
Phases of International Freight Forwarding
The international transport process consists of several key stages that ensure the correct delivery of goods:
Planning and Budgeting
In this first phase, the route and the most appropriate means of transport are defined according to the cargo and deadlines. Aspects such as the nature of the goods, required delivery times and available routes are analyzed to ensure the best balance between cost and efficiency.
Documentation
Then, all necessary documents are managed, including Bill of Lading, customs permits, certificates of origin and other relevant documents that ensure compliance with international regulations. Proper document management is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays in cargo transit.
Transportation and Tracking
In addition, it is necessary to coordinate the actual movement of the goods according to the chosen means of transport. The logistics company is in charge of constantly monitoring the shipment to provide real-time information to its customers so that they can track their goods. This would allow to detect possible incidents and act quickly to minimize them.
Final Delivery
Finally, the cargo is delivered to the consignee in compliance with the established deadlines and agreed conditions. Quality control is also performed to ensure that the goods arrive in perfect condition, and delivery conditions are verified to confirm that the process has been completed satisfactorily.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Freight Forwarding
What are the most common challenges in international freight forwarding?
The challenges facing international freight forwarding include managing customs documentation, coordinating between different modes of transport, and adapting to international regulations, which can change from country to country.
How does the choice of transport type influence cost optimization?
The choice of transport type has a direct impact on logistics costs. Sea transport is usually more economical for large volumes, while air transport is ideal for urgent shipments that require speed. The right choice allows you to optimize costs and ensure that the goods arrive on time.
Take Your Business Further with International Transport
Thanks to international sea and air transport, products cross borders and oceans to reach the hands of consumers and companies all over the world. As a company, it is essential to know the different modes of transport to choose the option that best suits the logistical and commercial needs of our business.
In case you do not know where to start, we, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, are here to help you. We offer customized solutions for international freight forwarding to ensure that all your products reach their destination safely and on time. We have the experience and resources to help you no matter what type of cargo you need to ship. Don’t hesitate to contact us to receive personalized advice and improve your company’s logistics.
