Most businesses hire freight forwarders without asking the right questions.

That is risky.

Before signing any contract or making any payment, you must evaluate your forwarder like you would evaluate a financial partner.

This checklist separates professionals from amateurs.

1️⃣ Are You Properly Licensed and Registered?

Ask for proof of:

• Freight forwarding license
• Customs authorization
• Regulatory registration
• Business incorporation

If they hesitate, walk away.

2️⃣ Do You Specialize in My Industry?

Shipping electronics is different from shipping textiles.

Shipping machinery is different from shipping food items.

Ask:

• Have you handled cargo like mine before?
• What challenges did you face?
• How were they resolved?

Experience reduces risk.

3️⃣ What Is Included in Your Quote?

Break down every charge:

• Freight cost
• Documentation fees
• Customs handling
• Terminal handling charges
• Delivery charges
• Port charges

Never accept vague pricing.

4️⃣ What Happens If My Shipment Is Delayed?

A serious forwarder should explain:

• Contingency procedures
• Communication plan
• Escalation process

If they cannot answer clearly, they lack structure.

5️⃣ How Do You Handle Customs Complications?

Customs is where most problems occur.

Ask:

• Do you have in-house clearance experts?
• How do you manage inspections?
• How do you handle documentation errors?

This determines how fast your cargo moves.

6️⃣ What Technology Do You Use?

Modern freight forwarders provide:

• Real-time shipment tracking
• Automated updates
• Digital documentation
• Online dashboards

Manual-only operations increase risk.

7️⃣ Who Is My Dedicated Contact?

Never work with a company where “anyone” handles your shipment.

You need:

• A direct contact person
• Reliable communication
• Clear accountability

8️⃣ What Insurance Coverage Is Available?

Cargo insurance is not optional.

Ask:

• What coverage options exist?
• What risks are excluded?
• What is the claims process?

Uninsured cargo = full financial exposure.

9️⃣ How Do You Prevent Hidden Charges?

Transparency matters.

Request:

• Written breakdown of all costs
• Written confirmation of inclusions
• Clear demurrage terms

🔟 Can You Provide Client References?

Serious freight forwarders have:

• Testimonials
• Client references
• Case records
• Long-term partnerships

Reputation speaks louder than promises.

The Real Objective

You are not looking for someone who can “ship.”

You are looking for someone who can:

• Protect your goods
• Protect your money
• Protect your timeline
• Protect your brand

That requires structure, experience, and accountability.

Final Word

Freight forwarding is where profit can silently leak.

Ask the right questions, and you reduce risk dramatically.

In Post 3, we will break down a real-world scenario that shows what happens when businesses ignore these steps — and how it can be avoided.