The 5 Stages of the Freight Forwarding Process

Freight forwarding is the flow of shipments from one destination to another –
usually carried out by a freight forwarder such as Corsair Logistics. These movements are usually quite complicated as a result of the logistical and regulatory steps along the way. It is very important that any business looking to move goods internationally finds a freight forwarding partner that knows how to take shipments through the various stages of international shipping.

Corsair Logistics breaks down the five stages of the freight forwarding process.

A Guide to The Freight Forwarding Process

Freight forwarders are the experts who facilitate the shipping process from port to port and beyond. They don’t handle the shipping themselves, but they are responsible for making it happen. We understand the ins and outs of international trade and know how to ensure that goods get to their destination. Each freight forwarder will take a shipment through the same five steps. Let’s take a look at the details of this process.

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1. Export Haulage

In the first step, goods are moved from the shipper’s location to the freight forwarders’ warehouse. Land transport such as trucking, or rail is usually required for this purpose. Depending on the distances involved, this stage, which is referred to as export haulage, can take anywhere between a day and a few weeks.

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2. Checkpoint

Once the forwarders receive the goods, they will check everything to ensure that it has arrived intact. This is the first stage in preparing the shipment for export.

3. Export Customs Clearance

Before the goods can leave the port, it needs clearance from the authorities in the country of origin. The forwarders will submit details about the cargo and all supporting documents. This is technically part of the customs clearance process, which most freight forwarders will be equipped to handle. If they are not, they will contract a third-party customs broker service.

4. Import Customs Clearance

Once the shipment arrives at the destination port, the authorities on that side will have to check the documentation. This part of the process can begin before the shipment even arrives. The freight forwarder or customs broker can make sure that all the necessary documents have been checked and cleared prior to the ship’s arrival.

5. Destination Arrival, Handling and Haulage

Once the cargo arrives, the forwarders and authorities will exchange and sign off on the necessary documents. The goods are then hauled from the warehouse to its final destination.

Come to Corsair Logistics for Fast, Professional Freight Forwarding Services

Corsair Logistics is a transport and logistics company based in Durban, South Africa. We can provide a complete, secure supply chain solution. Contact us if you want a trusted partner to take your freight through these five steps with ease.

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