How to choose an export freight forwarder? What services are included? What are the latest 2025 fee standards?

How to evaluate a freight forwarders professional qualifications?

When selecting a freight forwarder, focus on the following qualifications:

• International freight forwarding filing certificate(Valid MOFCOM filing qualification)
• Industry Certification: FIATA, WCA and other international alliance memberships
• Specific business licenses: Dangerous goods transport qualification, cold chain logistics certification, etc.
• Customs AEO certification: 2025 new regulations require agency companies to meet at least AEO General Certification standards

What core services do professional freight forwarders provide?

Standard service packages typically include:

• Booking management (including FOB/CIF term operations)
• Customs clearance and inspection (including HS code classification services)
• Document preparation (B/L, CO, insurance documents, etc.)
• Logistics tracking (GPS positioning + real-time exception alerts)
• New services added in 2025Cross-border e-invoice compliance processing (Adapting to the EU DAC7 new regulations)

III. What items are included in freight forwarding fees?

Typical fee structure (taking a 40-foot container as an example):

• Basic freight: USD 3800-5500 (subject to route fluctuations)
• Additional fees:
  • Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): USD 450-800
  • Port congestion fee (15% increase in collection standards from Q1 2025)
• Customs clearance service fee: RMB 800-1500/shipment
• Special reminder: The EU will impose CBAM carbon tariffs in 2025, which should be included in cost calculations in advance

IV. How to prevent risks in freight forwarding cooperation?

Three key points for risk prevention and control:

• Clearly define responsibilities in contracts (recommended to use ICC Model Contract for International Freight Forwarding 2024 edition)
• Require agents to carry professional liability insurance (recommended coverage of at least USD 500,000)
• Establish a cargo dynamic tracking mechanism (update logistics nodes at least every 48 hours)

V. What should be paid attention to when transporting special cargo?

For special categories:

• Dangerous goods: MSDS and UN38.3 certification must be provided
• Lithium batteries: IATA new regulations in 2025 require additional short-circuit prevention labels on outer packaging
• Food category: Must obtain destination country health certificates (such as US FDA, EU EFSA)
• Precision instruments: It is recommended to choose constant temperature and humidity containers (premium about 25-40%)

VI. What policy changes need to be paid attention to in 2025?

Key policy updates:

• China Customs promotes the Smart Customs Declaration system (fully electronic from June, 2025)
• RCEP rules of origin optimization (new preferential catalog for auto parts)
• US ,Maritime TransportationReform Act implementation (changes in port demurrage fee standards)
• EU promotes green logistics certification (EPD certification will affect freight pricing)