How to Choose an Export Freight Forwarder? What to Do in Case of Inspection? The Complete 2025 Guide Explained.

How to Choose a Reliable Export Freight Forwarder?

According to the World Bank's 2024 Logistics Performance Index, professional freight forwarders can reduce corporate transportation costs by 18%-25%. It is recommended to screen from three dimensions:

• Qualification verification:Check the registration certificate of the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA).
• Service Network:Please provide at least 5 local customs clearance cases at the destination ports.
• Risk control:Please confirm that they have purchased Freight Forwarder Liability Insurance (FFL).

What is the complete process of export freight forwarding?

Under the latest 2025 Incoterms? version, the standard procedures include:

• Pre - preparation Stage
  • Sign the service agreement (it is necessary to specify the application of Incoterms? 2025 clauses).
  • Obtain HS Code Pre-confirmation for Goods
• Transportation execution phase
  • Booking and Container Allocation (Note: Adjustment of IMO 2025 Low Sulfur Fuel Surcharge)
  • Dual customs declaration (China export + destination country import)

What hidden costs are included in freight forwarding fees?

The actual expenditure of a home appliance export enterprise in 2024 reveals that hidden costs account for 12.3% of the total freight, primarily including:

• Document Attachment Fee:ENS/AMS declaration fee (new EU carbon tax declaration item added in 2025)
• Supervision and Storage Fees:Demurrage charges incurred from customs inspections (to be billed hourly starting from 2025).
• Exchange Rate Adjustment Fee:The spread cost generated by forward foreign exchange locking

What can a freight forwarder do during customs inspection?

The inspection rate for AEO-certified enterprises under the General Administration of Customs in 2025 has been reduced to 3.2%. Professional agents should provide:

• Prevention in advance:Commodity classification advance ruling application
• Response during the event:On-site accompanying inspection (prior customs declaration record required)
• Post-event relief:Classification Dispute Administrative Reconsideration Support

How to Avoid the Risk of Cargo Abandonment at the Destination Port?

Cross-border cargo abandonment cases increased by 15% year-on-year in 2024. It is recommended to take the following measures:

• Payment Control:Request the agent to provide Cash Against Documents (CAD) service upon presentation of a copy of the bill of lading.
• Credit Screening:Verify the buyer's qualifications through Sinosure.
• Emergency response:Purpose: To sign a 15-day free demurrage guarantee clause at the destination port.

What should be considered for the transportation of special cargo?

According to the new IMO 2025 regulations, special attention must be paid to the transportation of special cargo:

• Dangerous goods:Submit the MSDS and UN number for record 6 weeks in advance.
• Cold chain cargo:Request for full-process temperature-controlled GPS records
• Oversized items:Confirm the load-bearing capacity of the transshipment port's lifting equipment.

How can freight forwarders assist with compliance declarations?

The new regulations to be implemented by major global economies in 2025 include:

• EU CBAM Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Pre-Declaration
• Traceability Certification for the U.S. UFLPA Xinjiang-Related Act
• Application of RCEP Rules of Origin Accumulation

Professional agents should provide declaration templates and compliance training services.

The Impact of Electronic Bill of Lading Adoption on Exports?

By 2025, the adoption rate of electronic bills of lading in China has reached 63%. Please confirm agent support:

• DCSA eBL Platform Integration
• Blockchain-based evidence preservation service
• 24-hour electronic cargo release guarantee

How to control the deviation in transportation time?

It is recommended to stipulate the following key indicators in the contract:

• Booking confirmation deadline (no more than 48 hours during peak season)
• Document submission deadline before the cutoff time
• The fluctuation range of the entire transportation time (±3 days).

How to effectively claim compensation for cargo damage?

International 2025Maritime TransportationThe average claims settlement cycle has been shortened to 45 days. Suggestions:

• Take a seven-sided sealing video during container loading.
• Request the agent to issue a Packing Certificate (CLP).
• Select an insurance company that offers "warehouse to warehouse" coverage.