Finding the right freight forwarding partner isn’t just about who gives the cheapest quote. If you're shipping bulk from China to the U.S., delays, miscommunication, and customs issues can all destroy profits. As the owner of GeeseCargo, I’ve worked with importers who came to us after being burned by unprofessional agents. The truth is—choosing wrong costs more than you think.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to properly evaluate a freight forwarding company, so you know what to look for before signing any contract or making your next shipment.
Not all forwarders are created equal. Some might look flashy online but lack port contacts or real shipment handling experience. I’ll break it down using questions our clients like Ron from the U.S. often ask when comparing service providers.
What experience should a freight forwarder have?
Experience is everything in freight forwarding. Anyone can rent an office and promise delivery. But only seasoned forwarders have the know-how to manage unexpected issues like strikes, weather delays, or customs red flags.
A strong freight forwarder should have years of experience with your shipping route, direct port connections, and a record of handling volume without bottlenecks.
How many years of experience matter?
If you're shipping from China to the U.S., look for at least 5–10 years of specific route experience. At GeeseCargo, we've managed both sea and air freight through every major Chinese port and have contacts at Long Beach, Los Angeles, and other U.S. entry points.
Can they show references or case studies?
Ask for proof. Good forwarders should willingly share references or successful case examples. We often show new clients tracking screenshots or warehouse photos from past shipments to prove our reliability.
What services should they offer for full support?
Many forwarders advertise “end-to-end” services—but you need to confirm what’s included. Is it just port-to-port shipping, or do they also cover customs clearance, warehousing, and DDP?
The best freight companies offer full service: pick-up from your factory, export clearance, ocean or air freight, customs clearance at destination, and final delivery.
Do they handle customs clearance?
This is non-negotiable. Without customs support, you risk cargo being held or fined. We handle both Chinese and U.S. customs for our clients, and we pre-check documents to avoid HS code issues or missing declarations.
Is DDP available?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the gold standard for smooth shipping. We offer DDP options on most China–U.S. lanes, which means our clients don’t need to coordinate with brokers or worry about taxes on arrival.
How do they communicate and report shipment status?
You can have the best freight plan in place—but if no one picks up your calls or updates you when things go wrong, the value disappears. Communication makes or breaks a shipment.
Professional forwarders offer multilingual support, regular updates, and live tracking portals so you’re never in the dark.
Do they provide live tracking?
Ask for a demo of their system. At GeeseCargo, clients can track ocean and air freight in real-time using our digital dashboard, plus receive email or WhatsApp alerts for status changes.
How quickly do they respond?
We reply to all messages within a few hours—even on weekends—because we understand time zone differences. When comparing forwarders, test their responsiveness by asking specific questions about timelines and processes.
What pricing model do they use and is it transparent?
A low quote isn’t helpful if it comes with hidden charges later. We’ve had clients tell us horror stories about surprise port charges or incorrect tax bills. That’s not professional.
Reliable freight forwarders provide detailed quotes, explain extra charges, and give total DDP prices when needed. Transparency saves money in the long run.
What should a quote include?
At a minimum: pick-up fee, export clearance, freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, and last-mile delivery. Our quotes are broken down clearly and sent in PDF format before any shipment starts.
How can I avoid hidden charges?
Always ask what’s not included. For example, warehouse storage past free days or customs inspections. We notify clients before any such fees occur and suggest ways to avoid them.
Conclusion
Choosing a freight forwarder isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, service, and trust. As someone who’s helped hundreds of U.S. importers move millions of dollars in cargo, I know that the right logistics partner can make or break your business.
Evaluate your forwarder by their experience, service scope, communication, and pricing transparency. At GeeseCargo, we work like part of your team—always keeping your costs low, timelines sharp, and goods safe.
If you're shipping from China and want smooth logistics, talk to someone who’s done it a thousand times.
