How to Operate Export Cargo Agency? How to Avoid Pitfalls? These 8 Questions Must Be Clarified!

What is the basic operation process of export cargo agency?

Standard freight forwarding operations include 6 key steps:

• Demand Confirmation: Clarify cargo characteristics (dimensions/weight/HS code), transportation method, and trade terms
• Solution Quotation: IncludeMaritime Transportation: Comprehensive quotation including ocean freight + surcharges + customs clearance fees + document fees
• Booking Operation: Obtain shipping order (SO) from the shipping company and arrange container allocation
• Customs Declaration: Verify compliance of 13 documents including customs declarationIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:: Provide shipping schedule updates and real-time customs inspection feedback
• Goods TrackingSettlement & Delivery
• : Issue original bill of lading or telex release, complete fee settlementHow to evaluate the professionalism of a freight forwarding company?

Recommended assessment through 4 dimensions:

: Check NVOCC certificate (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier qualification) and FIATA membership

• Qualification VerificationRoute Coverage
• : Whether main routes include your target markets (such as 2025 RCEP country routes): Whether providing EDI data exchange and visual tracking systems
• : Whether it supports direct connection and declaration with the Electronic Tax Bureau: Request operation records of similar cargo (especially focusing on special cargo like dangerous goods/cold chain)
• Case studyWhat hidden costs are included in freight forwarding fees?

In addition to basic ocean freight, pay special attention to 3 types of surcharges:

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)

• : Shipping companies generally impose in Q2/Q4 2025: Shipping companies generally impose surcharges in Q2/Q4 2025
• Port Congestion Surcharge (CGS): Current collection standards at Rotterdam and Los Angeles ports reach $350/TEU
• Low Sulfur Fuel Surcharge (LSS): May increase to $120/container according to IMO2025 new regulations

How to determine liability for cargo delays?

Illustrated through a real 2024 case from an enterprise:

• Event Details: Shanghai to Hamburg cargo delayed by 23 days
• Liability Determination:
  • Freight forwarder failed to timely notify voyage changes – Liable for penalty
  • Port strike at destination constitutes force majeure – No liability
• Handling results: Received compensation of 30% of ocean freight + warehouse fee reduction

How will 2025 international trade policies affect freight forwarders?

Three key new policies requiring attention:

• EU CBAM Carbon Tariff: Steel cargoes require supply chain carbon emission reports
• U.S. UFLPA Act: Xinjiang cotton products transportation requires additional inspection certificates
• RCEP rules of origin: ASEAN country goods enjoying tariff reductions must comply with regional value content standards

How to prevent risks in cargo transportation?

Recommended five safeguard measures:

• PurchaseAll Risk marine insurance(Rate approximately 0.15% of cargo value)
• Require freight forwarder to provideComplete temperature records(For refrigerated cargo)
• SignDemurrage fee capping agreement(Typically limited to $200/day)
• For important cargo chooseDirect signing with liner companies(Not through NVOCC agents)
• Regular audits of freight forwardersISO28000 supply chain security certificationValidity

Automobile ExportCross-border E-commerceWhat special logistics requirements exist?

Three operational differences from traditional:foreign tradeCustoms clearance mode

• : Must use 9610/9710 cross-border e-commerce supervision codes: Requires overseas warehouse appointment system integration (e.g. Amazon FBA)
• Final Mile DeliveryReturn processing
• : Agree in advance on return labeling and return freight cost sharing ratioHow to establish long-term cooperation with freight forwarders?

VIII. How to Establish Long-term Cooperation with Freight Forwarders?

It is recommended to implement 4 mechanisms:

• EstablishQuarterly KPI assessment(On-time rate ≥95%, Error rate ≤0.3%)
• implementationFreight rate linkage mechanism(Adjust base rates with reference to SCFI index)
• Carry outCustoms compliance training(At least 2 policy interpretation sessions annually)
• SharedSupply chain data dashboard(Visualized inventory turnover and logistics timeliness)