How to Choose a Freight Forwarder in Australia

Choose a freight forwarder that handles customs clearance for you, quotes the whole journey in writing, and gives you a named person to call. Those three checks prevent most of the cost blowouts and border delays importers run into.

1. Check who clears customs

A freight forwarder arranges the transport. A licensed customs broker lodges your import declaration and deals with duty, GST and biosecurity. Some companies do both in-house, and many forwarders manage clearance through a broker they work with. Either way, make sure one party is accountable to you when cargo is held.

Ask who will lodge your import declaration, and who you call if your cargo is held.

2. Compare quotes on the same basis

Ask every forwarder to quote the same shipping terms and the same door-to-door scope. A complete sea freight quote covers seven cost groups: origin charges, ocean freight, Australian port charges, customs clearance, duty and GST, biosecurity fees and delivery. The cheapest quote is usually the one with lines missing.

Ask what is not included. Storage, container detention and inspection costs depend on events, so a good forwarder tells you up front what triggers them.

3. Match the forwarder to your cargo

Refrigerated, dangerous and oversized cargo each need specific experience. Ask for an example of a similar shipment, and which Australian ports they clear cargo through.

4. Test how they communicate

Ask who your contact will be, how you will track the shipment, and who calls you if it is delayed or held. The answer before you book is a fair guide to the service after.

5. Verify what you can

Check the company’s ABN on ABN Lookup, and its memberships in the directories of bodies such as the Freight & Trade Alliance and WCA.

Warning signs

• A quote that is a single figure
• No clear answer on who handles customs clearance
• Pressure to book before your documents have been checked
• No written list of what the quote excludes

Next step

Use the 25 questions to ask a freight forwarder as your checklist.

About MTF Logistics

MTF Logistics is an owner-managed freight forwarder based in North Sydney, operating since 2014. MTF books the freight and handles customs clearance, covering sea freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, export documentation and project cargo. MTF handles cargo through Port Botany, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Fremantle and delivers Australia-wide. It is a member of the Freight & Trade Alliance, the Export Council of Australia, the Australian Peak Shippers Association and WCA. Call 1300 710 683 or get a quote.