How many freight forwarders does it take to change a lightbulb?

Just one, but they’ll need a customs declaration, a shipping container, and a logistics plan spanning three continents to get it done!

I love a good joke me… but this one has a true ring to it. You see, unless you’ve worked in freight, it can be really easy to underestimate the level of thought, planning and implementation that goes into moving goods from one country to another. It’s a hugely complex process. And one with catastrophic consequences if it goes wrong. 

Lost cargo, damaged goods, destroyed inventory, unexpected expenses, and even finesand prison sentences (if you get it really, really wrong!) There’s a lot to think about. A lot of moving parts. Not all goods are legal in all countries. Different shipping routes have different costs (and risks!) Duties, taxes, demurrage, fuel surcharges, brokerage fees, terminal handling chargesand other 

potential costs have to be calculated (this alone can be pretty complex!) Timescales, shipment sizes, locations and routes all need to be considered. I could go on… 

The point is, freight isn’t easy. And I couldn’t do it alone. But I don’t have to. I’m lucky to have a crack team of freight geniuses behind me. Connor, Ali, Nikki, Keith, Keeley, Janet and Debi all work hard day after day to take care of all the business behind the scenes.Keeping the cogs turning, and your goods moving around the world without a hiccup. 

It’s these guys that are the unsung heroes. The men (and woman!) on the front line negotiating the best rates on your behalf, tracking your shipments and keeping your paperwork in tip-top shape. So I want to take a moment to give them their dues, but also to ask you a question…

Do you have a team of superstars supporting you? 

As a business owner, it’s easy to slip into the idea that you have to “do it all” – but that’s a huge mistake that will hinder your progress, increase your stress and throttle your growth. So do you have the people you need to help you succeed? If not, who do you need andhow can you get them?