If you’re looking to import or export goods into or out of New Zealand, then chances are high that you’re going to need a Freight Forwarder.
What is a Freight Forwarder?
In essence it’s a company that is in charge of the arrangement of any cargo shipments on behalf of companies or shippers. Freight forwarders provide a range of services such as ocean and air freight transportation. In short, they’ll handle everything involved from shipping your item from Location A to Location B.
Things to consider when choosing a Freight Forwarder:
- Tracking
- Preparation of documentation
- Packing & Storage
- Inventory control
- Customs
- Freight charges
- Freight consolidation
Let’s take a look at the options available in Auckland:
1. EasyFreight
This company offers door to door and port to port services. They make it clear that they will take away the stress by dealing directly with your suppliers, as well as handling all the transportation documentation.
Top review:
“Easy Freight were super easy to work with, made the whole process seamless. Worth every penny, I’d just launched a new product and I was pulling my hair out until I gave Easy Freight a call. Thanks again and looking forward to working together in the future”
2. Rocket Freight International Ltd
Rocket Freight is a New Zealand owned and operated International Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage Firm. Rocket Freight began back in 2014 with the main objective of delivering an outstanding freight forwarding service to all customers.
The Directors of Rocket Freight have 40+ years of experience in all aspects of International Forwarding. Their range of services include Customs brokerage and tariff classification, Import & Export Airfreight, Import & Export Sea freight, Project Cargo, Personal effects and Relocations, and Vehicle Shipping.
They also have their own MPI & Customs approved store to allow for container loading and unloading at our facility. Rocket freight has a hands on approach to international forwarding, with a bespoke custom designed service for each customer.
They consistently provide a personalised one-on-one service that ensures the best outcome for any of our customer’s requirements. They personally manage each shipment from the time of order right through to pickup to delivery or anywhere in between. They service the entire globe, with pride.
Top review:
“Rocket handled our full shipping container essentially moving all our belongings from USA to NZ. The support was amazing, always available for questions & updates. The whole process was completely stress free. Thanks so much”
3. Avance Freight Services
Meet the modern day Freight Forwarding company who love the idea of Kiwis prospering from export and import. These guys will help make the whole shipping process a total breeze, absolutely no stress involved. They’ll get your items from Location A to B to C and even to D. If you’re serious about Freight, these are the guys to reach out to.
Best review:
“Avance Freight Forwarders – the team are very friendly, knowledgeable and responds instantly to my custom requirements. Avance were a total game-changer for our business and we wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
FAQ:
What documentation do I need for International Freight?
When shipping anything internationally, you’re going to need additional documentation to make sure your shipment passes through each hoop smoothly.
The right freight forwarder will ensure that you have all of this additional documentation you need, but generally speaking this is what is required:
- Commercial invoice (detailing the cost of freight, insurance, packing and additional charges) also called a pro forma invoice
- Packing list – Detailed list of the inventory of items within the shipment
- Certificate of origin – Detailing where the goods were manufactured
- Material Safety Sheet / Hazardous Form – If you’re transporting anything remotely hazardous, you’ll need one of these forms
- Fumigation Cert – If you’re using anything made from wood to pack your goods such as a pallet, you could be required to provide this documentation also known as a ‘pest control cert’
