These are uncertain times for UK businesses, especially UK-based importers and exporters. An efficient supply chain and distribution service can support you in remaining agile to your customers’ needs. So what should you look for in a transport, storage and distribution partner? Here are three things to factor in when choosing a freight forwarder for your consignments.
1 Competitive, reliable, responsive
The challenging economic environment is creating headwinds for many domestic and international traders. In the time and cost-pressured world of freight and logistics, businesses need to know three things: that they are getting a competitive rate for the job, that they have total control and oversight of their goods, and that their deliveries will arrive safely, securely and on time. (And that should something go wrong, they are covered.)
But that’s not all, a responsive customer service can be the difference between a good experience and a bad one. Good communication is everything and a hallmark of quality service.
2 A trusted partner
Storing or sending your shipment with a forwarder involves an element of trust. As with any purchase, you need to do your research and due diligence. How long has the company been in business? What services do they offer? Do they have accredited memberships and affiliations of trade associations and industry bodies? Do they offer additional certification or guarantees? What are their T&Cs and other policies? Do their values reflect your own?
At International Forwarding, we’ve built up our reputation over 35 years of operating as a UK and European freight forwarder and logistics provider. We have a number of longstanding accreditations across our range of services. And we’re very lucky to have many repeat customers and excellent word of mouth about our range of services. When you book in a job with us, our experienced team will ensure you get cost-effective, reliable freight and logistics – and excellent service. Because while many of our operating processes are automated or digitised for maximum efficiency and modern convenience, we never underestimate the power of having a human there to speak with you when you need it.
3 Customer reviews check
We live in a world where both good and bad service can be more easily communicated. If you don’t have a personal recommendation, then a search engine and a review site are often the next step.
Our own customer feedback fortunately reflects our reputation for service – you can read them on our reviews page, on our Google listing or on Trustpilot. Here’s a selection of what are customers have said about us in the past year:
- ‘Efficient’
- ‘Listened to our requirements’
- ‘Competitive, honest, reliable’
- ‘Can-do attitude’
- ‘Extremely helpful’
- ‘A great experience’
- ‘On time!’
- ‘The personal touch’
- ‘Easy to deal with’
- ‘Refreshing’
- ‘Highly recommended’
- ‘Best freight forwarder ever’
Are you getting the best rate and service?
IFL is based in Birmingham in the West Midlands and offers UK-wide and pan-European freight services. Our regular clients choose us for:
- dependability and reliability of service
- safety of their goods in transit
- adaptability for when things change
- quick responses to quote requests
- professionalism and expertise
- real people not automated phone queues.
If you’re looking for a more dependable freight forwarder or warehousing and storage service for your business, talk to us to find out more or get a quote:
>> For the best combination of rates and service – call +44 (0)1675 434690 or email us at enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk.
