For businesses with global supply chains, consistent ocean freight shipping is paramount — and a successful strategy for moving freight on the sea often comes down to the reliability of your logistics providers.
A certified non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) plays a critical role in ensuring your shipments are handled with the highest level of care, compliance and efficiency, from their point of origin all the way to their final destination.
Choosing the right NVOCC is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your supply chain. They act as your expert navigator in the complex world of ocean freight shipping, offering a range of services designed to streamline your processes and deliver peace of mind. Follow these five tips when evaluating an ocean freight provider.
Choose a Brokerage With Extensive Ocean Shipping Experience
Whether you’re dealing with full container loads (FCL) or less-than-container loads (LCL), your ocean freight brokerage should connect you with experienced, hands-on professionals.
A dedicated team should manage your shipments meticulously from beginning to end, helping you both procure ocean freight capacity and handle the regulations and paperwork necessary for an international shipment. Adherence to all relevant government regulations is non-negotiable in ocean freight shipping, so your support team must be able to navigate them with confidence.
Work With a Provider Who Understands Customs Clearance
Getting freight through customs regulations can be a daunting task. A reliable NVOCC partner can simplify this process by:
- Helping you handling all necessary paperwork digitally.
- Providing assistance in overcoming potential language barriers.
- Connecting with customs officials during their operating hours in any time zone to keep your freight on schedule.
Furthermore, partnering with CTPAT-certified carriers can significantly expedite the customs process, ensuring your cargo moves seamlessly and securely across borders.
Prioritize Visibility, Reporting and Auditing
Given the lengthy transit distances and complex operations involved, transparency is absolutely crucial for ocean freight shipping. Work with a provider who can utilize advanced systems to ensure in-depth visibility for your ocean freight.
Real-time tracking tools can keep you informed about the status of your shipments at every stage of their journey. Beyond tracking, detailed reporting and auditing services offer valuable opportunities to identify areas for improvement, which can ultimately help you control costs and achieve greater efficiency for ocean shipments.
Seek Out Long-Term Provider Relationships
Strong working relationships with agents across the globe are a hallmark of a reliable NVOCC. These relationships are built overtime, and they can enhance your provider’s ability to deliver customized resources and solutions for your ocean freight.
Once you establish a connection with a provider you trust, continue moving ocean freight with them regularly to keep the bond strong and keep them focused on your success.
Practice Continuous Improvement in Ocean Shipping Operations
Continuous improvement should be a guiding principle for any reputable NVOCC. Your provider should actively seek ways to simplify processes and offer tailor-made solutions that align with your specific business needs.
When you work with an NVOCC who goes beyond simply delivering capacity to help you optimize your operations on an ongoing basis, you know you’ve found an ocean freight provider you can trust.
