UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that international maritime transport is the most widely used method in world trade, accounting for 75% globally. Here is a detailed explanation of how to choose an international maritime transport company.

For those unfamiliar with international maritime transport, the main type of company in this field of activity are shipping lines. Most shipping lines who operate globally are associated with two important bodies: the International Chamber of Shipping, which brings together shipowners and operators and manage more than 80% of the merchant fleet, and the World Shipping Council, which brings together the shipping industry and manages 90% of the world’s liner shipping fleet.

Nowadays, forwarding companies who specialize in maritime transport also play an important role in this type of transport. At an international level, freight forwarders have two important organizations: the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, FIATA, and CLECAT, European Liaison Committee of Common Market Forwarders, which brings together freight forwarders and customs agents in Europe.

“An international shipping company can be either a shipping line or a freight forwarder, although the latter can organize the entire logistics chain prior to shipment and following the unloading of the goods at destination”.

Therefore, we can say that there are two groups of international shipping companies: shipping lines and freight forwarders.

Shipping lines are the international shipping companies that operate the ships that carry goods. Container ships are the most widely used, as the goods travel more safely as well as their handling and loading and unloading in ports is easier and faster. Freight forwarders are companies that act as organizers of international transport chains and are therefore in contact and coordinated with the rest of the maritime logistics players, including shipping companies, ports, inland haulers, and customs agents.

Logisber, an accredited international shipping company

Generally speaking, whether they are an exporter or an importer, any company that does not have in-depth knowledge of how maritime transport works is best advised to contact a freight forwarder if it needs to ship or receive goods internationally.

“Logisber is an international shipping company, experienced in this sector and we can answer any questions you may have through the contact form“.

Logisber is an international maritime freight forwarding company with extensive experience that endorses us. We have in-depth knowledge of the sector and maintain direct contact with the main shipping lines that operate around the globe.

One of our main functions is to reserve space on the shipping lines’ container ships so that goods can be loaded at origin and shipped to their final destination.

At Logisber we take care of all the formalities prior to shipment and all the necessary documents. We also take care, on behalf of the client, of any formalities or procedures that the goods will require once they have been unloaded in the country or port of destination.

7 points to consider when choosing an international shipping company

As there is a wide range of international shipping companies on offer, it is important to be clear about the needs of the company that will be exporting or importing goods from the outset.

To begin with, you will need to consider: the type of cargo, the volume or weight to know whether you need a groupage or a full container, the specific origin and destination, whether you will need door-to-door logistics services, as well as the rules and regulations for exporting or importing the goods.

Once you have done that, you can select the international shipping company, but you should consider the following factors:

• Accreditation of the freight forwarder. Before choosing a freight forwarding company, it is important to ensure that it has the necessary authorizations and licenses to operate in the country of origin it is contracted in.
• International correspondents and agents. It is very important that the freight forwarder has its own physical presence in the destination country of the goods. If you do not have your own office, it is important that you work with and have arrangements with trusted and properly accredited agents or correspondents.
• Cost of the transport operation. The chosen freight forwarder must be able to explain all costs of all operations associated with the logistics chain and maritime transport in detail. They should also inform you of any extra costs that may arise.
• Freight negotiation. A reputable freight forwarder can negotiate the freight with the shipping company and obtain a better price.
• Tracking and traceability. The freight forwarder also has to offer the client a tracking service for the entire international maritime transport operation. The shipper must know the status of the container shipment at all times, to be able to make decisions in the event of any inconvenience or delay.
• Complementary logistics services. A freight forwarder must be able to offer, carry out and manage any service required by the client for the goods prior to shipment as well as after unloading at destination (storage, land transport, deconsolidation, etc.).
• Transparency and advice. It is highly desirable that the international shipping company has experience in a variety of markets and that its knowledge can be used by the client for the successful completion of any export or import.

As an international shipping company, Logisber fulfils these 7 requirements. We have the certifications and accreditations to prove it:

• We are an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), accredited by the Spanish Tax Agency, which confirms us as a trusted operator for the Spanish and European customs administration.
• We are accredited agents of the International Air Transport Association, IATA.
• We are accredited by the Chemical Distribution Institute, CDI, for safe and quality maritime transport operations for the chemical industry.
• We are GDP (Good Distribution Practices) certified for pharmaceutical products.
• We have the Port of Barcelona’s quality seal, Efficiency Network, a certification that accredits that we work with excellence, integrity, commitment, collaboration, transparency and efficiency.