Start with Your Needs (Clarify Scope)
- Lanes/modes, commodities/risks, services (DDP/IOR, customs, FBA), SLA expectations.
Verify Core Credentials (And Where to Check)
IATA & CASS (Air)
Confirms airline accreditation/settlement capability. Check: IATA Agency List.
FMC OTI/NVOCC (US Ocean Inbound)
If issuing HBLs to the USA, verify license and bond on FMC public registry.
Associations & Programs
WCA membership, AEO status (CN/EU), C‑TPAT participation; ISO 9001/27001 where relevant.
Legal Entity & Presence
Business registration, physical office address, landline numbers.
Operations You Can Test Before Booking
Milestone Visibility
Sample tracking portal/status email flow (pickup → delivery).
Documentation Accuracy
Request template HBL/AWB, invoice/packing list samples, SOPs for ISF/AMS/ENS/ICS2.
Space & Consolidations
Weekly LCL cut‑offs; air blocked‑space/charter options in peak.
DG Competence
Proof of DG‑trained staff; handling UN38.3/MSDS for batteries.
Customer Support
Named AM, escalation path, 24/7 incident procedure.
Pricing Transparency Checklist
- Itemized quotes (base + surcharges + destination + delivery + options)
- Clear exclusions (duties/taxes unless DDP, storage/demurrage/detention, inspections)
- Quote validity, carriers used; avoid “too good to be true” rates
How to Read Reviews Like a Pro
- Look for specifics (lane/mode/timelines), cross‑check platforms, assess how issues were handled.
Common Red Flags
- Encouraging misdeclaration; “guaranteed no customs checks”
- Only mobile/WhatsApp, no landline/address; won’t share legal entity
- License numbers missing or unverifiable
- No exclusions listed; no sample docs/SOPs
- 100% prepayment with no references/escrow/insurance
- Can’t name carrier partners or share booking confirmations
FAQs
Do I need an FMC‑licensed NVOCC for US imports?
If a forwarder issues its own HBLs for cargo to the USA, they generally must hold an FMC OTI/NVOCC license and bond or work via a licensed partner.
Is WCA membership a guarantee of quality?
No. It’s a positive signal, but you must still verify operations, pricing transparency and references.
How fast should I expect a quote?
For standard lanes, 2–24 hours is typical; DG/project cargo can take longer.
Sources
- FMC OTI/NVOCC lookup: https://www2.fmc.gov/oti/
- IATA Accreditation: https://www.iata.org/en/services/accreditation/
CBP C‑TPAT: https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/ctpat