Licenses, communication, routing options and transparency — use this checklist to pick a forwarder that won't sink your shipment.
Start with your lane and mode
Know your origin city, destination, typical volume and deadline. A forwarder strong in China–Europe rail may not be the best for US FBA air.
What to verify
- Business license and any NVOCC/FMC credentials (verify independently).
- Clear, itemized quotes (freight, handling, duties, surcharges).
- Responsive communication with a named contact.
- Real tracking and proactive delay updates.
- Experience with your product type (DG, FBA, oversized).
Red flags
- Vague quotes with 'final price later'.
- No physical address or verifiable license.
- Pressure to pay before any documentation.
- Refusal to share routing or carrier details.