Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a freight forwarder?
A: Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international or multi-national import
and export. While the freight forwarder doesn't actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary
between the client and various transportation services. Sending products from one international destination
to another can involve a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities. A freight forwarding service
handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a
formidable burden. Q: What are the usual methods of freight payment ?
A: Most freight payments are done with a Company check. However you can also pay with wire transfer or
credit card (subject to administrative fee). Payment is sent right around the time the freight is due
to arrive, clear customs and be released.
Q: Can I get payment terms?
A: Yes. You would fill out a credit application that we would send you ahead of time, with all necessary
banking information and references. Once your credit is approved, you would be granted the appropriate
credit amount and length of time.
Q: What can I do to prevent delays and ensure a smooth process of the shipment?
A: Firstly, make sure your supplier overseas (on imports) or if you are the supplier for an export shipment,
creates all of the necessary documents correctly (packing lists, commercial invoice, original bill of
lading-OB/L) and in a timely fashion, so that all documents are provided with the necessary banks and
sent to you (the importer) or your buyer-consignee on the B/L (if you are the exporter) at least 1 week
before cargo arrives the destination so that everything can be processed through customs ahead of schedule
and freight can be paid along with presentation of the original B/L. One factor that usually slows this
process down is when there is discrepencies between the buyer and supplier and since the goods are not paid for,
the OB/L has not been surrendered by the Supplier to the Consignee (buyer)
Freight forwarding services guarantee that products will get to the proper destination by an agreed upon date,
and in good condition. The freight forwarding service utilizes established relationships with carriers of
all kinds, from air freighters and trucking companies, to rail freighters and ocean liners. Freight forwarding
services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route by
working out various bids and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.
A freight forwarding service generally provides one or more estimates to the client along with advisement,
when necessary. Considerations that effect price will range from origin and destination to special
requirements, such as refrigeration or, for example, transport of potentially hazardous materials.
Assuming the client accepts the forwarder's bid, the freight is readied for shipping. The freight forwarding
service then undertakes the responsibility of arranging the transport from point of origin to destination.
One of the many advantages of using freight forwarding is that it handles ancillary services that are a part
of the international shipping business. Insurance and customs documentation and clearance are some examples.
As a consolidator, a freight forwarding service might also provide Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
documentation, or bills of lading. Warehousing, risk assessment and management, and methods of international
payment are also commonly provided to the client by the freight forwarding service.
A good freight forwarding service can save the client untold time and potential headaches while providing
reliable transportation of products at competitive rates. A freight forwarding service is an asset to almost
any company dealing in international transportation of goods, and is especially helpful when in-house
resources are not versed in international shipping procedures.
Our Offices
BEKASI-INDONESIA
PT. ATHA TRANS LOGISTIK
Pesona Anggrek Harapan Blok A03/12A
Jl. Raya Kaliabang Tengah, Harapan Jaya, Bekasi Utara.
Bekasi, Indonesia
Phone : +62 21 2948 9758
Fax : +62 21 2948 9717
Email : atlgm@ptatl.com, atl@ptatl.com