Logistics is significant for any business to transport their manufactured products worldwide, but sometimes it bears high costs. In general, businesses prefer to have a third-party logistics system to deliver their products. When it comes to transporting goods overseas, then the role of ocean freight service becomes important because the major supplies are done through the waterway instead of airways.
There are many reasons why ocean freight transportation is preferred more than air freight transportation. Here we have come to understand how to get a cost-effective ocean freight service in Canada. You may find many Canada shipping agencies or companies, but you need to find the right one that fulfils all your demand and also provides you with the low rate ocean freight service.
Many times you need to have a sharp observation and knowledge in the field of transportation to avail the best deals when it comes to freight (rate). So to help you out with it, we have come up with a smart guide to finding low-rate ocean freight services in Canada.
Table of Contents
Companies That Provide Shipment During The Off-Season
The ocean freight solution is one of the busiest transportation you could find. The rates in ocean freight are cyclical throughout the year, meaning you will find low rates during a few months and high rates during a few months. This is because when ocean freight transportation is busy, then they charge more as compared to the months when there is low traffic. This all happens due to demand and supply. When the demand for ocean freight solutions increases, then the rate also increases and vice versa.
Hence, you should try to avoid the peak time, and the right time to avail low rates are from July to October, and also during holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.
The Company That Provides Door-To-Door Services
The companies that provide door-to-door services can provide the service at a low rate as they have already built the supply chain. Hiring various companies to deliver your product to the destination from the waterway to the roadway can be expensive as, at every step, you will have to switch the agency.
Hence the mentioned company has already made a logistic supply chain throughout Canada and other countries, then it will be easy and cost-effective for the service provider, and hence you will be charged less.
The Company Who Have Digitized The Shipping Process
Digitizing the service or shipping process cuts the running cost of the company, and hence they charge less as compared to others. Also, there is a lot of paperwork which could be hectic and time-consuming. The excessive paperwork will consume your time which will cost you extra money as time is money. Digitization will speed up your shipping from one checkpoint to another and ultimately save up your time and money.
Use Full Container Load (Fcl)
You can minimize your transportation expenses by opting for FCL (Full Container Load) instead of LCL (Less than Container Load). By utilizing the full space in the container of the ship, you are making the most out of the container with FCL. This will cut costs in your transportation expenses. On the other hand, if you choose the LCL (Less than Container Load), then it doesn’t utilize the full spaces.
However, If your goods are less in quantity, then you can opt for an air freight transport solution as it will be convenient, faster, handled with care, and many times more cost-effective than an ocean freight solution (condition applied).
The Company That Understands The Customs
Not knowing the rules of the customs of the concerned country could get you in trouble and even incur a loss. The company is well acknowledged with the customs of the country in which it is transporting; then it will be easy and affordable for them to carry goods to the concerned country.
Misunderstanding rules, not being updated with the amendments, and not knowing the custom valuation can incur a loss to you. Hence prefer a company that knows the customs of the country in which they are going to transport.
Hiring A Freight Forwarder
You can decrease the cost by hiring a Freight Forwarder with transparent pricing. The Freight Forwarder is a person or company which organizes shipments for shippers by cooperating with the carriers. So, you can negotiate with the Freight forwarder about the pricing in a very clear way.
Avoid the Freight Forwarder who has unclear pricing or is difficult to understand as they include some hidden charges that you have to pay after the purchase has been made, and it will cause you an extra cost.
The Company Which Plans Effectively
When it comes to transportation, then it is a tough job. Not everyone (company) can do that job. Not every business can do transportation by themself; hence they outsource that job. The transportation of goods requires lots of paperwork and following the legal rules and regulations of the company in which they are transported.
So try to choose a company that plans effectively by maintaining the paperwork in advance and other important permission. This will cut your cost of transportation as the legal professional is directly in contact with the concerned authority for fast paperwork and permission.
Final Thoughts
There are various ways through which you can find low-rate ocean freight services in Canada. You can always negotiate with the transportation company about the pricing and ask for the best price and plan. By knowing enough about the company and how the system works, you can easily find out the best low-rate ocean freight services in Canada. Hence, follow our smart guide to choose the low-rate service provider.
