What is Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is the process of organising the shipment of goods and transporting them from the producer or originator to the distribution’s final point, such as customers or retail store. The person or business who sees through this entire process is a freight forwarder. They may not physically be involved with the transportation process. Still, they handle crucial documents, such as permits and insurance so that the goods will be safely transported to its intended destination.
Top Freight Forwarding in Singapore
Freight Forwarding |
GFS Forwarding |
| About | Global Freight Solutions (GFS) is a highly sought-after freight forwarder company in Singapore, offering the most extensive logistics services in global air and ocean freight.
GFS cover:
GFS has also introduced a concierge delivery programme for people, especially seniors, who could not leave home during the pandemic. Through this programme, also known as Helping Hands, groceries and other personal essentials can be delivered right to their doorsteps. |
| Website | http://www.gfsforwarding.com/ |
| Address | 18 Tampines Industrial Cres,#03-09A, Space @ Tampines, Singapore 528605 |
| Telephone | +65 6749 9989 |
Freight Forwarding |
Hankyu Hanshin Express |
| About | Hankyu Hanshin is an internationally-renowned brand when it comes to global logistics. They have their own signature integrated logistics system that controls and visualises the entire logistics process that connects the logistics industry systems and customer systems together.
Click here for their range of services. Its ASEAN logistics centre is located in Singapore. For more information about what the Singapore centre can offer, click here. |
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| Telephone | +65 6546 3033 |
| Reviews | “Best experience with wonderful staff.” |
Freight Forwarding |
Trans Air & Sea Cargo Pte Ltd |
| About | Trans Air & Sea Cargo Pte Ltd is a fully integrated logistics company. They have more than 20 years of experiencing handling air and sea freight operations. Click here for their variety of services. |
| Website | https://www.tascargo.com/ |
| Pricing | https://www.tascargo.com/request-quote.php |
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| Telephone | +65 6323 3218 |
Freight Forwarding |
Star Global Group of Companies |
| About | Star Global Group of Companies started out providing marine services for the oil and gas industry. However, they have expanded their fully integrated freight forwarding services to air and land.
Their 4 main areas of focus are:
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| Website | http://www.starglobal.com.sg/ |
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Freight Forwarding |
CGO Global Logistics Pte Ltd |
| About | CGO Global Logistics Pte Ltd is a full-ledge logistics service provider, offering air, land and sea freight services. Additionally, they are also doing their part to reduce the earth’s carbon footprint by reducing the amount of paper printing and planning their route properly to minimise energy wastage. |
| Website | http://www.cgo.sg/ |
| Address | 120 Lower Delta Rd, Cendex Centre, Singapore 169208 |
| Telephone | +65 377 2718 |
Freight Forwarding |
Cargo Management Pte Ltd |
| About | Cargo Management Pte Ltd is a leading freight forwarding company in Singapore. With nearly 30 of operation, they specialise in:
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| Website | http://www.cmgt.com.sg/ |
| Address | 3791 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 159471 |
| Telephone | +65 6275 0838 |
Freight Forwarding |
M&P International Freights Pte Ltd |
| About | M&P International Freights Pte Ltd is an international freight forwarding organisation. They provide both air, sea and trucking services at a competitive price.
Additionally, they also provide supply chain services, such as warehousing, customs clearance and cargo insurance. You can also purchase used shipping containers for sale. |
| Website | https://www.mp.com.sg/ |
| Address | 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #04-10 MAPEX, Singapore 577177 |
| Telephone | +65 6221 2218 |
| Operating Hours | 8 am – 6 pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Review | “M&P is probably one of the most trusted freight forwarding services I’ve experienced so far. With the prompt and professional response from Leon and Annie, I had no worries with my shipment. They would constantly follow up or update me with the status and make sure everything is in place. The process of shipment was well explained by them and whenever I have queries they were more than willing to help me out. Overall a great experience with M&P, good job!” |
Freight Forwarding |
FedEx |
| About | This company needs no introduction. It has one of the most advanced shipping and tracking systems for a huge range of cargo. Some of their value-added services include:
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| Website | https://www.fedex.com/en-sg/ |
| Address | TNT Centres:
FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc.:
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| Telephone | 1800 743 2626 |
| Review 1 | “Came here to self-collect a parcel because I was impatient. Registration takes some time but parcel collection was fast! It’s good that they give this option.” |
| Review 2 | “The customer service at Changi business park is very good, Norjan is a very friendly and kind staff, he spent his breakfast time to help me with the mailing stuff. I really appreciate it.” |
Freight Forwarding |
Yusen Air & Sea Service (S) Pte Ltd |
| About | Yusen Air & Sea Services is a household name in the logistics world. Complete with a full-fledge of transportation modes, Yusen is also a world leader in Origin Cargo Management, which allows you to have better control over your stock.
Aside from transportation, Yusen also provides warehousing and distribution, among their list of logistical solutions. |
| Website | https://www.yusen-logistics.com/en/ |
| Address | 2 Changi South Avenue 2, 486354 |
| Telephone | +65 6546 8856 |
Freight Forwarding |
Baywater Shipping & Forwarding Pte Ltd |
| About | Bayswater Shipping & Forwarding Pte Ltd offers sea freight and vessel chartering services between Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. They specialise in shipments between Singapore and Batam. They also offer direct over-side cargo services for monumentally-sized and heavy cargo. Warehousing facilities for both long-term and short-term storage are also available. |
| Website | http://www.bayswater.com.sg/ |
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| Telephone | +65 6272 7383 |
Freight Forwarding |
Asia Logistics Cargo Warehouse |
| About | Asia Logistic Cargo Warehouse provides sea freight services around Asia. Additionally, they also provide air freight services, including customs clearance. For land freight services, they offer cross-border trucking between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. |
| Website | http://alsshipping.com.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #07-05, A Posh Bizhub, Singapore 768160 |
| Telephone | +65 6250 2848 |
Freight Forwarding |
Duta Freight International Pte Ltd |
| About | With over 20 years of logistical experience, Duta Freight International Pte Ltd offers a range of air, sea and land freight services. Among their extensive list of services, they offer dangerous cargo handling, as well as machinery handling & relocation. |
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| Telephone | +65 6337 1221 |
Freight Forwarding |
Geodis |
| About | Geodis offers logistical solutions for a variety of industries, such as retail, automotive, high-tech, aerospace and defence and more. They also help e-commerce business owners to expand their distribution network to grow their sales by providing e-fulfilment services for their customers. |
| Website | https://geodis.com/ |
| Address | 31 Jurong Port Rd, #01-01 to 09, Singapore 619115 |
| Telephone | +65 6592 8700 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am – 5 pm (Mon-Fri) |
Freight Forwarding |
G.T. Freight Forwarders (S) Pte Ltd |
| About | For more than 40 years, G.T. Freight Forwarders (S) Pte Ltd has been providing top-of-the-line logistical services. Their quality management system was recognised with an ISO 9001:2008 certification. They are also registered Control Supply Department of Singapore and is authorised to undertake any quasi-government jobs amounting to half-a-million Singapore Dollars, per assignment.
Their other accreditations include:
Their services include:
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| Website | http://www.gtss.com.sg/ |
| Address |
Loyang Offshore Supply Base, Blk 302, TOPS Ave 1, #01-10, Box 5043, Singapore 508988 |
| Telephone | Click here for a list of contact numbers. |
Freight Forwarding |
Ohio Express International Pte Ltd |
| About | Ohio Express International Pte Ltd boasts a huge network of international partners across Asia, North America, Africa, Europe and Middle East. It offers air, land and sea freight services and also boast a GSA division selling cargo space for airlines in the UK. |
| Pricing | Click here to request a quote. |
| Website | http://www.ohioexpress.com/ |
| Address | Click here for a list of locations and contact numbers. |
| Telephone | Click here for a list of locations and contact numbers. |
Freight Forwarding |
Paragon Cargo Pte Ltd |
| About | Paragon Cargo Pte Ltd boasts a strong network of strategic business centres in many parts of the world. They are one of the top custom brokers for logistics and transportation in Indonesia, providing door-to-door delivery services in many cities around Indonesia.
Click here for their list of services. |
| Website | http://www.paragoncargo.com.sg/ |
| Address | No.4 Kim Chuan Drive, Singapore 537081 |
| Telephone | +65 6286 9688 |
Freight Forwarding |
N-Box Shipping Singapore |
| About | N-Box Shipping Singapore is an established shipping and freight forwarding company that specialises in Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) services. They also boast a global network of partners stationed around the world.
Their services include:
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| Website | https://www.nboxshipping.com/ |
| Address | No. 171 Tras Street, #02-181 Union Building, Singapore 079025 |
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| Review 1 |
N-Box Shipping provides a high level of service in handling dangerous in Singapore!
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| Review 2 |
N – Box Shipping is one of the best air freight providers in Singapore.
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Freight Forwarding |
KMS Lines (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
| About | KMS has over 30 years of experiences dealing with freight forwarding and freight solutions. They offer air, sea and land (trucking) freight services. On top of that, they have a 107,208 square feet warehouse featuring a ‘Very Narrow Aisle’ (VNA) storage system, complete with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for tracking and reporting purposes. |
| Website | https://www.kmslines.com.sg/ |
| Address | 116 Changi Road #04-04, WIS@ Changi Singapore 419718 |
| Telephone | +65 6260 3962 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am – 6.30 pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Review | Click here for a list of testimonials. |
Freight Forwarding |
Savino Del Bene (S) Pte Ltd |
| About | Since its inception more than 120 years ago, Savino Del Bene has expanded to 282 offices and over 4.400 employees across the five continents. They are a worldwide leader in air, ocean, land and other logistical solutions.
Their extensive portfolio includes industries such as:
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| Website | https://www.savinodelbene.com/en/ |
| Address | 43 Changi South Ave 2, #02-00, Singapore 486164 |
| Telephone | +65 6221 1600 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am – 6 pm (Mon-Fri) |
Freight Forwarding |
Baylink Logistics Pte Ltd |
| About | Baylink Logistics boasts over 20 years of experience in logistics solutions. Aside from the air/land/sea freight and warehousing services, they have also expanded their operations into drilling and rig mobilisation for oil and gas industries. |
| Website | https://baylink-logistics-pte-ltd.business.site/ |
| Address | 3 Loyang Way 1, #01-01, Singapore 508705 |
| Telephone | +65 6841 7973 |
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Freight Forwarding |
M&P International Freights Pte Ltd |
| Website | https://www.mp.com.sg/ |
| Address | 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #04-10 MAPEX, Singapore 577177 |
| Contact | Tel: +65 6221 2218
Email: sales@sin-mp.com.sg |
| Review | “M&P is probably one of the most trusted freight forwarding services I’ve experienced so far. With the prompt and professional response from Leon and Annie, I had no worries with my shipment. They would constantly follow up or update me with the status and make sure everything is in place. The process of shipment was well explained by them and whenever I have queries they were more than willing to help me out. Overall a great experience with M&P, good job!” |
Benefits of Engaging a Freight Forwarder
They Take Care of All Technical and Legal Complexities For You
There are lots of administrative and compliance work needed to get your shipment to the distribution’s endpoint. Some of them include:
- Planning out the most convenient travel route for your shipment according to factors such as the nature of your goods, transit time, as well as various geopolitical impacts.
- Preparing documents to meet both country’s legal and fiscal requirements
- Helping you select the best insurance for your cargo’s journey, as well as preparing the necessary documentation for your insurance.
- Negotiating with customs to ensure that the freight will enjoy a smooth transit into the country
- Negotiating with other transportation and carriers to safely deliver your goods
Getting your items shipped to another country is not just a business; it’s also a science. A professional freight forwarding country will reduce the number of headaches you have while getting your cargo shipped to another country. You won’t have to worry about dealing with customs or miss out any critical document which may delay your shipment.
Your Customer Service Will Improve
Lots of professional freight forwarders use modern technology and satellite systems to provide purchase order tracking and on-demand reporting. Such services provide transparency and build trust between you and your end-users.
You Can Deliver Your Goods on a Tight Time Frame
Freight forwarders are equipped with the most updated geopolitical knowledge to advise you on the quickest route to get your goods to the distribution’s final point. If you need express delivery, they can work out with various air carriers to get your cargo transported at the quickest and most cost-effective manner.
They Can Manage Any Crisis For You
Getting your items shipped across international waters is a complicated and sometimes risky process. Any delays or hazards that arise will pose a threat to your business. Regardless of the reasons for the delay, be it the weather or geopolitical tensions, freight forwarders will have the experience to mitigate the crisis and resolve them for you.
It’s Cost-Effective
A freight forwarding company that provides a complete end-to-end service not only improves your customer service, you can also save on the costs. Besides, freight forwarders are also experts at negotiating with various air and sea carriers to give you the best possible price for your bulk shipment. They can also provide you with the latest changes in the market so that you can make the necessary adjustments for your business budget and product pricing.
The Freight Forwarding Process
Export Haulage
Export haulage is the transportation of goods from the shipper to the forwarder’s premise, usually a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) warehouse. The process, which is generally done by train or truck, usually takes around a few hours to weeks, depending on the distance between the consignee’s and the forwarder’s location.
The responsibility of providing export haulage depends on the agreement between the shipper and consignee. If the shipper is responsible, they would have to arrange for transportation with a local haulage company. If the consignee is responsible, this is where engaging a freight forwarding company to handle the entire transportation process comes.
Origin Handling
Once the cargo is received at the staging area, the freight forwarder or their appointed agent will inspect to ensure the booking details tally with the quality and quantity of goods. Following which, they will issue a forwarder’s cargo receipt to the shipper.
Customs Clearance (Export)
Before the cargo is shipped off, it needs to receive clearance from its country of origin. The export customs clearance can be arranged either by the consignee or the shipper, though it is more common for the shipper to take charge for this stage of the process. The shipper or consignee will engage the freight forwarder’s in-house customs broker or a licensed third-party customs broker to prepare the necessary supporting documents for the cargo.
Ocean Freight
The freight forwarder will arrange with a shipping line to transport the cargo. During the transportation process, the load can be shipped on multiple vessels and make intermediate stops at other ports. The freight forwarder will also be responsible for negotiating and calculating the ocean freight and its surcharges.
Do note that the freight forwarders are not responsible for any delays in shipping.
Custom Clearance (Import)
Before the cargo arrives at its intended destination, the freight forwarder or customs broker will prepare the necessary documents to gain clearance. Unless the shipment has a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) agreement, it is usually the consignee who will arrange and pay for the import customs clearance.
Destination Handling
The freight forwarder’s destination office will have all the documents, including bills for the cargo. When the shipment arrives at the warehouse, the freight forwarding staff will unload all the goods to conduct an inspection. Under Delivery Duty Paid/Unpaid (DDP/DDU) terms, the shipper will bear the cost of the destination handling. In contract, it is usually the consignee who would pay for the destination handling if the agreement comes under these few terms:
- Ex Works (EXW)
- Free Carrier (FCA)
- Free on Board (FOB )
- Cost and Freight/Cost Insurance Freight (CNF/CIF)
Import Haulage
Once the cargo has passed the inspection, the freight forwarder will send the goods to the consignee using their trucks or a third-party trucking company. At times, the items may also be transported by rail. To save cost, the consignee can also come by the warehouse to collect the goods if they are around the vicinity.
Tips to Choose The Right Freight Forwarder in Singapore
Choosing the right freight forwarding company is essential as choosing the wrong one might result in a massive loss for you and your company. Here are some guidelines for you to consider when selecting the right freight forwarder.
Do They Meet All Legal Requirements?
All freight forwarding companies need to register with the Singapore Customs using their company’s Unique Entity Number (UEN). For freight forwarding by the sea, there are several licenses the freight forwarding company needs to apply from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
According to CorporateRoom and GuideMeSingapore, here are some licenses freight forwarders need to apply:
- Harbour Craft Licence – To operate vessels from Singapore’s port
- Port Clearance Certificate – For vessels to depart from Singapore
- Ship Registration Certificate – For transporting passengers or cargo
- Port Limit Manning Licence – An essential license that allows crew members to work on-board
- Launch a New Vessel Permit – For launching any new vessel that surpasses 15 meters long in the port
- Ship Station Licence – To operate radio-communication equipment on the ship, which must be registered in Singapore
- Ship Sanitation Control Certificate – To certify that your vessel is in an excellent sanitary condition to transport goods
Your freight forwarder must have the necessary licenses to ship your items to or from Singapore. Otherwise, you need to find a new company.
How Long Have They Been in Business?
A hallmark of a trustworthy freight forwarder is that they have experience withstanding the ups and downs of the shipping industry. It’s a business where success is not solely dependent on hard work. It’s also dependent on several factors beyond their control It’s also dependent on several factors beyond their control such as stormy weathers, piracies, wars and port shutdowns. These factors can potentially wipe out their businesses. Hence, if freight forwarders have been around for many years, it’s a sign that they can rise and flourish beyond these crises. This can also give you peace of mind knowing that they can see your cargo through even in the toughest of times.
Do They Have a Strong Network of Agents or Associates in the Your Cargo’s Final Destination?
Freight forwarders work with several parties, including customs broker and local trucking companies. Your freight forwarder needs to have a ready network of such local business associates. They will understand the regulations of that country and ensure that your goods will get to the distribution’s endpoint without much hassle.
With a line of business connections within that country, your freight forwarder is also able to negotiate for a better price with these associates. In this aspect, you can also receive a more favourable deal for your entire package.
Do They Have Experience Handling Your Type of Cargo?
Another consideration you have to factor in is your freight forwarder’s area of expertise, especially when you have cargo which needs an extra level of care. Some examples of shipments that require an extra level of care include monumental industrial parts and dangerous cargo, such as corrosive substances. Choose a freight forwarder who has the knowledge and experience in handling your type of load.
What is the Scope of Services They Provide?
Ideally, freight forwarders should cover all 7 steps of the shipping process. You can choose to work with third-party haulage companies or custom brokers, but that will result in some inconveniences and possibly extra costs.
Any professional freight forwarder should also include non-transportation and non-warehousing services, such as cargo insurance and cargo tracking. They should also have an air freight arm available for any express delivery.
Are They Transparent About The Entire Shipment Process For Your Cargo?
Any professional freight forwarder will walk through with you on the entire freight forwarding process. During this walk through, your freight forwarder needs to tell you:
- The kind of paperwork or documents required, which usually consists of:
- Bank Drafts
- Bill of Lading Contract
- Certificate of Origin Statement
- Commercial Invoice
- Dangerous Goods Form
- Export License
- Export Packing List
- Inspection Certificate
- Proforma Invoice
- Shipper’s Export Declaration Document
- The kind of insurance that your type of shipping requires
- The third-party companies that they will be engaging to see your cargo through to the final point of distribution
- The estimated time for your goods to reach the final point of distribution
Are They Transparent About the Costs Which Includes Surcharges?
When comparing prices between freight forwarding companies, do not be carried away by any company which offers a rate lower than the rest of their competitors. There could be several hidden costs.
In general, your invoice should reflect the following fees:
- Pickup Charge
- Freight Forwarding Charges (May also consists of other costs, such as Fuel Surcharge, Cargo Screening or X-ray Fees, as well as Airline Security Fees)
- Document Handling Fees
- Additional Security Charges (Usually imposed by the country your cargo is entering)
- Cargo Insurance
- Import Duty
Other fees, depending on the specifications of your freight order, may also include:
- Automated Export System (AES. For US-bound goods)
- Exports Licenses Fees
- Certificates of Origin Fees
- Hazardous Material Charges
- Legalisation (Usually in Middle Eastern Countries)
- General Rate Increase (GRI)
- Inland Delivery Charges
- Demurrage
- Pallet Fees
- Overweight Container Fees
- Container Management Fees
- Value-Added Tax (VAT. Very crucial for China-bound freights)
It is essential to get your freight forwarder to prepare a list of chargeable services, as well as potential surcharges to prepare you mentally. You should do that before signing any documents. If you notice any unknown charges appearing on your invoice, address and clarify with your freight forwarder immediately.
Editor’s Note:
While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.
If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at enquiry@mm.com.sg. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.
