How to verify the credentials of a potential cargo agent in China

How to Find the Right Cargo Agent for Your Business in China

Businesses require a suitable cargo agent if they need transportation of goods. A good cargo agent ensures that the goods reach their destination safely and on schedule. But with such an abundance, it's key to do your homework. That involves ensuring they have the appropriate experience and licenses to do that job. They know this too Yuetong does, anyway. We want to walk you through this process and let you know how to determine if a cargo agent is reliable. 

How To Do Background Check On Cargo Agents In China

First things first, you have to do some homework about the cargo agent that you are planning to get involved in. A good place to start is by searching online for reviews or ratings from previous customers. There are business review websites that can be very gainful. You could look for comments about how they deal with shipping, or whether they are trustworthy. It might be a red flag if you’re reading many poor reviews. You may also want to try calling other businesses that have previously used the agent’s services. They may be able to tell you what it was like and help set your expectations. 

Check if the cargo agent has a real office, is yet another step. You can request their address and check it in maps. If they only work from home or have no permanent location be suspicious. A actual office and are thus getting serious about what they do. It’s also useful to request references. Any reliable cargo agent should not hesitate to give you names and contacts of previous customers. You can call these references and ask about their experiences.  

Also check if the cargo agent is certified by the appropriate government bodies. Specific licence for cargo agents are required in China. You can verify whether they have these licenses by searching for their business registration number. If they can’t, perhaps it’s best to check somewhere else. 

Lastly, ask about their insurance. An agent should be insured to protect goods while on transit. That way, if something goes wrong, you can be reimbursed. By knowing these things you not only are better able to protect your entity but also have a peace of mind. Yuetong thinks that if you can do these things, then you'll be able to select the right cargo agent. 

What Kind Of Certificates Should You Get In China When Using A Cargo Agent? 

If you are in the midst of searching for a cargo agent in China, it’s useful to familiarize yourself with what type of certification they should possess. First, find their International Freight Forwarder License. This license indicates that they are authorized to be involved with international shipping. Without that, they may not be playing by the rules. 

The NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) license is another vital certification. This gives them the right to book space on a ship from shipping lines. This license is a sign that they will know about shipping laws. 

You also want to ask about membership in groups like the WCA (World Cargo Alliance) or FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations). The fact of being the part of these groups indicates that cargo agent is serious about their business and follows they standards. Yuetong knows that when they are a part of these groups, other members can act as their representatives globally. 

It is also good to make sure that the cargo agent is certified to handle dangerous goods (if the work you are doing involves those types of goods). This indicates that they are trained to handle such goods in a safe manner. 

Don't forget to inquire about their training programs. A solid cargo agent will also invest in their staff and make sure they are up to date on the most recent shipping policies. Such certifications and memberships are evidence the cargo agent or company has proven they are knowledgeable and not fraudulent in any way. 

By looking at these critical issues, you can have more trust in your decision. Take your time to read and search,” Yuetong tells you. Don’t forget, the proper freight agent can change everything about your shipping world. 

Key Warning Signs to Avoid When Selecting a Freight Agent in China

When searching for a freight agent in China, there are several typical red flags that should send you running. First, if a freight agent is demanding a large sum of money upfront, it should be an indicator of caution. It might also be that they are untrustworthy. They won't ask for a lot of money before you do anything. Second, you should be wary if the agent doesn’t have a physical office or refuses to meet with you in person. A legit company will have somewhere that you can go and show up to talk about your needs. If they only wish to take your call or communicate via email, it may be a scam. Third, if the broker is not easily accessible or slow to respond with answers to your questions, that’s also a problem. A good cargo forwarding services should be easy to reach and help you. You also need to look at their track record. Otherwise, and the agent has either no experience or a bad reputation, you had better look elsewhere. Finally, notice how these people talk to you. If they are not clear or don’t explain things well, it can cause confusion later on. At Yuetong, we believe trust and communication is a very important part of a good business relationship. 

Ways to Find Trusted Reviews and Feedback for Cargo Agents

There are various ways to locate reviews and feedback for cargo agents. A good start is online review sites. These websites enable a customer recommend to another regarding a cargo agent. Find out what others have to say and if the agent you’re considering has a reputation. You can also use social media. Many businesses have pages on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn, where they post updates and engage with customers. You’ll even find comments or reviews from those who have worked with them. You can also inquire in your neighborhood, or among friends and family. If you have ever known someone who has employed a cargo agent in China they can offer good insight into the experience. At Yuetong, we highly recommend our clients to consult with us for references. Here are a few testimonials from our clients. Finally, you might want to consider joining online shipping and logistics groups or forums. These are communities of experts who can give advice and recount experiences with different cargo agents. 

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Cargo Agent in China

The right questions need to be posed during the interview of a potential cargo agent in China. Start with getting to know about their experience. What has been their duration of operation? Have they worked with clients in your industry? This will inform you on whether they are the right people or not to suit you. Then, ask them about their services. What do they offer? Do they have the capability of transporting the type of cargo you are seeking? It is of importance that you should know whether they can manage your shipment with their resources and talent. You will also wish to enquire them on their prices and payment policies. Are there any hidden fees? The fact is the knowledge of the costs in advance may protect you against future surprises. Another question that you should ask is the way they ship. What does it do to ensure that your freight is delivered safely and in time? You want to think they have a fine, healthy scheme on board. And finally but not in any way, do not forget to ask them about their customer service. What is the phone number that you can reach them? The assistance is a must to an uninterrupted delivery. Yuetong, where we are, believe they have their purposes and contribute to the general confidence I shall have in making a good choice of cargo agent.