Questions to ask a freight forwarder before booking

Before booking, ask the forwarder to identify the carrier or service, planned route, estimated transit window, booking cut-off, free storage period, and the documents needed from the supplier and importer. Clarify the commercial scope: origin pickup, export handling, freight, insurance, port charges, destination handling, customs brokerage, inland transport, storage, and last-mile delivery. Confirm which items are included and which are estimates. Ask how shipment milestones will be reported, who receives delay notices, how damaged cargo is documented, and how a change in vessel or flight is handled. Keep the quote, booking confirmation, transport reference, and final invoice together. A dependable logistics partner makes responsibility visible. If an answer is vague, request it in writing before cargo is collected.