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Oct 17, 2024 · Freight Forwarding is an essential part of any international shipping activity. What are the scams some may try to inflict on you and how do you avoid them?
- False Promises of Low Prices. Many freight forwarders will quote you a low price but add hidden fees later. Ensure to get a detailed quote in writing before agreeing to use a freight forwarder.
- Delay Tactics. Some freight forwarders will deliberately delay your shipment to collect extra fees. This can be extremely frustrating, so track your shipment closely.
- Not Delivering the Bill of Lading. A Bill of Lading is a legal document that proves that goods have been shipped from one place to another. It is also a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and it outlines the terms and conditions of the shipment.
- Cargo Theft. Cargo hijacking by scam freight forwarders is a serious problem that can have serious consequences. Cargo theft is the illegal taking of a shipment of goods while in transit.
Jul 31, 2024 · Understanding these scams and knowing how to avoid them is crucial for protecting your business. Here are some common shipping scams and how professional freight forwarders can help you navigate these pitfalls.
- Search the company name on Google. If you have received a suspicious email from an unknown company, it is best to check their website. Be careful, however: Scammers generally use a company name very similar to that of an existing company.
- Check the company’s experience. You have just googled the company name, and you find out two very similar websites. Which one is a scam? The most recent, no doubt.
- Attention with package delivery notice scams. A new scam trick that is on the rise is the so-called ˝package delivery notice˝. As the name says, this scam deceives users when contacting customers with a false delivery notice.
- Check each red flag. In the case of a suspicious email: Check that the email address is the same as the company. Check for spelling errors. Check if they have abnormal requests for information, money, etc.
- Be rate savvy. Competitive pricing is great, but a scammer posing as an ocean freight forwarder may be trying to lure you in with an extremely reduced rate.
- Familiarise yourself with Incoterms 2020. The latest version of the International Chamber of Commerce’s international rules and regulations coordinating the practice of cross-border cargo shipments, Incoterms 2020, came into effect on 1 January 2020.
- Withholding the Bill of Lading. SeaRates has previously written about the importance of the Bill of Lading. Scammers posing as ocean freight forwarders will typically not issue a Bill of Lading.
- Use recommendations. Customer reviews and testimonials can be helpful when it comes to finding a reliable ocean freight forwarder. Another way to find an established freight forwarder is through custom broker associations or port authorities.
Oct 4, 2024 · Freight shipping scams can cause significant financial losses, delayed shipments, and damaged reputations for both shippers and carriers. In this blog, we will look at seven essential tips for avoiding freight shipping scams.
Sep 17, 2024 · Learn how to protect your business from freight fraud with these key prevention strategies, including carrier vetting and technology solutions for shippers.
