Home » Logistics » Freight Forwarder Qualification: Key Criteria for 2025

How to evaluate the professional qualifications of a freight forwarding company?

When selecting a freight forwarder, the following core qualifications must be verified:

International freight forwarding filing certificate: The latest 2025 filing list of the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) can be checked on the official website.
Industry Certification System: FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) certification, ISO9001 Quality Management System certification
Verification of practical operation ability:
- Please provide customs clearance cases for the same category of goods operated in the past 3 months.
- Verify the first-level agency qualification of its cooperating shipping company/airline.

What specific services does a freight forwarder provide?

Professional freight forwarding companies should provide end-to-end services:

Basic services: Mode of transport selection, cabin booking, document preparation
Value - added Services:
- New digital service for 2025: HS Code intelligent classification system
- Special Cargo Handling: UN38.3 Certification Agency for Lithium Batteries
Emergency Handling: On-site customs inspection coordination, transportation accident insurance claims settlement

Please pay special attention to the following easily overlooked expense items:

Peak season surcharges: The 2025 shipping alliance has announced the Q3 peak season surcharge collection standards.
Destination port charges: Including but not limited to THC (Terminal Handling Charge), documentation fee
Special Circumstance Fees:
- Demurrage charges incurred from customs inspection (it is recommended to purchase inspection insurance).
- Oversized/Overweight Cargo Surcharge

Based on the latest regulations from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, it is recommended:

Document pre-review mechanism: Submit the complete set of scanned copies for pre-review 72 hours in advance.
Classification dispute resolution:
- Application for Advance Ruling on Commodity Classification (Processing time to be reduced to 5 working days by 2025)
- Prepare a third-party testing report as supporting evidence.
AEO certified enterprise priority clearance: It is recommended to choose a freight forwarder with AEO Advanced Certification.

Taking chemical products as an example, it is essential to confirm:

Compliance documents: MSDS (2025 New Addition of REACH Regulation Annex XVII Restricted Substances List)
Packaging Certification: Verification of the validity period of UN specification packaging certificates
Shipping method restrictions: Certain hazardous materials are prohibited.?air freight?(such as Class 1 explosives)

It is recommended to take the following steps:

Evidence preservation: Apply for a third-party inspection agency to issue a cargo damage report at the destination port.
Limitation period for claims:?Ocean shipping?Claims must be filed within 3 working days after the delivery of the goods.
The principle of insurance priority: It is recommended to purchase comprehensive transportation insurance for the entire process in 2025 (the premium rate is approximately 0.15% of the cargo value).

Leading freight forwarding companies have achieved:

Real - time tracking system: The GPS positioning error of the container is less than 50 meters.
Intelligent Early Warning Function: Automatically identify ETA changes and customs policy updates
Electronic Document Interchange: Directly connected to the Customs Single Window system, the electronic bill of lading usage rate has reached 78% by 2025.

It is recommended to adopt the following strategies:

LCL service: LCL shipping can reduce costs by 40%-60%
Long-term cooperation agreements：Sign an annual transportation framework agreement to lock in freight rates
Logistics Audit Services: Quarterly Transportation Cost Analysis Report Provided by Professional Freight Forwarders