Learning from Delays Due to Unclear Requirements, Sunny Worldwide Freight Forwarder China Grows Stronger

I remember when I first started in the freight forwarding business, I took an order from Shenzhen to Copenhagen. The client didn’t specify whether the shipment was urgent or not, just that it should be cheap. I was thrilled to finally get an order. There are many freight forwarder China companies, and the client chose us after careful consideration, finding us reliable. As a member of Sunny Worldwide Freight Forwarder China, I was confident. I was happy to get the order, but due to my lack of experience, I didn’t ask detailed questions. I chose MCS Shipping Line instead of COSCO Shipping Line. COSCO’s ships include scheduled and non-scheduled services. Scheduled services depart and arrive on time, while non-scheduled services might be delayed. At the destination, non-scheduled services might face slow container pickup and other issues. Due to my inexperience and the client's lack of urgency, I chose a slower shipping company.

After more than ten days, the Norwegian client called me, asking if the goods should have arrived. I was stunned and replied no. The client became anxious, raising his voice: "These goods are urgent! They need to arrive by the 20th for a meeting with a client. Aren’t you a responsible freight forwarder China? Why is this so slow? You’ll have to take responsibility for the delay!”

I was taken aback because the ship was already at sea and couldn’t be changed. I was anxious and sought help from my manager. The manager understood the situation and tried to find a solution. When the ship arrived in Rotterdam, we quickly transferred the goods to the fastest available ship, managing to salvage the situation.

I gradually learned that understanding the client’s requirements and deadlines is crucial, placing their needs first. Freight forwarder China companies vary in quality and service. So, when clients request quotes, I first clarify their needs and then develop a suitable plan. We often say "urgent as the client is urgent," but this is based on fully understanding their needs. Otherwise, even if the client accepts the quoted price, subsequent services might be chaotic, and the client wouldn’t return. Becoming a trustworthy freight forwarder China isn’t just talk.

Sunny Worldwide Freight Forwarder China has joined international freight forwarder alliances such as WCA and serves as vice president of 13 freight forwarding associations, demonstrating strong foreign trade logistics capabilities. Few Chinese freight forwarder China companies can achieve this. These alliances have agents worldwide, providing door-to-door services. For instance, last week we had a shipment to Ecuador, requiring a local agent. Using these platforms, we contacted a local agent for assistance. The benefit of these platforms is their credibility; if an agent's service is inadequate, the platform helps coordinate and even supports us in claims, ensuring better service on both sides.

We often hear about small freight forwarder China companies in villages running away with clients' money. They offer attractive prices, collect the goods, but don’t pay the shipping company or upstream partners, then abscond with the funds. This leaves clients paying double freight charges to retrieve their goods. Joining freight forwarding alliances involves scrutiny of member companies, reducing such risks. When members cooperate, there is mutual trust.

Sunny Worldwide Freight Forwarder China uses its self-developed ERP software for inventory management, sharing interfaces and data with clients, making us unique in the domestic market. We have our logistics fleet, not just a small village freight forwarder, and operate from an 1800-square-meter Grade A office building in Shenzhen, one of the few in the industry.

When dealing with European clients, there are many remote points. All remote points are transferred from basic ports like Hamburg, Germany; Fos, France; and Southampton, UK. Local remote points are transferred from basic points using various methods like rail, road, or sea. During transfers, additional costs and unexpected issues can arise, testing the service quality of a freight forwarder China. Choosing the appropriate local transportation method—rail, road, or sea—depends on the client's cargo value and delivery requirements.