It is not essential to use a freight forwarder for your imports or exports, as you can deal directly with the shipping lines. However the
services that shipping lines can offer don't always meet everyone's needs as for example, airfreight, groupage (small shipments), customs clearance
and warehousing are not always available. A good freight forwarder should be able to offer all of these in addition to shipping your containers port
to port.
A good freight forwarder will also have an agency network worldwide allowing them to extend their range of services to countries where their clients are shipping to and from. They can be a useful
source of information and guidance.
For a list of UK freight forwarders we suggest you visit the website of BIFA.www.bifa.org
