Interview with Fleet: Your Freight Forwarding Questions, Answered

For many importers, the world of logistics and freight forwarding is a black box filled with confusing acronyms, complex documents, and hidden costs. Getting your goods from a factory in China to your warehouse in India involves a dozen steps, and a mistake at any one of them can be costly.

To demystify this crucial part of the import process, we sat down with "Fleet," our Head of Logistics at Befach.com. With years of experience navigating the high seas and skies, he's here to answer the most common questions our clients have.

Q: Let's start with the basics. What exactly is a freight forwarder?

Fleet: The simplest way to think of a freight forwarder is as a "travel agent for your cargo." We don't own the ships or planes, but we act as an expert intermediary. We leverage our network and volume to negotiate the best routes and prices with shipping lines and airlines, manage all the complex documentation, and ensure your goods get from Point A to Point B efficiently.

Q: What's the difference between sea and air freight, and when should I use each?

Fleet: It's a classic trade-off between time and money.

• Sea Freight: This is the workhorse of international trade. It's significantly cheaper but much slower (e.g., 25-40 days from China to India). It's ideal for bulk goods, heavy items, and products that aren't time-sensitive.
• Air Freight: This is all about speed. It's much more expensive but can get your goods to you in a matter of days. It's best for high-value, lightweight, or urgent shipments, like product samples or a last-minute stock replenishment.

Part of our logistics service is advising clients on which method makes the most financial sense for their specific shipment.

Q: I keep hearing about Incoterms like FOB and EXW. What are they and why do they matter?

Fleet: Incoterms are incredibly important. They are the official rules that define who is responsible for the goods at every step of the shipping process. A common mistake for new importers is agreeing to "EXW" (Ex Works) terms because the price looks cheaper. This means you are responsible for everything—including picking up the goods from the factory and handling China-side customs. It's a logistical nightmare. "FOB" (Free On Board) is much better, as the supplier is responsible for getting the goods to the Chinese port. Our sourcing team always negotiates the best possible Incoterms for our clients to minimize their risk and cost.

Q: What is a Bill of Lading (B/L) and why is it so important?

Fleet: The Bill of Lading is the single most important document in shipping. It's a legal document that serves three purposes: it's a receipt for your goods, it's the contract with the carrier, and, most importantly, it's the title deed to your cargo. You cannot claim your goods from the port in India without presenting the original B/L. It's the key that unlocks your container.

Q: How does freight forwarding connect to customs clearance?

Fleet: They are two sides of the same coin. My logistics team ensures the goods arrive at the Indian port with all the correct documentation, like the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice. Then, our customs clearance team takes over. They use these documents to file the Bill of Entry with Indian Customs (the CBIC), pay the necessary duties, and get the goods released. A smooth handover between logistics and clearance is essential for avoiding costly delays. The entire import/export ecosystem is governed by policies from the DGFT, and we ensure compliance at every step.

Have More Questions? We Have Answers.

Navigating freight forwarding can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Having an expert partner manage the entire process ensures your goods are safe, your costs are optimized, and your mind is at ease.

Ready to experience a seamless logistics process? Contact the Befach team today for a professional consultation.