For businesses that frequently engage in exporting, importing, or inter-island shipping, selecting the right shipping companies is a crucial step. These companies are often referred to as freight forwarders or forwarding agents.

In the Regulation of the Ministry of Transportation No. 59 of 2021, Article 1, paragraph 6, it defines freight forwarding as every business activity essential for the shipment and receipt of goods via land, rail, sea, and air transportation.

Freight forwarders play a vital role in the logistics supply chain. A credible partner isn’t only chosen to ensure a streamlined distribution, but also for its direct impact on business efficiency and sustainability.

8 Characteristics of a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Before choosing a freight forwarding service, here are the company characteristics to seek:

1. Compliance with Regulations

The ability to comply with national and international legal provisions regarding the shipping of goods across modes of transportation.

2. Door-to-door Service

The provision of thorough shipping services, from factories abroad to their destination (job site), with a warranty for on-time arrival of goods.

3. Comprehensive Facility and Transparency

The possession of operational offices, transparent price systems, service warranties, and tracking facilities to monitor goods’ movements.

4. Monitoring of Moving Goods

The ability to monitor the shipping process until it reaches the right hand via information from the carriers or agents in the transit/destination country.

5. Goods Receipt

The capacity of carrying out direct goods receipt from the carriers.

6. Customs and Excise Handling

The provision of customs and excise services, including handling the entrance permits, import duties, and transit or destination port fees.

7. Domestic Transportation

The capacity to handle goods distribution from the port to the warehouse with the proper modes of transportation.

8. Goods Handover to the Consignee

Companies must ensure the goods arrive at the consignee as agreed.

Latest Trend of Freight Forwarding

According to the Logistics Association of Indonesia (Asosiasi Logistik Indonesia or ALI, 2024), the demand for freight forwarding services has intensified as the global trade and international e-commerce growth begin to recover.

Digitalization is the key to real-time tracking, e-documentation, and online customs clearance systems, which are now gradually being adapted to accelerate the distribution process.

SELOG Freight Forwarding Solutions

One logistics service provider that can be a good choice is SELOG, a business unit of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) and part of the Astra Group, with 20 years of experience in the logistics industry.

SELOG is here to meet the demand for end-to-end logistics services, ranging from Trucking, Shipping, Freight Forwarding, and Warehousing to Project Cargo.

SELOG’s freight forwarding services is committed to handling domestic and international shipping for various shipments, including those requiring special treatments. Such services can now accommodate domestic and international shipping.

Every SELOG’s services are supported by the latest digital technology, including the Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), which is not only convenient but also effective and efficient for businesses.

With AstraFMS technology, SELOG provides comprehensive IT-based solutions for transportation management in Indonesia.

For more information, go to www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

Don’t forget to follow SELOG’s social media on Instagram @selog_astra and LinkedIn SELOG for more information about logistic updates.