Freight forwarding company

​​Yes, a freight forwarder will arrange to clear your goods through customs. In order to do this, they will have the right software to communicate with HMRC’s systems. At Pinnacle, we offer this solution as a part of our end-to-end shipment service for imports.

The exporter of record is usually the owner of the goods, rather than the freight forwarder. For more information about the export process, see the Gov UK export guidance.

The importer of record is usually the owner, purchaser, or consignee who has ownership of the imported goods at the time of importation. For more information about the import process, see the Gov UK import guidance.

Freight forwarders provide transport solutions to businesses wanting to send packages, crates and containers from one country to another. Freight forwarders act on behalf of importers and exporters to get their client’s goods to their destination on time and in good condition. This means booking cargo with shipping lines, airlines, rail or road carriers. 

Other responsibilities also include preparing and checking bills of carriage, arranging insurance, ensuring the lowest possible customs charges are levied and, where necessary, arranging storage.

Whilst a freight forwarder is not mandatory for importing or exporting goods, enlisting the services of one will most likely save you a lot of time and effort. This is because a freight forwarder will guide you through the entire shipping process from start to finish, taking on the responsibility of getting your goods from A to B and helping you to avoid any unforeseen costs or unwelcome surprises.

Importing and exporting goods is often far from straightforward. Using a freight forwarder makes the shipping process as smooth as possible. Freight forwarders have all of the industry expertise and knowledge necessary to ensure that costs are reduced where possible, any documentation is all correct and submitted on time and any mistakes are avoided.

Freight forwarders offer any or all of the following services: warehousing, shipping, documentation preparation, obtaining insurance and handling claims, consolidation of freight, booking cargo space and tracking goods.

At Pinnacle, we offer the full range of freight forwarding services from air, sea and road freight, import, export and domestic warehousing.

At Pinnacle, our quotations and invoicing are transparent so that our customers are clear on what they are being charged. We can also structure our costings to suit our customer’s requirements where possible, such as giving a detailed breakdown of individual costs or giving a lump sum figure.

Here is a list of common charge categories:

• Cargo type – e.g. general-purpose, hazardous, dangerous
• Weight and volume
• Packing and palletization
• Carrier/haulier costs
• Warehousing and storage
• Insurance

Yes, we provide you with 24/7 access to tracking information through our online Global Track & Trace service. It offers the ability to view live event updates, documentation and more. You can also schedule bespoke reports direct to your inbox. Alongside this, we also have a comprehensive online PO management system that enables you to manage your supply chain effectively and efficiently via one system.

• International Air Transport Association Cargo Agent (IATA)
• Civil Aviation Authority
• ISO 9001 certification
• UK Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
• British International Freight Association (BIFA)
• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
• International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

• Origin
• Destination
• Mode(s) of transport
• Commodity
• Weights and dimensions
• Incoterms
• Deadlines
• Hazardous information (if applicable)

This depends on the shipping line, consignee requirements and the local transport regulations. As a general rule of thumb, we would usually recommend approx. 23,000kg -25,000kg / 30cbm per 20ft container and 25,000kg -27,000kg / 71cbm per 40ft high cube container.

Please note, however, that these figures are estimated and vary according to the shipping line. It’s always best to check with one of our advisors before confirming your load plan.

No, a freight forwarder does not need an IATA code. IATA (The International Air Transport Association) is the trade association for the world’s airlines. IATA now represents some 290 airlines in 120 countries and whilst there is no requirement to be, we at Pinnacle Freight are proud members. This gives us access to all 290 airlines, which isn’t the case for non-member freight forwarders.

Yes, UK businesses require an EORI Number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) if they are moving goods internationally. If a freight forwarder is acting upon your behalf to move your cargo between the below locations then they will require your EORI Number: 

• between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Isle of Man and any other country (including the EU)
• between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• between Great Britain and the Channel Islands
• between Northern Ireland and countries outside the EU

We recommend that you check Government guidance regarding EORI Numbers.

No, a freight forwarder is not responsible for covering your import tax and duties. This is the responsibility of the Importer of Record. A freight forwarder will usually be able to manage the customs clearance of your goods, either directly with customs or by employing a customs broker on your behalf.

The Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for ensuring all the legal requirements are met before goods can be cleared through customs.

During this process, the IOR must ensure that the product classification is accurate, making sure that imported goods have been appropriately valued. They will also be responsible for the payment of fees, duties and taxes associated with importing goods, as well as completing the required documentation and paperwork. 

The IOR is the entity liable for all risks associated with clearing the goods.