Quotes & Advice
Shipment tracking
10 Questions to ask a Freight Forwarder
Identifying the right freight forwarding partner for your business is a crucial decision to get right. A reliable and efficient logistics department (both in terms
July 15, 2022
As an expert international freight forwarder, we offer freight transportation services for a variety of cargo including out of gauge and heavy items. We also provide an in-house, high-quality export packing service and can handle dangerous goods including, radioactive cargo.
UK Freight Forwarding based in Leicestershire
We are a trusted and established freight forwarding company based in Leicestershire. Almost 50 years of experience, specialist knowledge, passion and commitment is reflected in everything we do. Helping businesses succeed in global trade for almost half a century, our business has been built on expertise in managing the complexities of moving cargo across international borders whilst meeting our customer’s targets. Underpinning our customer service is the assurance that we provide shipment visibility and reliable communication through one point of contact and our online tracking system. You can be confident and reassured that your cargo is in safe hands with Pinnacle Freight. As experts in international freight forwarding, we offer freight transportation services for a variety of cargo including out of gauge and heavy items. We also provide warehousing, ecommerce fulfilment services, an in-house, high-quality export packing service and can handle dangerous goods including radioactive cargo.
Global Freight Solutions
We pride ourselves in providing outstanding worldwide logistics solutions, covering all modes of transport.
Air Freight
Our dedicated air freight team use their knowledge and experience to offer the best solutions tailored to your needs at the right price.
Sea Freight
Pinnacle offer a flexible and responsive sea freight service. We offer you choice, cost efficiency, and reliability to support your supply chain requirements.
Warehousing
Pinnacle own and operate three fully operational and modern global warehousing facilities; two in the Midlands, UK and one in Virginia, USA.
Export Packing
We pack all types of goods, from
the smallest item to heavy plant
and machinery.
Transatlantic Shipping
With owned offices and facilities on both sides of the Atlantic, Pinnacle is perfectly placed to help your transatlantic business succeed.
Why choose Pinnacle Freight as your freight forwarding company?
Logistics is a key pillar for many businesses. With Pinnacle Freight, you can entrust that your valuable cargo is in the hands of an experienced freight forwarding company that knows exactly what they are doing.
Credible &
reliable
Pinnacle Freight is privately owned and has been established for almost 50 years. Over this time, we have built up a strong reputation in the logistics industry and beyond, with the accreditations and assurances behind us to prove it:
- British International Freight Association (BIFA)
- Road Haulage Association (RHA)
- ISO 9001
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) Cargo Agent
Ideally located in the Midlands, you can balance your service and costing options with the knowledge that Pinnacle Freight are just a few hours away from major air and seaports.
We made our first European delivery in 1973 and today we have a well established global network, shipping all over the world with experience in all the major trade lanes. We have particularly strong US links, due to our very own Pinnacle Freight office and warehouse facility in Virginia Beach VA, which opened in 1999.
Well-
connected
Technology-
driven
As the industry has evolved, so have we. We have adapted to and invested in high-quality technology and innovation that can integrate with your IT systems to help you drive efficiencies.
Alongside our track & trace and warehouse management systems, we also offer a PO Management system that enables you to manage your supply chain effectively and efficiently in one place. We integrate your and your supplier’s operating systems with our online portal, giving a one-stop-shop solution for visibility and supply chain management.
Want to learn more about Pinnacle Freight’s reputation and past projects? Check out our case studies.
Case Studies
Memorable past international freight projects where Pinnacle have excelled.
Bobo Dioulasso - Burkina Faso
Delivering 72MW of power to a power plant in Burkina Faso, changing the lives of the people living there.
NASA & the James Webb Space Telescope
Delivering vital and quite literally priceless space tech components, working closely with NASA.
WestAfrica1
Pinnacle were contracted to ship, transport, and install in final position four 335te engines, four 78te generators, and two 76te transformers.
What Our Clients Think
We have come to know Pinnacle as one of our most outstanding business partners as we execute our customer demonstrations in countries around the world. Pinnacle always rises to the challenge and gives us the proactive service we count on.
I have been working with Pinnacle for over 10 years now and have to say that their experience, professional approach and good reputation within the industry is impressive. I would have no hesitation in recommending Pinnacle for the movement of out of gauge machinery of any size or weight.
Delivery to NASA of the MIRI instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope was the highest value shipment that we have ever been responsible for in 50 years of space research, and the most difficult from a logistical point of view. Pinnacle were instrumental throughout the planning, organisation and ultimately the highly successful implementation of the delivery plan.
We look forward to working with them again on any similar future projects.
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Our Blog
Latest news and industry insights from the freight forwarding world.
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There are quite literally millions of Amazon sellers all over the world. Some are established brands, some high-flying entrepreneurs, and others a one-man band. Whatever
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FAQs
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 export packing, preparing and checking bills of carriage, arranging insurance, ensuring the lowest possible customs charges are levied and, where necessary, arranging storage.
Yes, you absolutely need a freight forwarder for the movement of international cargo. 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, export packing, 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, export packing, warehousing and ecommerce fulfilment services.
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.
At Pinnacle Freight, we hold the following accreditations and assurances:
- 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)
In order to provide an accurate quote, we would need the following fundamental information providing:
- 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.
Yes, a freight forwarder does need an IATA code in order to book with airlines. IATA (The International Air Transport Association) is the trade association for the world’s airlines. IATA now represents some 300 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 300 airlines, which isn’t the case for non-member freight forwarders.
