The Scenario:
Your product has been shipped and you have promised a delivery date to a client. You now are hearing it has been delayed for an extra 12 days in Singapore. Your client is on the phone every 2 hours demanding to know when it will be delivered and you wish your freight forwarder would just call you back!
Although logistics is usually only a small part of the total cost of an imported item it is what can give you some of your largest headaches. It is also the easiest part of the process for your suppliers to blame for delays.
The best way to resolve most of these problems is to choose a freight forwarder with exceptional service. The ocean or air rates will all be quite similar between forwarders so choose the one who can provide instant answers on the status of your shipment.
Also make sure they provide all the options on routes before you book. It may be only cost $100 more to get a direct line and avoid the risk of transhipment delays (like in our Singapore scenario!)
Another good tip for less than container amounts of goods is to ship them as a full container. Your freight rate per item will increase but you will have total control over where the container is going.
Remember that for you and your clients bad news about delays is better than confusion!