Freight forwarder is key to exports

Wines & Vines, May, 1990 by Bob Herndon

To effectively and efficiently transport wine, the freight forwarder must have a good working knowledge of the wine industry. The most important consideration is the level of communication maintained by the forwarder with the exporter coupled with the forwarder's ability to respond to the exporter's diverse and changing needs. The exporter should treat his forwarder as a working partner, as an extension of his operation. Visit the forwarder's facility, meet the key personnel and become familiar with his functions. In turn, encourage your forwarder to visit your facility and learn more about your business as well. This can only help to provide for mutual understanding and foster a good, solid working relationship.

(Bob Herndon is vice president, transportation division, at Hoyt Shepston, Inc., San Francisco custom-house brokers and forwarding agents since 1850.)