Whether it’s a one off, or going to be an ongoing contract, if you have stock which needs to be moved long distances you’ll need to research extensively.

The first thing you’ll need to decide is which mode of transportation you want sea, air, road or rail. All have their pros and cons but your stock, time scale, budget and end destination should help narrow this down.

The British international freight association (BIFA) is the official freight association, they aim to promote best practice within the freight industry and you should really think twice before you choose a company who isn’t a member. They cover UK companies who are engaged in the international movement of freight, including road, rail, sea and air, packing, warehouse, customs etc and have around 1,400 members in the UK (a full list can be obtained from their website)

Once you’ve decided which mode of transportation to go with, you’ll need a list of several companies which will cater for your cargo to get several quotes from. To get your list you’ll need to do some thorough research. The best place to start would be with the list on BIFA, then run your list through the Internet and check out their websites (any reputable company should have a website). The longer they’ve been trading the more reliable they’re likely to be, they should also be proud to display testimonials from their website which are always worth checking up on.

Do not simply go with the cheapest quote, choosing a freight provider on price alone isn’t advisable. It may prove prudent to speak to the companies quoting a higher price and simply ask them to explain their quote. Every company should be proud of their prices and they may offer something as standard which the other cheaper companies may charge extra for (for example additional insurance). Although it may take a little longer, email correspondence ensures that everything is in writing which minimises the risks of confusion at a later date.

Check exactly what’s included in all your quotes, fuel charge, customs clearance fees, customs brokerage fees, trucking fees and insurance can all sneak in as hidden extras. Most reputable freight companies (especially those who are members of the BIFA) will have standard liability insurance which covers against compensation claims, even the most competent and reliable freight company can’t help being held up by protesters at ports or traffic delays.

Check what services are provided as standard and which are optional extras, if you’re going for a shipping company, can they collect your product, or do you have to arrange to have it waiting at their depot or port? What’s their turn around time? If you’re shipping half way around the world, next day delivery may not be feasible but it should be if you’re simply trying to ship to Ireland from the main land UK. Do they deliver your products to a specific address or is it left at a port or depot? Most companies should offer a door-to-door service which should take some of the hassle away from you.

Order fulfillment, or delivery of goods, is a part of commerce operation once an order is received. Fulfillment refers to those providing the storing of customers’ materials until they request delivery to themselves or to a third party. Vendors also provide fulfillment services of requests received form a customer by mail, phone, fax or any other electronic means, better known as “pick and pack.”

Choosing the right fulfillment solutions provider for your business is a decision not to be taken lightly. The company that you decide upon should, hopefully, be an improvement over your own ability to provide high quality services in a reliable and efficient manner while also maintaining your bottom line. Finding a business partner that meets or beats all of these requirements is not an easy thing to do. Nor should it be. Good help is hard to find, but it shouldn’t keep you from making a profit. Finding the right fulfillment center with a sound distribution network, at an affordable price, will no doubt ensure that your company has a unique competitive advantage over the other guys in your industry.

So how do you find the right fulfillment company for you? Before answering this, it is imperative that you have a sound understanding of your company’s own talents and deficiencies from a logistical standpoint. When you know what your organization is not, then the answer to what you are looking for from a potential partner in fulfillment distribution should suddenly become clear. This new business associate must be able to satisfy not only your needs, but more importantly, they have to be willing and able to step in and provide these services to your customers with the same passion for quality that your company has worked hard to become known for.

Your business partners and customers have come to expect efficient quality at an affordable price. In order to make certain these valued relationships are not compromised, please remember that you need to do your homework first. There are plenty of “decent” fulfillment houses out there to find. Finding a “great” fit for your company can be done if you are simply willing to put in the necessary time and effort.

American Fulfillment is a Connecticut based international company with over 60 years of proven performance in fulfillment, lead management, inventory management, distribution and mailing services. As an extension of your marketing, sales and general communications efforts, they bring to every assignment the enthusiasm, dedication, reliability and timely service that is essential for a successful program and a long term relationship.

Their experienced professionals understand that attention to detail and exceptional communications are the key ingredients to providing an outstanding level of service. All work will be completed to your satisfaction – ensuring the highest standards of workmanship, confidentiality and control. You will find their pricing structure competitive and their “cost-conscious” project suggestions insightful. Let them help you hit your targets.