Zimbabwe Freight Forwarders The Ultimate FAQ Guide

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Shipping from Zimbabwe can be a challenging task. This is true especially if you are new to this business. Or if you have not yet found your way around the rules here. Every area that does shipping in the world is somewhat different. This could be because of local regulations and restrictions. Besides also due to the demand-supply dynamics that have carved their traditions a certain way. In the following article, we are going to go through the most commonly asked questions regarding freight forwarders in Zimbabwe. 

We will start by answering more universal questions regarding freight forwarders in general. Such as “What documents are required when ordering?” and “Which are the top freight forwarders?”. Then we will go into detail about Zimbabwe freight forwarders. We aim to lay out the most common questions and concerns and answer them. This way, if you carefully read through this article you will learn the most important tips and tricks for freight forwarders in Zimbabwe. 

What are Freight Forwarders?

Before we dive in, it is important to understand what exactly a freight forwarder is and what they do. Freight forwarders provide shipping services. Usually, this is from the manufacturer or the nearest port to the manufacturer to the destination port. This is conducted via sea or air freight or on land. They are logistics experts that are known for providing quality services and thereby fueling your business and its growth. Besides transport freight forwarders also provide extra services.

What are the Main Responsibilities of Freight Forwarders?

These are customs clearance, delivery of shipments to the end buyer, insurance, and documentation services. It is important to mention also that freight forwarders take good care of your goods. They take responsibility for upholding the quality of the shipment and are subject to reimbursing you for any lost or damaged goods. Doing this is in their best interest too. If they do their jobs right, you will likely keep doing business with them. However, just one delay or one wrong conduction of logistical steps could end up causing huge delays. This then could cause losses on your business’ end. Therefore it is crucial to double-check these freight forwarders before you fully commit.

cost of shipping a container from china to zimbabwe

Shipping from china to zimbabwe

One-stop cargo shipping options from China to zimbabwe

We offer very competitive ocean freight for FCL and LCL shipment from China to any seaport in zimbabwe.

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Air cargo is a fast and easy way to ship products across a country. Chinese major airports are in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, while Amsterdam, Brest, Groningen and Eindhoven are popular international airports.

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DHL to zimbabwe

For courier services, such as DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT USPS.

DHL harare zimbabwe contact number:

+263 8677 700120

Table of Contents

Honourocean Shipping make sure below service :

  • The most convenience and speed shipping route from China to the zimbabwe
  • Compliance with import/export regulations at each port of call
  • A service that has built strong relationships with the logistics team every step of the way
  • Update status for each shipment process
  • The professional operation team ensure smooth processes and customers worry-free 
china to zimbabwe shipping

Is It Worth It to Use A Freight Forwarder?

Using freight forwarder services can be a very good idea. This is an especially useful service for you if you are conducting business on a larger scale. If you know you will need a large volume of products and want to be sure that your goods are shipped in time, you should consider using freight forwarder services. Not to mention the time and cost-effectiveness of bulk buying. If you do your research and spend time planning your next steps, freight forwarders can save you lots of extra fees.

More detail :

What does a freight do?

 

Is DHL A Freight Forwarder?

DHL indeed is a globally known freight forwarder. With one of the largest networks in the world, DHL operates in over 220 countries! They operate as air, sea, and rail freight forwarders as well. Besides, of course, they are known by the end buyers too due to their door-to-door delivery services. They are a flexible global giant that has come up with plenty of competitive services. Such as air express delivery, same-day shipping, and express delivery to mention a few. A trusted forwarder that will always get the job done. You should consider DHL and its many freight forwarder services if you are looking for a trusted company. 

What are Things to Keep In Mind When Working With a Freight Forwarder?

When you start planning your first orders it is important to do your research. Know exactly what you need and find the freight forwarder that will cater to your needs exactly. Knowing what you want will help you be clear about it with your freight forwarder as well. Establishing and maintaining constant and quality communication with them is also key. You can do this by having a good relationship with your freight forwarder. At times this could help you land even better deals, cheaper rates, and a more on-time shipment of your goods. To start and maintain a good relationship with your future partner you need to be clear about what you want, be consistent and prepare all of your necessary documentation. It can be helpful also to let them know about as many details as you find important and inform them about your long-term plans. 

Which are the Required Documents in Zimbabwe for Freight Forwarding?

When you are running a business you need to have a consistent supply of goods to be able to maintain customer satisfaction. For that, you need your freight forwarder to be on time with your goods every time. It might come as a surprise but this will be mostly up to you. To avoid any delays you have to do your part. Prepare all necessary documents for your freight forwarder so that they can conduct a clear and uninterrupted transport to your port or door. To help you avoid any potential difficulties we have collected the most important documentation you will need to use freight forwarder services in Zimbabwe:

  • Bill of Lading
  • Packing List
  • Import License
  • Bill of Freight Shipment
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Performa Invoice
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • Dangerous Goods Certificate (If Any)

What is the Cost of Zimbabwe Freight Forwarders?

The shipping cost will be dependent on many things. Your business’ proximity to the forwarder, the specific freight forwarder you choose, and of course the quantity and quality of your ordered goods. Besides, added fees may apply after surpassing a certain limit of volume. Or if your goods require special care such as extra security or protection and so on. The freight forwarder you choose may send you additional bills based on anything they might encounter or are forced to pay on your behalf. This could be due to a lack of documentation among other things.

Are Freight Forwarders and Carriers the Same Thing?

In short, no. Besides shipping, of course, freight forwarders offer thorough logistical services. Carriers are simply the owners of the means of transport that will ship your goods from A to B. This could be ship or train and of course, planes when it comes to air freight as well. The two terms get confused often because it is common for freight forwarders also to own their means of transport. Their providing of overall services might confuse you when seeing their operations up close.

Can Shippers Be Freight Forwarders In Zimbabwe?

Indeed, freight forwarders are allowed to operate as shippers too. This operation is licensed by the local government. This way Zimbabwe freight forwarders can ship your ordered goods on your behalf. However, there are no strict or specific regulations preventing freight forwarders from operating as shippers too. 

Can They Be a Consignee?

When we talk about consignees in logistics and shipment, in particular, it refers to the receiving end of a shipment. Speaking of Zimbabwe, here freight forwarders do not necessarily act as the final consignee. Instead, they could help out as the middleman and forward the good to the final recipient.

Can the Bill of Lading Be Made Out by Zimbabwe Freight Forwarders?

Yes. The bill of lading is an outline of the planned shipping route as well as the origin and destination of the journey of your goods. This document is important to have and be clear about its details before the shipping process begins. In Zimbabwe, the shippers too can provide you with the bill of lading. Though they will need to have an NVOCC registration beforehand. 

Should I Use Zimbabwe or China Freight Forwarders when Shipping From China To Zimbabwe?

This is very much dependent on your exact needs. If your business requires door-to-door shipping services, for example, Zimbabwe freight forwarders could be a wise choice. However, there are always differing offers freight forwarders can provide. This is regarding your requirements. For instance, if you need larger quantities shipped quickly or if you don’t mind the waiting time but you have a strict budget as to how much you can spend on shipping. It is therefore wise to conduct research and just see which exact freight forwarders can deliver to your specific needs. 

How Can I Identify a Good Freight Forwarder?

When it comes to freight forwarders there are plenty of them to offer you their services. The important route between China and Zimbabwe is of course covered by all of them. Still, you might want to take a closer look and dive deeper before you commit to one or another just randomly. You will always need to know exactly what you want and how those wants and needs can be covered. Then you can start looking for the matching freight forwarder. For you to be able to easier identify what the best partner might be, we collected a few tips below as pointers in the right direction:

  • They Should Be Familiar With Local Customs and Requirements
  • They Have All of The Necessary Licenses (FMC, TSA For Instance)
  • They Should Offer Reasonable Rates
  • They Should Have Good Records and Reviews
  • They Should Be Good Partners and Provides Consistent Care and Communication

What are The Top 20 Zimbabwe Freight Forwarders?

Going through the article, surely, by now you have a more clear idea as to what you are looking for in your freight forwarder. Still, we wanted to be sure to provide you with our top picks of shippers that operate between Zimbabwe and China as well as many other destinations. Here are our top 20 picks of freight forwarders as well as their locations in no particular order:

  • Prime Forwarders
    6 Meredith Drive, Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Allen Wack & Shepherd Pvt Ltd
    12 George Drive, Msasa, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Greenshields Cowie
    Standards Association Building, Northend Close, Northridge Park, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Aerolog Africa Ltd
    Harare Unit 5, 19 Conald Road, Graniteside Harare
  • Samar Forwarding Pvt Ltd
    Office #2, Colosseum Building Harare Showgrounds Harare
  • Speedlink Cargo
    14 Borgward Road, Msasa, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Freight Kings Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited
    No. 1 Arlington Estate, Harare International Airport, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Strauss Logistics Zimbabwe
    116 Dagenham Rd, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Infinity Freight Services
    Suite 1, Keshelmar Complex, New Cargo Village, Harare International Airport Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Cargo Plus International Logistics
    Address: Keshelmar Premises, New Cargo Village, Harare International Airport, Zimbabwe.
  • Aviocean Freight Services Pvt Ltd
    Office No 202 Longchen Plaza, Cnr S.Machel Mutely Bend, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Leopack Transport Zimbabwe
    19A Lomagundi Road, A1, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Macrotop Zimbabwe
    4 Beit Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Vadomark Logistics
    110 Lytton Road, Workington, Mashonaland East, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Divine Freight Forwarding (Private) Limited
    63 Leopold Takawira, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Kuehne + Nagel (Zimbabwe) (Pvt) Ltd
    22 Simon Mazorodze Road, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Customs Services
    67 Coventry Road, Workington, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Kings Interafrica Logistics
    Douglas Road, Workington, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Shipping Champions (Pvt) Ltd
    Domestic Terminal, Office No 2, Ground Floor, Harare International Airport, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Groupair (PVT) Ltd/G A Freight
    1 Surrey Hse, Queensway Shopping Centre Airport Road/St Patricks Road Hatfield Harare

RFQ

 Below is the FAQ from Netherlands importers, here we add the answers for you information.

FAQ

 

Conclusion

We hope that this article was of help. Especially the above list of our top 20 picks of freight forwarders could be of use to you. Once you find the right seeming forwarders, still, you need to dig deeper and do thorough research. This will prevent you from losing money on bad service and delayed products or even hidden fees. Or God forbid extra fines due to the freight forwarder’s inability to provide you with adequate information on time. To avoid all of this, know what you want. Have a crystal clear vision and mission as these will help you better ground yourself when it comes to laying out your needs and wants to the freight forwarder. This way they too can see whether they can be the match you are looking for. If you are in doubt it is also a good idea to get in touch with third-party assistance. Or simply pick up the phone and talk to their customer service representatives. Another helpful tool in making your decision could be to look for past clients of the chosen freight forwarder. Maybe even get in touch with them and see how satisfied they were after the ordered goods reached their destinations.