A freight forwarder is the difference between a shipment you track proactively and one you find out is delayed when a customer calls asking where it is. Vet them the way you’d vet any vendor handling your inventory.
Verify the license, don’t just take their word for it
Any ocean freight forwarder operating in the US as an NVOCC must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, and that license number is searchable on the FMC’s public register. This takes two minutes and rules out operators who aren’t actually authorized to do what they’re offering.
Cheapest quote isn’t the same as best value
A forwarder quoting well below the others on a lane is sometimes cutting corners on insurance, consolidation practices, or carrier reliability. Ask directly what’s different about their process that lets them quote lower, and get the answer in writing if it matters to your decision.
Communication speed matters more than people expect
Freight problems, a missed connection, a customs hold, a damaged container, happen regardless of which forwarder you use. What separates a good one is how fast you hear about it and what options they bring you. Ask existing clients specifically about this, not just about pricing.