Help Center Article
Resources for Early-Stage Shippers (EU)
Resources for Early-Stage Shippers (EU)
Resources for Early-Stage Shippers (EU)
Starting or scaling a business is a difficult and time-consuming process—and one reason why Flexport’s mission is to make global trade easy for everyone. This short guide answers the most frequently asked questions we receive from new and ramping shippers.
Finding a Freight Forwarder, NVOCC, or Customs Broker
Unfortunately, Flexport can’t service every upcoming shipment. This is usually due to the origin or destination country, unserviceable commodities, or temporary capacity constraints. However, you can find links to directories of alternative freight forwarders or customs brokers below.
UK Resources
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the trade association for UK-registered companies engaged in international movement of freight by all modes of transport. BIFA has around 1500 corporate members, most of whom are freight forwarders like Flexport.
Netherlands Resources
EVOFENEDEX represents the interests of some 15,000 companies in the Netherlands that export, import and transport goods on their own account or subcontract through a professional transport company. They come from many sectors of industry. Think machinery, chemical and offshore companies, but also wholesale, retail, logistics and marine agency firms.
The Netherlands Association for Forwarding and Logistics (FENEX) is a trade association for the forwarding sector. Its goal is to strengthen the national and international position of Dutch forwarding agents by representing their collective interests. .
Germany Resources
Bundesvereinigung Logistik (BVL) is a German-based national and international logistics network. It’s membership consists of 11,000 companies and individuals from the worlds of industry, commerce, services and science who are actively involved in the business of logistics and supply chain management.
Other Help Articles/Resources for Getting Started
Shipping Questions
- FCL vs LCL vs Air
- Preparing your package:
- Label everything:
- Complete a bill of lading:
- Incoterms guide:
- FDA questions, know your product:
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
Customs / Quotes
- Find customs tips on your product:
- Customs duty costs
- Know your codes
- Your product needs to be examined:
- Wondering what your duties are?
- Customs import requirements
Amazon FBA Questions
- Shipment plans:
- Labeling (Have supplier label at origin):
- Delivery Method (LTL vs SPD) and how long will it take:
- What is the timeline of an Amazon shipment from destination?
- Delivering Amazon FCL vs LTL:
- Wondering about pallet specifications:
- You’ve got questions: