Navigating international shipping can be overwhelming for brands, especially when dealing with complex logistics, customs regulations, and multiple transport modes. As a sourcing partner, we’ve worked with countless brands to streamline their supply chains, and one of the most critical elements is choosing the right freight forwarding solution. Whether you’re shipping apparel, accessories, or other soft goods, understanding freight forwarding can save you time, money, and logistical headaches.
What is Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another via multiple carriers, including air, ocean, rail, and trucking. A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary between you and the transportation services, handling critical tasks such as:
- Booking cargo space
- Managing documentation (customs clearance, bills of lading, certificates of origin)
- Consolidating shipments for cost efficiency
- Negotiating freight rates
- Tracking shipments
Types of Freight Forwarding for International Shipments
There are several types of freight forwarding, each suited to different business needs. Based on our experience working with apparel brands, selecting the right method depends on cost, speed, and volume.
1. Air Freight
Best for: Urgent shipments, high-value goods, small to medium-sized orders
Air freight is the fastest method but also the most expensive. It’s ideal for time-sensitive products like limited-edition apparel drops or high-end fashion pieces that need to hit the market quickly. One of our clients once had a production delay with their factory, and we coordinated splitting their production between air freight and sea to ensure their launch wasn’t impacted—speeding up delivery by nearly two weeks compared to using ocean freight alone.
2. Ocean Freight
Best for: Bulk orders, cost-sensitive shipments
Ocean freight is far more economical for large shipments but comes with longer transit times. We often recommend this method for clients producing larger quantities. However, port congestion and customs delays can sometimes cause setbacks, so planning ahead is crucial.
3. LCL (Less than Container Load) vs. FCL (Full Container Load)
- LCL (Less than Container Load): If you don’t have enough volume to fill an entire container, your goods are consolidated with other shipments. It’s more cost-effective but can lead to slightly longer transit times due to handling.
- FCL (Full Container Load): A full container dedicated to your goods, offering faster transit and lower risk of damage.
Smaller brands generally start with LCL as they scale, then transition to FCL as order volumes grow.
4. Rail Freight
Best for: Shipping between China and Europe
Rail freight is an increasingly popular middle-ground option for companies shipping between Asia and Europe. It offers faster transit than ocean freight at a lower cost than air freight. While not as common in apparel sourcing, it can be a viable option for brands working with European distribution centers.
5. Truck Freight
Best for: Domestic shipping, cross-border transport
For shipments within North America, trucking is the most common method. Whether it’s a full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL), trucking plays a vital role in last-mile delivery.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Freight Forwarder
When evaluating a freight forwarding partner, we always recommend looking at:
- Experience in your industry: A freight forwarder with experience in apparel understands the nuances of shipping fabrics, garments, and bulk textiles.
- Global network: Strong relationships with carriers help secure better rates and priority booking.
- Technology & tracking: Having visibility into your shipment status can prevent costly delays.
- Customs expertise: A freight forwarder well-versed in import/export regulations can help avoid compliance issues.
One of our clients once faced unexpected customs holds due to improper HS code classification on their fabric shipment. Because we worked with a forwarder experienced in apparel logistics, they quickly corrected the paperwork and avoided weeks of delays. This highlights why industry-specific knowledge is invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right freight forwarding method and partner can make or break your supply chain efficiency. Whether you’re shipping small quantities via air or moving bulk inventory via ocean freight, understanding your options helps you optimize costs and avoid unnecessary delays.
At Rad Sourcing, we help brands navigate international logistics, connect with reliable freight forwarders, and ensure seamless shipping from factory to warehouse. Need help optimizing your shipping strategy? Contact us at www.radsourcing.com to streamline your supply chain today!
Infographic Suggestion: Flowchart of how Rad Sourcing supports brands in freight forwarding, from supplier coordination to final delivery.