There is no wonder that the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has significantly changed how many things work in various industries. Remote work became the norm, and merchants shifted to online platforms for marketing their goods and services. In addition, lockdowns have accelerated the adoption of modern business tools that helped streamline business-critical tasks, such as finance, human resources, and manufacturing.
However, the global health crisis also adversely affected many companies, especially those in the logistics sector. The lack of staffing in manufacturing hubs and major ports worldwide has led to a global supply chain issue, with shipments considerably slowed and various goods becoming scarce. It also made existing regulations on shipping more stringent, adding more guidelines that shipping lines and logistics firms need to navigate through.
This is where partnering with a customs brokerage company can be a game changer for many companies. Customs brokers are tasked to ensure that logistical firms meet different federal requirements for international shipments. This will ensure that all shipments comply with the enforced regulations to prevent legal implications.
And even in times of uncertainty, customs brokerage services can help ensure that imports and exports would not be delayed. Their knowledge about shipping laws is second to none; assisting any freight company guarantees they will not break any rules. Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, other events worldwide, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have significantly affected worldwide shipping, and customs brokers can help firms handle new shipping regulations.
In addition, customs brokers can help international freight companies handle documentation, which is usually a pain to take. The events in recent years have made documentation more stressful because of numerous changes in shipping regulations. Customs brokers can efficiently handle the documentation process and assist freight enterprises in ensuring that their shipments arrive as scheduled.
To learn more about why customs brokers are critical during a crisis, check this infographic provided by Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics.