Freight Forwarding Process Flow Chart

• April 22, 2020

Last updated on April 19, 2025

UNDERSTANDING THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING PROCESS FLOW AT TRANS GLOBAL AUTO LOGISTICS

Following the freight forwarding process flow chart used by Trans Global allows you to keep up with your cargo’s journey. Once you familiarize yourself with each point of the standard international shipping process flow, you can understand the need for specific certifications, documents, and fees. Let Trans Global break down the process for you.

Preparing to Export the Shipment

At Trans Global, our freight forwarding process flow chart begins with the preparation of your shipment. When you’re shipping to an international destination from your location, anything you send is an export. That goes for large personal items and shipments meant to be sold or traded.

To prepare your shipment for export, your shipment has to travel to the most convenient distribution warehouse. We can help you to arrange transport via train or truck. Your items will be held at a warehouse connected to Trans Global through the company or one of the partners in our network.

Going Through the Initial Checkpoint

Once we receive your items, they have to go through a checkpoint. At the checkpoint, your items will be:

• Packaged
• Itemized
• Properly labeled

During this stage of the international shipping process flow, we will also begin the import and export lists needed to document your cargo. If you have additional insurance for your cargo, we handle that at this point, as well. After accomplishing that, your shipment is packaged and prepared for the next step of its journey.

Clearance Check at Export Customs

Clearing customs is an integral part of any freight forwarding process flow chart. It’s the point at which your shipment gets permission to leave the country. Then, our freight forwarders will receive the certificates of origin needed for the rest of the journey. After we have the necessary certification, we can begin to reserve space with our carriers and finalize the shipment contracts.

Origin Handling

All along the route your shipment takes, various carriers will engage in origin handling. The carriers will open your cargo, inspect it, validate it, and safely reseal it. At different checkpoints, the carriers will also look at all the booking documents accompanying your shipment. Origin handling ensures the safety of your cargo. We do it because your shipment will switch to different modes of transportation throughout the international shipping process flow.

Clearance Check at Import Customs

Once your freight shipment arrives in the country of your ultimate destination, it has to go through import customs. Customs agents will then inspect your shipment again, as well as its documentation. Ideally, this part of the freight forwarding process flow chart includes approval from the local agents.

Arriving at the Final Destination

The last point of the international shipping process flow finishes with the arrival of your shipment. Your cargo will likely continue to a distribution center or warehouse that’s convenient to your final destination, although it may be delivered directly to you.

To learn more about our freight forwarding process flow chart, get in touch with Trans Global Auto Logistics today.

DETAILS AND REGULATIONS MATTER. CONNECT WITH TRANS GLOBAL TODAY.

The above provides an overview of our freight forwarding process. Arranging transport requires careful attention to many details and regulations, so don’t trust your valuable cargo to just anyone! With decades of experience transporting vehicles and building relationships within the shipping industry, Trans Global Auto Logistics is positioned to help you move personal belongings and vehicle or commercial goods. Contact us for a free shipping quote today. We’ll ensure your freight makes it to its destination safely and at the best possible price.