No matter if you are just starting in the logistics industry or endeavoring to make your way up the ladder, obtaining certificates will certainly give you an edge over your competition. Garnering a prestigious accreditation will help independent freight forwarders prove their company’s worth in the arena of international logistics. In today’s post, we are going to talk about 5 such certifications that every freight forwarding company should try to obtain.
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AEO (Authorized Economic Operator)
AEO is a universally recognized certification given out to importers, exporters, manufacturers, warehouse operators, independent freight forwarders, carriers, and customs agents. There are 3 kinds of AEO certificates-
- AEOC- is a customs simplification certificate that is issued to financially solvent businesses that achieve the customs compliance criteria.
- AEOS- is a security and safety certification given out to companies fulfilling the criteria of financial solvency, suitable record keeping standard, customs compliance, and the right safety and security standards.
- AEOF- is a combined customs simplifications as well as a security and safety certificate.
Obtaining these certifications will give you loads of advantages including simplified customs declarations, streamlined transit, priority treatment of cargo when chosen for control, and much more.
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IATA
IATA is a much sought-after international accreditation that will enhance the prestige of your organization by allowing enhanced industry recognition. Any logistics company which offers air cargo services and are equipped with the right license and legal requirements are eligible for applying for registration as IATA Cargo Agent. The Cargo Agency Program by IATA allows the forwarders to be recognized as financially solvent experts in the industry and it also regulates the relationships between the member airlines and the assigned sales agent.
The Cargo Account Settlement Systems or CASS is a data processing and customer management system that facilitates the interactions between airlines and the logistics companies allowing for the neutral settlement of disputes, monitoring of credit, profit collection, a hitch-free invoicing process, and more. Moreover making use of the IATA Cargo Accredited Agent logo will also enhance your reliability.
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ISO 9001:2015
To quote from the official website of ISO, “ISO 9001 is a standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system. It helps businesses and organizations to be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction.” Garnering this certificate will imply the following;
- Ongoing improvement- your partners would know the fact that they are collaborating with a dynamic company.
- Management- Your company has clear goals and your team is doing their best to achieve them.
- Optimum risk and opportunity management- you are striving to identify your weak points and focus on finding solutions.
- An integrated method- the recent addition to the ISO standard implies a comprehensive management system that will result in a flexible and streamlined business.
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FIATA
Independent freight forwarders with a considerable market reputation can opt to become Individual Members of FIATA. The Individual Members are required to abide by the rules of FIATA’s Business Integrity Statement which in turn enhances their prestige as one of the best players in the market.
Most FIATA members become a part of this highly protected body to boost their reputation in the market. The membership certificate awarded to the company implies that the member company abides by all the legal requirements and is obliged to maintain compliant behavior. This definitely helps to boost a company’s credentials and has a recognized value among the customers and thus can be a decisive factor when it comes to choosing the service of a number of competitors in contracts.
The name and address of the member company can be viewed on the member directory on the website of FIATA. Moreover, the Individual Members get the chance of advertising their company at a discounted rate on the member directory. This considerably boosts the visibility of the members.
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Dangerous Goods Certificate
If your company is venturing into the transport of DG then this certificate can indeed boost your reputation and brand name. Obtaining a Dangerous Goods Certificate will imply that your team is well trained in the proper packing, storing, handling, and moving of dangerous goods and that these items don’t endanger your employees as well as the public at large. It will highlight the fact that you are capable of handling hazardous substances such as explosives, inflammable liquids, infectious substances, radioactive substances, oxidizing materials, gasses, and more. Moreover, having this accreditation will also generate new avenues of trade-in