Singapore has become one of the leaders of industrial development in the world and many export and import industries have set up offices in this region. Here are some important tips to remember when looking to get the best freight rates in Singapore.

Distance is an important factor that affects the freight rates; therefore it is important to look at alternative routes so that you can minimize distance. However, this will not always ensure lower rates because the mode of transport is a much bigger factor. Air cargo is usually the most expensive, followed by road transport. Transport by sea is the best option when you are looking for cheap freighting to Singapore and the many ports near the city like Jurong, Sembawang Port and the Singapore Container Terminal allow for this.

When you are transporting cargo, getting the right documentation ready makes a big difference in cutting costs. If you have the documentation before hand, then you can request lower costing from a forwarder. Also, the fines associated with wrong documentation can be very high.

While some freight companies might offer a low quote for comprehensive services like packaging, transportation and storage, it is also possible that you may secure a lower rate if you hire different companies to handle some services individually. It is important to be aware of the industry rates of individual services if you want to get the best possible rate. Looking at various competitors and getting a number of quotes before choosing the final company will also help.

The rate of shipping cargo varies according to the type of cargo that needs to be freighted. Rates are fairly low if the cargo fits into containers, as this makes it possible to ship it along with other goods.

If you are looking to ship heavy machinery or industrial equipment, you will have to pay more for transport. Goods that require special care like perishables, ensure that precautions are taken in terms of packaging, to prevent spoilage or breaking. This is one area where quality standards cannot be dropped for a better price as it could compromise your entire shipment.