HELP & ADVICE NEEDED (freight forwarding start-up)

[BON101]

Hi all,

I have done a lot of digging but I still couldn't find straight answers... hopefully I can get them here

I am looking to get into freight forwarding. International freight forwarding between UK and Africa.

I however, do not know the full list of what is needed to have a good start.

So far I have a computer.... just about that. I know what I want to do and how I will do it but I don't know the legal requirements to meet e.g licenses and maybe IATA certificates etc? I don't what I need and don't need, software or programs needed etc.

I tried approaching a small business in the same industry who operate the same routes for some info but they pointed me to google - haha.

Could you good people of UKBF come to my rescue please, anyone - point me to a place I can get answers or even the solution first hand would be much appreciated.

Thank you all in advance.

Looking forward to any replies.

BON101

 

[Scalloway]

Have you looked at this?

https://www.bifa.org/media/3933504/setting-up-as-a-ff.pdf

 

[MOIC]

Go and work in the industry with similar services/routes you want to get involved with.

Stay there for 1 - 2 years to learn what there is to learn.

Don't tell them you intend that to open you're own business in the future.

Don't try to take their customers when you leave.

It's not as simple as you may think, given (as you say) your starting point is a owning a computer.

@The Byre will be able to give you an insight as to what you need to know before embarking on your own business with no experience.

 

[The Byre]

Go and work in the industry with similar services/routes you want to get involved with.
Stay there for 1 - 2 years to learn what there is to learn.
Don't tell them you intend that to open you're own business in the future.
Don't try to take their customers when you leave.

The above pretty much covers it!

You might like to read Collin Barrow's book 'Starting a Business for Dummies'.

Freight forwarding is very much a who-you-know as well as a what-you-know business, so just setting up shop and hanging out your shingle is not going to be enough. People (buyers, vendors, shipping agents, freight companies etc.) have to know you, like you and trust you first, before you get one commission.

 

[TODonnell]

This is interesting. I never thought about how FF actually works. I guess people have to know you and trust that you won't smuggle a taliban stuffed with contraband home-brew Ovaltine in the boot of one of your regular car shipments.

 

[BON101]

Have you looked at this?


Thats a great piece of info Scalloway, very informative too. Thank you.

 

[BON101]

Go and work in the industry with similar services/routes you want to get involved with.

Stay there for 1 - 2 years to learn what there is to learn.

Don't tell them you intend that to open you're own business in the future.

Don't try to take their customers when you leave.

It's not as simple as you may think, given (as you say) your starting point is a owning a computer.

@The Byre will be able to give you an insight as to what you need to know before embarking on your own business with no experience.

I definitely would have done this but I am already in employment within the finance industry. I don't intend to stay in my current job field for lengthy period. So I wanted to start a FF business that I can work on slowly before I can leave my current job in a few years.

Definitely wouldn't poach either but thank you for your advice - I'll seek work experience for a week or two and try to see what info I can gather from it.

 

[Import Expert]

I have worked in the FF industry for around 25 years. My advice would be to gain employment with a FF to gain some experience. There are courses available, but nothing that can give you practical experience.

You also need to consider cash flow and will need a decent pot if you are going it alone. Most shipping lines will require payment up front, whereas you often will need to offer customers 30 days credit.

BIFA are the trade body for the industry. You should also register any new business with them, and can use their terms and conditions for trading.

 

[NorfolkGuy]

With Brexit looming you’d be better off doing what I’ve done, go and get your HGV license, get a job in the industry and soak everything up you learn, hear, see and then apply it to your business model.

I am in the throes of setting up a haulage company. If you’re interested in talking, PM me.

 

[Chris wants more]

I have been in the industry for 19 years and have been looking into setting up something myself, I think one of the main keys to success in this business is resourcefulness. Its an industry which is always changing and you have to keep up with the times.

I would be interested to talk to anyone who shares the same mindset and would like to talk.

 

[Mike Godwin]

I am slightly enraged by this post. How dare you think you can just become a FF without any experience in the industry and then have the cheek to ask other FF's (your competitors) how to go about it. I've been in Freight Forwarding for over 40 years and am still learning. Freight Forwarding & Logistics is a profession and like any other profession you need training and years of experience working with a FF before you could ever consider setting out on your own. Time you woke up and smelt the coffee.