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A scammer involved in international logistics can take on various forms and tactics. While it’s impossible to describe every possible scenario, here are some common characteristics and red flags to watch out for when dealing with a potential scammer in the context of international logistics:

1. Unsolicited communication
2. Poor communication skills
3. Unrealistic promises
4. Fake documentation
5. Untraceable or suspicious contact information
6. Pressure tactics and urgency
7. Lack of online presence or negative reviews

1. Unsolicited communication

Scammers often initiate contact without any prior interaction or relationship. They may send you emails, messages, or make phone calls out of the blue, claiming to be representatives of legitimate logistics companies.

2. Poor communication skills

Scammers may have grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward language usage in their messages. This could indicate that they are not professional or associated with a legitimate organization.

3. Unrealistic promises

Scammers often make unrealistic promises, such as extremely low shipping costs, expedited delivery times, or guaranteed customs clearance without delays. If an offer seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

4. Fake documentation

Scammers may provide counterfeit shipping documents, invoices, or tracking numbers to create an illusion of legitimacy. Always verify the authenticity of any documents provided and cross-check them with the actual logistics company.

5. Untraceable or suspicious contact information

Scammers may use free email accounts (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) rather than official email addresses associated with reputable logistics companies. They may also provide mobile numbers instead of office landline numbers. Such practices can indicate an attempt to evade traceability.

6. Pressure tactics and urgency

Scammers often create a sense of urgency and pressure you into making quick decisions. They may claim that a shipment is at risk or that immediate action is required to avoid penalties or fines. Legitimate logistics providers maintain professional communication and won’t rush you into making hasty decisions.

7. Lack of online presence or negative reviews

Before engaging with a logistics provider, search for their online presence, website, and customer reviews. Scammers may have limited or nonexistent online presence, or if they do, you might find negative reviews or warnings from other people who have been scammed.

When asking for a shipping quote, providing a target price can be helpful for several reasons:

1. Budgeting: By providing a target price, you give the shipping company or service provider an idea of your budgetary constraints. This helps them tailor their options and recommendations to fit within your desired price range. It allows them to propose shipping solutions that are more likely to align with your budget.
2. Comparison: If you are requesting quotes from multiple shipping companies, providing a target price can assist you in comparing the offerings. When each company knows your budget, they can provide quotes that are competitive and meet your requirements. This allows you to evaluate the different options and make an informed decision based on both the price and the services offered.
3. Customization: Shipping services often offer various levels of service, which may come with different price points. By specifying your target price, you provide an opportunity for the shipping company to customize their offerings to best meet your needs within your budget. They may suggest alternative options or discuss any trade-offs that could be made to achieve a more suitable price point.
4. Negotiation: Providing a target price can open up the possibility of negotiation. Shipping companies may be willing to adjust their pricing or offer discounts if they know the price range you are aiming for. It can serve as a starting point for negotiations and facilitate a conversation to find mutually agreeable terms.

Remember that providing a target price is optional, and you can choose not to disclose it if you prefer to receive a range of quotes without any initial constraints. However, in many cases, sharing a target price can streamline the quoting process and help both parties reach a satisfactory shipping solution.

Simply submit a form at your AEB dashboard. Your AEB account manager will work on your request and inform you once a quote is ready at your AEB dashboard.

Or you may email us at [email protected] with shipment details as follows. A ticket will be created for your AEB account manager to send quote to you. Please as well check your spam folder as in some cases emails from [email protected] may be put to spam.

1. Origin
2. Destination
3. Freight incoterms – FOB or EXW
4. Cargo HS code and cargo value for an estimation on import duties and taxes
5. Box count/cbm/kgs
6. Estimated date of cargo readiness at origin
7. Optional/Comments: Please share target price for streamlined quoting, reaching satisfactory shipping solution for both parties.

For sure you can track! There are 3 key milestones:

 

• Accepted: Your order is accepted by AEB Logistics who will be in contacts with you and your supplier. Once shipment at origin is picked up by AEB – EXW/Ex-work – or delivered by supplier to AEB warehouse – FOB, order status becomes in-transit.
• In-transit: AEB receives your shipment at origin! Once a ship or plane is booked as early as possible by AEB, an estimated date of delivery to you shall be available. There are more updates as shipment is in transit!

1. Export Customs: When export customs declaration is completed in origin country.
2. Export Departure: When shipment leaves from origin country.
3. Import Entry: When import entry is completed in destination country.
4. Import Arrival: When shipment arrives in destination country.

• Delivered: While your shipment is still on the way, an estimated date of delivery to you shall be available. Dedicated team of AEB Logistics keep eyes on daily developments & updating estimated delivery date if needed till you have your shipment in hands physically!

 

These updates are made on daily basis by a dedicated team.

 

For additional updates, you can send a message to your AEB account manager or chat on line.

 

The best forwarders share certain qualities that set them apart in the logistics industry. While individual preferences may vary based on specific needs, here are some characteristics often associated with top-tier forwarders:

 

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1. Of course PRICE

2. SERVICE

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

4. FLEXIBILITY

5. TECHNOLOGY

6. EXECUTION

7. KNOWLEDGE OF CUSTOMS, TAXES, REGULATIONS

8. ABILITY TO HELP YOU GROW

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1. Of course PRICE

This is a given, but you actually will find that prices among the biggest forwarders will not vary a lot as pricing is relatively transparent for your volume. Here I would steer clear of the smaller forwarders that do quote ridiculous prices for local trucking or warehousing in China.

 

2. SERVICE

Responses and service level is critical. It doesn’t seem like it when you are just concerned with price but the saying goes – “you get what you pay for” does in some ways apply. Make sure the company you work with can do what they say they can do.

 

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

Obviously, if you do find a recommendation from someone in the industry or another business that has used their service.

 

4. FLEXIBILITY

For majority of your shipments, it may be smooth and simple however that will be times that you need a forwarder to be flexible or be able to provide other services. This is when a 3PL (Third Party Logistics Provider) may be of more use. They will have a large enough network to help you with warehousing, trucking, final delivery whereas a forwarder will only be able to assist with your freight.

 

5. TECHNOLOGY

Technology is critical, it means the forwarder or 3PL you are working with is forward thinking. It also means they are lowering transaction costs and trying to automate parts of shipping. This in turn means cost savings that can be passed back to you as a client. Also provides you with more timely updates and systems and processes that are clear and precise.

BUT this is nearly non-existent in logistics, so if you find one that does implement this then stick with them!

 

6. EXECUTION

Their ability to execute. This of course you will only know after they have executed. But in general from their size, experience and other clients you can gauge their ability to execute.

 

7. KNOWLEDGE OF CUSTOMS, TAXES, REGULATIONS

Especially if you are doing international cargo and shipments. Customs is something that is very unpredictable. It may not be in the hands of your forwarder but their knowledge in these areas is something you have to rely on. So if they show this then is it definitely an advantage.

 

8. ABILITY TO HELP YOU GROW

You definitely want to grow your business, last thing you want is to babysit a shipper. So if you can see that they can provide all the services that you need NOT just today but also TOMORROW, then this is a big consideration. As your business will not stay as it is today.

 

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To participate in AEB Logistics’ referral program, simply visit your AEB dashboard at https://aeblogistics.com/my-account/referralprogram/ and click on the “Share by email” button. After entering your friend’s email address, they will receive an email notification, and your account manager at AEB Logistics will also be informed.

The email sent to your friend will include your name, the name of your account manager at AEB Logistics, contact information for AEB Logistics, and a link to email you for further details.

Furthermore, your AEB account manager will personally reach out to your referred contact to explore potential business opportunities.

Once your referral makes a payment, you will be rewarded with a commission of 3% of the invoice amount, which will be transferred to you via PayPal or Payoneer. Congratulations on your successful referral!