In every business, whether startups or enterprises, no matter what the size is, importing and exporting goods are core components to keep the business operations running. It is the heart and soul of most companies that ship locally or global. And if your business involves the same procedures, then it would be ideal to partner with a shipping agent in Singapore. These shipping experts can help you achieve a positive outcome and success in international trade without suffering from all the hassle and complexities involved. Some problems your business may likely encounter are booking freight forwarders, processing papers, negotiating with other authorities, clearing customs, arranging insurance coverage for your goods, managing financial payments, and tracking shipments.

Before working with a shipping company in Singapore, here are a few other questions to help you better understand the role and responsibility of these experts in the trading industry and supply chain.

WHAT IS A SHIPPING AGENT IN SINGAPORE?

A shipping agent in Singaporeis the party representing and dealing with authorities and transactions of a ship on every port they dock or land. In short, these experts serve as your representative when carrying out essential duties required by the staff. The shipping agent is responsible for arranging every requirement and taking care of the crew aboard, including exchanging their local currency, sending emails, contacting a mechanic for maintenance and repair services, bringing essential supplies, such as food and water, and escorting other technicians, and many other vital duties. A shipping agent is also responsible for settling the dues and other payments concerning the customs. The shipping agency must ensure that the agent paid all necessary charges to clear the customs.

Also, as you can imagine, not all ship owners, business owners, managers, and facilitators are not present when the cargo leaves and the ship docks at every port. That’s when a forwarding company in Singapore sends a shipping agent. The shipping agent then handles all the critical aspects of the sea freight process. They are also responsible for working with the in-port arrangements, made and completed efficiently and effectively. They also need to ensure that the vessel accomplishes all operations on time, with no delays, unless unforeseen circumstances occur. These are some of the most common tasks a shipping agent must keep in mind and not allow any factor to neglect and hamper his duty.

WHAT ARE THE SERVICES OF A SHIPPING AGENT IN SINGAPORE?

A shipping agent or agency in Singaporecan help all sizes of businesses. Whether you recently launched a startup, run a global enterprise, or work for a family business, a shipping agent can help you with the trade industry and supply chain. It can help you with the following services:

• Booking a freight forwarding company in Singapore
• Arranging all documents that the vessel needs to present in and out of the port
• Securing the charterer, pilot, and tugboat services
• Submitting crucial information to the local immigration and port authorities, including the name of all crew and passengers, their contact numbers, position, and the total number of staff and passengers aboard
• The shipping agent in Singapore is also responsible for completing all relevant vessel clearance documentation.
• Notifying the Customs regarding the exact time and date of arrival at the port
• Informing the Customs of the cargo loaded on board
• Supervision of loading and discharging of cargo and ensuring the safety of these containers
• Arranging all papers regarding crew changes and repatriation, immigration documentation, customs clearance, and onward travel schedules
• Handling ship services, including maintenance, repair, cleaning, disinfection, and fuel
• Sourcing of supplies and spare parts for the cargo

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SHIPPING AGENT?

ADAPTABILITY

A good shipping agent in Singapore must know how to adapt to sudden and constant changes on board, especially issues concerning the shipping process. If they have good adaptability skills, they can work and resolve matters and turn them into a well-planned operation.

ANALYTICAL

Another characteristic of a good shipping agent in Singaporeis analytical thinking. The ability to document activities well while working on crucial shipping procedures, such as clearing the customs, is one of the vital attributes of being an effective shipping agent. They are the go-to person in case any circumstances or problems arise. They should have good analytical thinking skills to deal with proper documentation processes, from handling cargo to dealing with immigration, contacting port authorities, to ordering provisions for the crew.

PEOPLE SKILLS

If you wish to work with an efficient shipping agent in Singapore, you must look for someone with high-level interpersonal skills. These experts are good at communicating and engaging with other folks and cultures. Generally, shipping agents encounter various nationalities each time they dock in a port. An effective vessel agent can connect with you and interact with their crew, passengers, and other people around them. They are also good at providing their clients with better services based on what they learned from different traditions, techniques, and cultures.

PASSION FOR THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

Being a good shipping agent in Singaporerequires dedication, mad love, and passion for the maritime industry. They operate on a 24-hour per day, seven days a week schedule. Sure, they do not have the typical corporation work schedule, which is the 9-5 job. However, their work is exhausting. Can you imagine working the entire day and being on board for seven days? In addition, almost all their roles and tasks require understanding and in-depth knowledge about a vessel. That’s why when you look for a vessel agent, look for someone passionate about the maritime industry to thrive in this highly-pressurised environment.

THE ULTIMATE ROLE OF THE FREIGHT FORWARDER

To summarise everything, a shipping agent is an expert responsible for all arrangements in the sea freight. The shipping company in Singapore can execute and help facilitate a smooth international shipment, strictly conforming to the logistical, regulatory, and compliance requirements associated with the trade industry. They manage all the hassle of the entire cargo process on your behalf. In short, they make importing and exporting, trading, and doing business overseas with international customers, clients, and suppliers convenient.

If you are interested in doing business with a credible freight forwarding company in Singapore, work with PACIFIC STAR GROUP today. With over 40 years of experience and expertise, they can surely help you with global trading. Contact them today at +65-6323-2231, or visit their website for more!