In a world where logistics efficiency is essential, road freight forwarding is your ally for transporting your goods safely, on time, and cost-effectively. This article will guide you in choosing the best carriers and leveraging technology to optimize your supply chain.

Road chartering: what is it?

Road freighting involves hiring a carrier to transport goods by road. The goods transported are then called freight . In road freighting, the sender delivers their goods to the recipient through an intermediary. This intermediary, using their vehicles, ensures that the freight is transported in good conditions.

What is the role of a charterer?

The charterer plays a key role in the transport and logistics sectors. Its main objective is to connect shippers, who have goods to transport, with carriers who have the appropriate means of transport, whether by sea , air , road or rail . It organizes , coordinates and supervises the transport of goods, ensuring that they arrive at their destination on time and in good condition. In addition, it is responsible for negotiating rates and transport conditions. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the market, the charterer ensures that the transport process is optimized, both in terms of cost and speed .

What about sub-chartering?

Sub-chartering refers to a situation where a charterer, having signed a charter agreement with a shipper, sub-leases part or all of the transport capacity to another carrier. This often occurs when the main charterer cannot handle the entire transport with its own resources or is seeking to optimize its transport offering. In this case, it hires sub-charterers to take over part of the transport. However, despite this sub-lease, the original charterer remains the shipper’s main contact and is responsible for the complete execution of the charter agreement.

How to charter a carrier?

To charter a carrier efficiently, a structured approach must be followed to ensure that goods are transported optimally:

 Identification of needs : precisely define transport requirements, including the type of goods, volume, destination, timeframes and any specific conditions.

 Research and evaluation : Identify carriers capable of meeting these needs, using online platforms, professional associations or recommendations.

 Request for Quote : Request quotes from pre-selected carriers, providing clear details of transportation needs.

 Negotiating terms : Review quotes received and negotiate to obtain the best possible pricing and service terms.

 Signing the contract : Once an agreement is reached, formalize the relationship with a charter contract detailing the obligations of each party, rates, deadlines, and other important conditions.

 Transport monitoring : Maintain strict monitoring throughout the charter period to ensure that the transport is proceeding as planned and resolve any potential issues. Continuous communication with the carrier is essential to ensure that the goods arrive safely and in the best possible condition.