#4 Differences between buying freight and buying customs services from a customs broker or customs consultant

Buying customs services is different from buying freight – even though it often happens from the same supplier. As customs consultants, we at First Trade Kit (FTK) see daily how the differences affect both costs, control and quality. In this article, we go through five important differences that are good to know.

“You date your carrier, but you marry your customs agent”

The classic expression refers to the fact that the relationship with a customs agent is often significantly longer-lasting than with a carrier. In some cases, because it works very well – in other cases, simply because it is difficult to switch.

Regardless, it is true that customs procurement looks different from freight procurement. Not because customs services are easier – quite the opposite. But because regulatory compliance is more important than lowest price, there is rarely the same kind of price competition or extensive comparisons in Excel.

Many people choose a freight forwarder who handles both – but what does that mean?

Many goods owners let their freight forwarder handle both shipping and customs. This can be convenient – but it can also mean you lose control of the customs service.

Here are 5 important differences you should know before purchasing both services from the same provider:

1. It's not the same people doing the job

The staff who book your freight are not the same people who do your customs declarations. Customs clearance is often handled in a separate department – sometimes even by an external customs agent that you never selected or evaluated yourself.

2. Customs is a service – not a delivery

While freight is about physical transportation that is easily measured in price and lead time, customs is about the delivery of a service . Savings in customs often arise through:

• Improved classification

• Correct country of origin

• Optimized customs value

• Strategic state choices

This is harder to calculate – but much more important from a compliance and risk perspective .

3. Shipping is controlled by time – customs is controlled by documents

The customs process depends on you, as the owner of the goods, providing accurate information. No matter how urgent it is, you must:

• Invoices are correct

• Certificate of origin available

• Classification must be correct

Inadequate documentation can cause delays – and you as the buyer are responsible, not the agent.

4. Customs service may be affected if you change carriers

Changing your freight forwarder can impact your customs handling , especially if your previous supplier outsourced customs services to a third party. You could suddenly find yourself with an intermediary you didn't choose and with no control over the process or cost.

5. Customs procurements are rarely done – but that doesn't mean they aren't needed

Many companies change carriers frequently – but have never procured their customs service separately . This creates lock-in effects, ambiguity and, in the worst case, a low-quality service that has never been reviewed.

Reviewing your customs strategy is therefore a wise step – and one where a customs consultant like FTK can make a big difference.

Conclusion: Customs and freight require different skills – and different follow-up

Buying customs services is not like buying freight. It requires different skills, different key figures and different forms of control .

Do you want to know how you can structure your customs services, review existing agreements or change customs agents safely? Contact us at First Trade Kit – your customs consultant for long-term improvement and development.