Finding a good international ocean freight company is just the beginning. The real question is:

How do you build and maintain a strong, long-term working relationship with them?

After years of cooperation and quite a few missteps, I’ve realized that beyond contracts and rates, there are a bunch of unwritten rules that determine how well your collaboration will go.

This post is not about rates or shipping lanes—it's about how to get the best out of your freight partners by working with them, not just through them.

1. Constantly Pushing for Lower Prices Doesn’t Build Trust

A common mistake? Always demanding a discount. “Another agent said they can do it $100 cheaper—can you match?”

Yes, you might win that $100 once, but you’ll likely lose priority, attention, or even goodwill in the long run.

Real cooperation is built through open negotiation, not one-time price battles. Make sure your forwarder earns, so they’ll have a reason to go the extra mile for you.

2. Share Your Shipping Plans Ahead of Time

Freight forwarders don’t fear busy seasons—they fear last-minute chaos. Many clients drop an order with 24 hours’ notice and expect miracles.

If you can share your shipping forecast even a few days ahead, your freight partner can plan better, reserve space, or even negotiate better vessel slots or container rates for you.

3. Don’t Ghost Them—Give Honest Feedback

Some clients disappear after a bad shipment, silently switch to another forwarder, and repeat the cycle—only to find that the grass isn’t greener.

Here’s the truth: A good ocean freight company actually wants your feedback. If something goes wrong and you communicate early, most will be eager to fix it. Long-term cooperation comes from mutual learning, not silent exits.

4. Small Volume? Talk Trust. Large Volume? Talk Contracts.

If you’re just starting out, you may rely on mutual trust and verbal agreements. But as your shipment volume increases, you should move toward formal cooperation frameworks: agreements with pricing bands, service expectations, and liability terms.

Contracts protect both sides. They’re not about suspicion—they’re about clarity.

5. Trust Is Built Through Action, Not Conversation

Here’s a universal truth: Your most trusted freight partner isn’t the cheapest or the most talkative—it’s the one who shows up when things go wrong.

They find that emergency container. They reroute your cargo. They answer your call at midnight. That’s how real business partnerships are built—through action, not words.

Final Thoughts:

A reliable international freight company isn’t just a vendor—they’re a business ally helping you win in global markets.

Treat them like replaceable suppliers, and you’ll always be a low-priority client. Treat them like partners, and you’ll go further, faster.