Home-Based freight forwarder for small importers

Small importers, online sellers, makers and exporters who ship too little to get good service from the big forwarders.

A fee per shipment or a margin added on top of the carrier's price, plus charges for extras such as documents and insurance arrangements.

• Organised and detail-focused
• Comfortable with paperwork and shipping terms
• Clear communication with suppliers and clients

• Clearing goods through customs on behalf of others generally needs a customs broker licence, so check with the Australian Border Force and use a licensed partner
• Check what liability you carry if goods are lost, damaged or delayed, and whether you need marine cargo, freight liability or professional indemnity insurance
• Carriers may want payment before your clients pay you, so plan your cash flow
• Dangerous goods, quarantine and import permit rules can be strict, so check with the relevant agencies
• Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your setup and the tools you choose. Treat this as a guide and get quotes for your own situation before committing.

Things to check: clearing goods through customs on behalf of others generally needs a customs broker licence, so check with the Australian Border Force and use a licensed partner. Also check dangerous goods, quarantine and import permit rules with the relevant agencies.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you win and the shipments you handle. Carriers may want payment before your clients pay you, so plan your cash flow.