Small freight forwarding office with a niche

Regular importers and exporters, manufacturers and wholesalers who want a dedicated contact and steady service.

Margins on freight, handling and documentation fees, and storage or consolidation charges on regular business accounts.

• Industry or trade lane knowledge
• Negotiating with carriers
• Managing staff and cash flow

• Customs clearance on behalf of others generally needs a customs broker licence, so check with the Australian Border Force or partner with a licensed broker
• Freight liability, marine cargo and public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire, so check your state's scheme
• Customers often pay on 30 day terms while carriers want faster payment, so you may need working capital
• Storing goods may need council approval and, for some goods, extra permits
• Relying on a few large clients is risky if one leaves

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your office, any storage space and how much working capital you need. Customers often pay on 30 day terms, so cash flow matters.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your trade lane, number of regular clients and shipment volumes. Relying on a few large clients is risky if one leaves.

Check whether customs clearance on behalf of others needs a customs broker licence, or partner with a licensed broker. Also check freight liability, marine cargo and public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and council approval for storing goods.