Shipemtn from Canada to Africa
A1 Freight and Forwarding caught my attention while doing my online search since they provided an instant quote!
It seemed to go downhill from here.
1. The cost was quoted in USD, but charged in CAD at an exchange rate that was 6.7% higher than the prevailing exchange rate. I asked to be charged in USD but no responsive and said they said it in the fine print but that is not the case.
2. Charged me for a pallet at $65 yet it was paid for at the loading dock at $25. Other than attempting to double charge, it was an extra $40!
3. The dimensions they charged me for final package were significantly different from the ones measured with the loading personnel, a difference amounting to $317. When I asked for the invoice from the loading persons, they did not provide one and just wrote the dimensions and charges on the email body.
4. A1 Freight is unclear and unhelpful on what costs you are paying them for, especially when it comes to costs charged on the destination end. Needless to say, I ended up paying more than double of what I paid to A1 Freight and Forwarding.
The Company left me with a bitter taste, especially since they were not apologetic for any of their genuine errors and were unclear on the costs to anticipate. Poor customer service from the expectations we have of Canadian businesses. Good customer service even if not making the the highest returns is key to longevity and higher consistent returns in the long run. It felt the company was myopic and all about making an extra dollar, legit or not.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,600.00