Sandra LawsMany established businesses face challenges when ordering large quantities of materials. While purchasing individual items is straightforward, managing bulk orders often involves complex logistics that can divert attention from core operations.
That’s why partnering with a skilled freight forwarder can make all the difference. These experts specialise in handling the logistics of large-scale orders both locally and internationally, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best.
I’ve consulted with local companies to identify the most reliable freight forwarders in San Diego. With their support, businesses can streamline their supply chain and avoid the headaches of navigating logistics on their own.
How much do freight forwarders charge in San Diego?
Freight forwarders in San Diego typically charge between $1,500 and $10,000 per shipping container. While the average cost will vary, factors to consider include the number of items shipped and the size of each shipping container.
1. Baja Freight Forwarding
Address: 8662 Siempre Viva Rd, 2nd Floor, CA 92154
Contact Details: +1 619-671-3100
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Baja Freight Forwarding is your BFF for logistics. Their services are used throughout the United States and Mexico, with clients from all over the world who love their specialized inspection and distribution services.
When dealing with cross-border supply lines, Baja is great at connecting businesses and suppliers from both countries. They aim for optimal efficiency, and many clients attest to their great security.
For southbound shipments, they can provide short and long-term storage for items. Aside from this, clients have utilized their merchandise inspections, which are great at ruling out defects.
Larger brands love their labeling services that print all necessary information for their clients.
Northbound shipments, on the other hand, have fewer services. Still, clients described their distribution and cross-dock services as quick and efficient. Additionally, they also offer customs brokerage for the US and Mexico.
Responsible and highly trained personnel
“Great broker service, responsable personnel and highly trained with experience.
Storage cost is low and as expected not something that’s would be regularly needed due to their experience handling exports/imports”
– Daniel Angeles G. (lukazaz), Google Review
Friendly people fast unload
“Friendly people fast unload. But docks are really tight. Park your truck on dock first then go check in.”
– Raman Sandhar, Google Review
2. On Time Logistics
Address: 2323 Avenida Costa Este #700, CA 92154
Contact Details: +1 619-710-1888
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
On Time Logistics excels at tariff classifications and navigating the ever-shifting landscape of international shipping. Clients recommend them for their reactive services, which focus on anticipating and resolving incidents in real time.
Their technical team is the star of the show. They provide great advice and analysis on international shipping, along with information on tariff regulations and restrictions. With this service, clients have noticed lower shipping and receiving costs.
Their warehouses are large and can easily integrate with and distribute to new and existing national and international supply chains. Aside from these, they take care of everything, from packaging to labeling, so items get shipped out fast.
What makes them shine is their customs consulting and clearance services. These are regulatory-compliant, with many clients praising them for their outstanding knowledge of Mexican and US customs.
However, their customs services are costly, especially for larger shipments.
Reliable and efficient logistics provider
“Is a reliable and efficient logistics provider! Their professionalism and attention to detail ensure seamless transportation and delivery solutions. The dedicated team goes above and beyond to meet deadlines and handle complex logistics challenges. With their streamlined processes and excellent customer service, On Time Logistics Corp is a trusted partner for all your logistical needs. Highly recommended for their timely and dependable services!”
– Omar “IngShelter” Rodriguez, Google Review
You don’t have to wait long
“Excellent place to download, you don’t have to wait long as there’s a line and many transfers arrive, the ladies are very friendly and speak Spanish.”
– Hector Guzman, Google Review
3. Craters & Freighters San Diego
Address: 6500 Federal Blvd, Lemon Grove, CA 91945,
Contact Details: +1 619-265-0509
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
When dealing with global shipments, I would definitely recommend Craters & Freighters San Diego. Clients rave about their logistics, which handle everything with great care and answer questions or concerns promptly.
Their services are split between three categories: crating, packaging, and shipping.
It’s in the crating category where their services truly shine. They use unique, well-built wooden crates designed to prevent damage. Many agree they are effective.
Their packaging services are great since they match items with their product-specific packaging. A few that stood out are their hard shell cases and anti-static packaging, which are great for sensitive or delicate items.
When dealing with domestic and international shipping, I found these to be secure and cost-effective. These are available at national or international, volume-based rates.
Unfortunately, holiday shipments may be delayed as most staff are away during this season.
Everything went smoothly
“Boy, am I happy with Matt Wilkinson Craters/freighters. For the first time since I live in the US, I had to ship several delicate Artworks, original paintings and glass-framed Drawings, to FRANCE where my family lives, and despite some early complications from the Customs, Matt wilkinson directed me to go the simplest way and from there, everything went smoothly. My family did let me know how well and precise the packaging was done. They said every piece of Art was like polished nickel. I will use them again!”
– Geo Pine, Google Review
My go-to spot for shipping
“As a local artist, Craters & Freighters is my go-to spot for shipping large paintings that need to be crated. Their customer service is OUTSTANDING. Elaine is extremely responsive when providing custom quotes. Every painting I have shipped with them has arrived safely.”
– Krista Schumacher, Google Review
4. Freight Motion Logistics
Address: 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite A166, CA 92123
Contact Details: +1 888-550-4300
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
What’s great about Freight Motion Logistics is that their services are available year-round, with contact to live personnel available 24/7.
While most shipments are within the United States, many clients still appreciate the timely service that makes shipping easy and fast.
Their shipping services are split into three: these being bonded, expedited, and intermodal shipments.
Bonded shipments are great for supply chains. Clients love that they connect warehouses to distribution centers, providing a network of multimodal transportation options to get shipments to certain locations fast.
Expedited shipments are for time-critical shipments. These are perishable goods, such as food or plants. I’ve also met a client who used them for healthcare and medical supplies, noting that the items arrived on time and undamaged.
For door-to-door shipments, I’d much prefer their intermodal services. Aside from being cost-effective, these are great for shipping personal items or parts anywhere in the US.
Seamless experience from booking to delivery
“Makes booking loads easy and stress-free!
Seamless experience from booking to delivery.
Appreciate the transparency and timely updates.
Clear expectations and no surprises. Professional and reliable service.
Well-organized and efficient.”
– Muciiri Gaturuku, Google Review
Moved my goods safely and on time
“They have treated me very kindly and have moved my goods safely and on time, I highly recommend them”
– Auto Glass International, Google Review
5. Pacific Zone Port
Address: 11440 W Bernardo Ct STE 300, CA 92127
Contact Details: +1 844-548-0800
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
When dealing with global shipments, Pacific Zone Port offers borderless shipping solutions. Clients mentioned that cross-border shipments were smooth, making global trade and delivery easier and more accessible.
Their services are split between sea and air, with sea freight handling 85% of their deliveries.
Sea freight is great for gigantic loads, with a few mechanics shops around San Diego using it when ordering large quantities of parts. Additionally, these are great for shipping items outside the US, including to China and Indonesia.
Their air freight service is best for quick, timely shipments. While these are costly, they’re far less likely to be damaged. I’ve spoken to a few Asian grocery stores in the area that utilize them for shipments of perishable goods from countries like Japan and Thailand.
Express freight is also available for shipping goods from China and can be delivered by land or sea.
The company is amazing and professional
“Pacificzoneport, company is an amazing and professional place. The staff with high knowledge and very patient. They answered all my questions patiently and helped me with key business aspects in America and China. I recommend this company to those who looking for a company to help with product sourcing from China.”
– Parisa Sa, Google Review
I received an affordable shipping rate
“Thank you so much, and see you today.
Since the pacific zone port team began managing my cargoes in China, there has been a significant reduction in time, not only I received an affordable shipping rate but also they managed my orders very smoothly.my Amazon business is now working the way it should be.”
– Davis LeBarron, Google Review
