Freight Forwarding — Pay Colombian Suppliers Faster, Cheaper
You track containers to the minute but your bank takes 3 days to settle.. And your bank makes it worse — 3-day settlements, 2-4% hidden FX spreads, and zero visibility into what your payments actually cost.
We built payment infrastructure for freight forwarding businesses. 0.5% spreads. Same-day COP settlement. Free container tracking.
Get a Quote for Your Next Colombian PaymentFreight Forwarding margins are too thin to donate 2-4% to your bank on every supplier payment.
Before we show you a single number, know this: we are regulated, audited, and transparent. Our pricing is published. Our client funds are segregated. These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
Save £2,419 per £100k Payment
Typical savings for Freight Forwarding paying Colombia suppliers
- ❌ 2-3 day settlement
- ❌ Hidden FX margins
- ❌ High correspondent bank fees
- ❌ Manual compliance checks
- ✓ Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea) available
- ✓ 0.14s automated compliance
At £500k-£5M monthly volume, save £29,028/year
What Challenges Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Face Paying Colombia?
Industry Pain Points
- Multi-currency payments to agents worldwide
- Demurrage and detention costs from delays
- Thin margins (3-8%) vulnerable to FX
- High payment volume (200+ monthly)
Country-Specific Considerations
- Banco de la República de Colombia regulations
- DIAN (Tax Authority) documentation
- IVA (VAT 19%) on goods and services
- Customs declaration requirements
How Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Colombian Suppliers?
Fast Settlement: Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
Use PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea) for instant COP settlement. Colombia instant online payment system
Real-Time FX Exposure Tracking
Upload supplier invoices as PDFs. Our AI OCR extracts amounts and currencies. See exactly what waiting costs you in real-time. Lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a good rate.
0.14s Compliance Screening
Automated compliance checks for Colombia regulations. Banco de la República de Colombia regulations handled automatically.
How Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Colombian Suppliers
If you're importing in this sector, you're likely dealing with a mix of payment terms. Here's how they work — and why speed matters.
⏱ Payment Timing
Payment before cargo release. Port fees due immediately. Agent payments Net 7-14 days. High frequency: 5-20 payments daily.
📄 Invoice Terms
Prepayment for port fees, Net 7-14 for agents, Net 30 for established partners. Credit lines essential for cash flow.
Daily payments, cash flow intensive. Peak season (Aug-Nov) requires extra working capital. Payment terms mismatch: pay agents before client pays.
📊 FX Risk Profile
HIGH: Multi-currency exposure (CNY, EUR, USD, AED). 3-8% margins mean 2% FX move eliminates profit. Must hedge or pass through.
Network of agents worldwide. Long-term relationships essential for reliability. Commission-based structures. Reciprocal arrangements common.
Common Documentation for Freight Forwarding
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Entry Documentation
- Delivery Order
- Agent Invoice with shipment reference
Popular Colombia Supplier Types for Freight Forwarding
Common Colombia Suppliers
- Coffee exporters (Eje Cafetero region)
- Flower growers (Bogotá savanna)
- Textile factories (Medellín, Bogotá)
- Emerald traders (Bogotá)
Payment Tips for Colombia
- Colombia = Coffee leader (3rd globally), flower exporter (2nd globally)
- PSE widely adopted for COP payments
- Bogotá + Medellín + Cali = Main business centers
- Improving security situation - verify supplier locations
Frequently Asked Questions: Freight Forwarding Payments to Colombia
How do Freight Forwarding businesses pay suppliers in Colombia?
Freight Forwarding businesses can pay Colombia suppliers instantly using Unicorn Currencies. We offer a 0.5% FX spread with 2.3-second average settlement using local payment rails like PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea). This is significantly faster and cheaper than traditional SWIFT transfers which take 2-3 days.
What banking details do I need for Colombia Freight Forwarding suppliers?
To pay Freight Forwarding suppliers in Colombia, you need the recipient's Account Number (SWIFT/BIC and account number (no single national code)), account number, and beneficiary name. Our platform validates these details automatically to ensure successful payment delivery.
How much can Freight Forwarding businesses save on Colombia payments?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically save 83% compared to traditional banks when paying Colombia suppliers. On a £100k transaction, that's £2,419 in savings. With Unicorn Currencies, you pay just 0.5% FX spread + £5 per payment vs banks charging 2.9% spread + £24 fees.
Is container tracking available for Freight Forwarding shipments from Colombia?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for Freight Forwarding shipments from Colombia. You receive real-time visibility into your cargo, including demurrage alerts to help avoid costly port storage fees. This feature is included at no extra cost with your payment account.
What currencies do Freight Forwarding businesses typically use with Colombia?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically convert GBP to COP when paying Colombia suppliers. Unicorn Currencies provides live exchange rates with a transparent 0.5% spread, and you can lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a favorable rate. Our AI-powered invoice OCR can automatically extract amounts and currencies from supplier invoices.
Ready to Pay Colombia Suppliers 83% Cheaper?
Join Freight Forwarding businesses saving £2,419 per £100k payment with t+0 (2.3s avg within unicorn network).
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