Freight Forwarding — Pay Indian 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 INR settlement. Free container tracking.
Get a Quote for Your Next Indian 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 £3,025 per £100k Payment
Typical savings for Freight Forwarding paying India suppliers
- ❌ 2-3 day settlement
- ❌ Hidden FX margins
- ❌ High correspondent bank fees
- ❌ Manual compliance checks
- ✓ Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ UPI (Unified Payments Interface) available
- ✓ 0.14s automated compliance
At £500k-£5M monthly volume, save £36,300/year
What Challenges Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Face Paying India?
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
- FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance
- RBI (Reserve Bank of India) reporting for large transactions
- Import/export code (IEC) required for trade payments
- GST (Goods and Services Tax) documentation
How Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Indian Suppliers?
Fast Settlement: Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
Use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) for instant INR settlement. Instant mobile payments, free for merchants
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 India regulations. FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance handled automatically.
How Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Indian 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 India Supplier Types for Freight Forwarding
Common India Suppliers
- Textile mills (Tirupur, Ludhiana, Surat)
- Garment manufacturers (Bangalore, Delhi NCR)
- Leather goods (Kanpur, Chennai)
- IT/software development (Bangalore, Hyderabad)
Payment Tips for India
- Use UPI or IMPS to avoid 2-3 day SWIFT delays
- Coordinate with supplier's CA for GST invoice matching
- INR is volatile - lock rates when favorable
- Avoid Diwali/festival periods for urgent payments
Frequently Asked Questions: Freight Forwarding Payments to India
How do Freight Forwarding businesses pay suppliers in India?
Freight Forwarding businesses can pay India suppliers instantly using Unicorn Currencies. We offer a 0.5% FX spread with 2.3-second average settlement using local payment rails like UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This is significantly faster and cheaper than traditional SWIFT transfers which take 2-3 days.
What banking details do I need for India Freight Forwarding suppliers?
To pay Freight Forwarding suppliers in India, you need the recipient's IFSC Code (11-character alphanumeric 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 India payments?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically save 86% compared to traditional banks when paying India suppliers. On a £100k transaction, that's £3,025 in savings. With Unicorn Currencies, you pay just 0.5% FX spread + £5 per payment vs banks charging 3.5% spread + £30 fees.
Is container tracking available for Freight Forwarding shipments from India?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for Freight Forwarding shipments from India. 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 India?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically convert GBP to INR when paying India 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 India Suppliers 86% Cheaper?
Join Freight Forwarding businesses saving £3,025 per £100k payment with t+0 (2.3s avg within unicorn network).
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