Skip to content

Role of a Freight Forwarder

  • by

Role of a Freight Forwarder

Role of a Freight Forwarder

The freight forwarder works in a forwarding company to arrange import and export transports. The work includes planning the entire transport of goods, handling the necessary paperwork and keeping customers up to date on the stages of transport. He must be familiar with the various transport options and the customs and other regulations related to import and export. Carrying out tasks requires accuracy, organizational skills, a service spirit and language skills. Let us find out more about the role of a freight forwarder

See also :

What is Freight forwarding?

Freight forwarding is the act of acting on behalf of the goods owner to perform all necessary procedures and stages to bring the goods to the destination. This work unit is the forwarding service company. In other words, a forwarding service company is considered as an intermediary between shippers and carriers and other agencies and organizations. Freight transport reduces the stress of international transport.

Role of a Freight Forwarder

  • The freight forwarder works in foreign trade in arranging import and export transports. The aim of the work is to get the goods to the destination economically and on time using appropriate transport chains.
  • The freight forwarder arranges the transport of the goods from the place of departure to the place of origin on behalf of the principal. He plans the transport, makes route reports and cargo calculations, and selects the appropriate means of transport. In addition, he handles the necessary transportation contracts.
  • The forwarding company usually does not have its own transport equipment, but transports are handled by subcontractors’ equipment. Typical transport chains are, for example, combinations of trucks and ships.
  • The freight forwarder monitors the progress of the shipments and keeps the client informed about them. He provides the necessary information and regulations on the arrival of the goods, their possible temporary storage and the new destination.
  • The freight forwarder is also obliged to inspect the goods to be transported, the condition of the transport packaging, documents, etc. at various stages of the transport chain.
  • For export and import customs clearance, the freight forwarder prepares the necessary papers for customs clearance. There is often a tariff department for calculating various customs-related fees and taxes.
  • The forwarder’s job is mainly handling paperwork for freight. As an export and import expert, he fills in the necessary documents and handles them forward. In addition, he is in contact with customers in matters related to the transportation of goods.
  • Responsible for maintaining the company’s existing overseas customers and keeping abreast of international Industry quotations, industry websites and relevant market information for import and export trade and international logistics business;
  • Responsible for cooperating with the company to develop business channels for domestic and overseas markets, and in-depth maintenance;
  • Communicate with customers, suppliers and agents to deal with abnormal emergencies in the process of operation;
  • Keep abreast of the shipping schedules of various shipping companies, and reasonably arrange the barge transportation of customers’ cargo;
  • Responsible for contacting the shipping company to send the shipment forecast and verify the space
  • Responsible for timely sorting out the documents and related materials of the customer’s shipment declaration to ensure the smooth progress of the customer’s goods;
  • Sorting and filing of documents etc.

Work Environment

The work is done mainly in an office environment via information technology and telephone. The size of the work community varies from company to company. The work of a freight forwarder is typically a day job, but overtime is done during busy times. The pace of work depends on the development of exports and imports.

What Qualifications are required?

* College degree or above, logistics/trade/business. English related majors are preferred.

* The undergraduate degree can also be completed with an apprenticeship and a demonstration degree.

* A professional degree in foreign trade and a special vocational degree in foreign trade will also be appreciated.

* Possess basic knowledge of import and export, warehousing, distribution, customs declaration, and supply chain management.

Skills Requirements

>>The freight forwarder must be familiar with the various transport options and manage customs and other regulations and taxes related to imports and exports in different countries.

>>He must be able to process dozens of documents quickly and accurately and take into account the requirements and procedures of different countries.

>>The freight forwarder is required to be accurate, meticulous and willing to work on numbers.

>>The ability to organize is necessary because work can come under intense hurry and pressure.

>>The profession requires good linguistic expression.

>>Language skills are necessary, as the freight forwarder has to deal with a lot of foreign language material, such as letters and documents, in his work. The work may also include calls in a foreign language.

>>Customer service tasks require a service spirit as well as the ability to get along and work with different people.

Average Freight Forwarder Salary in India (Annual Earnings)

The determination of salary is affected by e.g. position in the company, professional skills, work experience and special skills such as language skills.

Average salary of an employee working as a Freight Forwarder in India is ₹10 lakhs.

Employers may also offer additional benefits such as a bonus program, company car, and retirement plan.

Please note – Income, earnings and salary information are for informational purposes only.

Popular Posts :

Explore Supply Chain Jobs

Tags: