Roles of a Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder plays different roles including the following:
- The Freight forwarder advices the exporters about their responsibilities and responsibilities as per law
- They help the exporter in choosing the most affordable means of freight shipping; they also bargain for the best cargo shipping rates.
- They make the exporter choose the best way to ship their goods.
- Give marking and packaging recommendations.
- Give explanations of port functionality.
- Makes clear what tasks they would perform and what the exporter would require to perform during the shipping process.
- Inform in advance about the possible problems of freight shipping.
- Channelizing the process of empty container to be sent/returned after filled in with the goods
- Deal with booking and shipping of the shipment, which need special considerations like port of destination.
- Offer Non Vessel Owners Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) consolidation facility to exporters for Full Container Load and Less Container load.
- A forwarder is also responsible for getting insurance certificate, inspection certificate, special customs invoices, and certificate of origin
- Some also assist or prepare commercial invoice, packing list, export license, drawback forms, consular invoices, draft and shipper’s export declaration for the exporters.
- Track the shipment when need, and help the shipper fill claim and learn from the errors made earlier
- Assist with freight quotes and other costs of international forwarding.
- Give a precise and itemized list of forwarding costs.
- Consolidate shipments from various suppliers.
- Prepare necessary documents and certifications for shipment.
- Handle legalization procedures whenever necessary.
- Provide facilities or warehouses in foreign destinations.
- Provide adequate information on hazardous materials for shipment when necessary.
- Give other specialized services when needed.