Before we go into the details of the duties of a freight forwarder, we would like to discuss who a freight forwarder is. A freight forwarder is an expert whose job is to organize and safeguard the import and export of goods. It is a job that requires careful planning and organization.
Transporting goods could be carried out by air, land, or sea and can be outsourced. Sometimes the transport could be carried out by the freight forwarders’ agency. Freight forwarding companies that perform the transportation more often cost less than those that outsource.
Freight forwarding companies vary in size and scale; size in the sense that it could be either a big, small, or medium scale company. And the scale could be on a national or international level.
Duties Of A Freight Forwarder
The duties of a freight forwarder depend on the size and scale of the company, but they generally include;
- Assessing the optimal route of the shipment, considering the perishability, transit duration, cost, and possible hazardous nature of said goods.
- Proper stocking and packaging of goods while considering the weight and size of goods to deliver and store them effectively.
- Negotiation of contracts and cost of transportation.
- Arranging insurance for all goods to be transported.
- Proper documentation to clear the insurance and customs processes.
- Possessing knowledge about modern laws regarding the shipment of said goods.
- Arrangement of courier service for efficient delivery to the final consumer.
Companies that deal in freight forwarding tend to provide certain services, which include;
- Packaging of goods
- Sorting of goods
- Order pickup and delivery
- Warehousing
Depending on the company’s scale, they could carry out the whole process themselves or outsource to other firms they have partnered with. This is called outsourcing. Many third-party logistics companies do this to conserve resources.
Qualifications Of A Freight Forwarder
Not every company hires people with college degrees; most companies prefer practical experience over theoretical knowledge. That doesn’t mean that a degree is useless. You could apply for a higher level.
Related degrees that are required to obtain the job are;
- Economics
- Business management
- Accounting
- Foreign languages
- Logistics
- Supply chain management
- Geography
A postgraduate degree in any of the above fields is not a prerequisite. One can possess an HND in one or more of the courses named above to land a job as a Freight Forwarder successfully. Although a postgraduate degree is not required to obtain the job, it can be used for career advancement.
Requirement Skills Of The Profession
Specific skills are required for anyone venturing into the career path of freight forwarding.
- Communication skills are a prerequisite since you would be dealing directly with colleagues and the appropriate authority.
- Profound industrial knowledge.
- Organizational skills would, of course, be on the list since that makes up a significant aspect of the job.
- Sound knowledge and sensitivity to the cultural and religious customs of varying regions.
- Geographical knowledge of specific regions would also come in handy.
- Ability to cope and perform well under pressure.
- Numeracy is an essential skill in this profession.
Conclusion
Freight forwarders ensure the safe transport and delivery of goods. Their job entails them to be able to pay close attention. A solid professional focus is needed to carry out the job adequately.