Freight forwarding and responsibilities of a freight forwarder

Warehouse needs
The freight forwarder also looks after the storage and warehouse requirements of the shipments and is responsible to make sure that all the documents required at different points of contact are present.

Most of the companies that use freight forwarding services ship goods internationally. Container shipping is most accepted and also a cost-efficient way of shipping goods internationally. A container can be transported through air, train, ship and other modes before it reaches its destination.

Customs and inspection
A freight forwarder can efficiently handle all the requirements of different shipping lines to transport goods. Without a freight forwarder, this is a difficult task. Hiring a freight forwarder is absolutely necessary when the container has to pass through customs, warehouses or sent for inspection on its way.

Representative for your company
A freight forwarder is like an advocate for your company when you wish to send goods to your customers throughout the world. International freight forwarders handle requirements of different ports, invoices and also sometimes collection of bills. He/she should be aware of the company’s interests and also see to it that the shipment is sent to different countries through ocean freight, air freight container headquarters or the railway station.

When you hire a freight forwarder to ship freight to international destinations, the freight forwarder should have a valid license commissioned by the federal Maritime Commission designating him/her as an Ocean Transporting Intermediary. If you want to use air freight services, the freight forwarder can also be licensed as a cargo agent by the International Air Transport Association.