subject: The Need For Services Of A Freight Forwarder [print this page] A forwarder is a company or a person that organizes shipments for other companies or individuals. It might also act as carriers. However, such services or individuals only act as agents. Therefore, it implies that the clients act as (non-asset-based) third party logistic providers that dispatch shipments through asset-based carriers. Otherwise, they arrange space for such shipments. The carrier types include airplanes, ships, railroads and trucks.
Generally, freight forwarding companies arrange the movement of cargo to global destinations. They possess the expertise needed for preparation and processing of the documentation. Moreover, these companies carry out the activities related to international shipments. Generally, such companies review information like commercial invoice, bill of lading, the export declaration of a shipper as well as other documents needed by the country of import, transshipment or export. Majority of the information is processed inside a paperless environment.
The services of freight forwarding companies are utilized by companies dealing in multinational or worldwide export as well as import services. Such companies only act as an intermediary between a customer and transport of goods whether it is air freight, sea liners or road haulage.
The leading freight forwarding companies of the world promise an agreed time period for arrival of goods. Moreover, they also ensure that the goods arrive in the perfect condition. Therefore, the companies organize the best possible solution for movement of freight. This is done by enabling efficiency on parameters like balance of cost, speed and reliability.
In general, the freight forwarding company provides a client with one or two cost estimates. However, special requirements can affect the price. For instance, the shipment of refrigerated cargo or hazardous materials needs special conditions. After a client has revised every cost he/she received, they opt for the best and arrange for shipment of goods. Therefore, these companies organize for transportation of goods from origin to the destination.
There are several advantages of utilizing the services of a freight forwarder. Such companies can manage the necessary documentation which is needed for international shipping business. These include insurance as well as customs and clearance documentation. International shipping also provides with other services like risk assessment, warehousing and management.
