Freight forwarders
involved in international shipping
The transportation industry is comprised of a number of different smaller specialized jobs and companies. The industry includes trucking companies, freight brokers, truck drivers and freight forwarders. Each of these jobs plays an important role in the effective transportation of people, goods and commodities worldwide.
Definition
A freight forwarder is an individual or company that provides facilities for the purpose of forwarding cargo from one locale to another. Freight forwarders provide third-party logistical services to shippers and receivers. Freight forwarders coordinate shipments by land, sea and air, and often provide services to their clients for international and worldwide delivery. Freight forwarders arrange transportations services for products belonging to their clients and utilize the services of for-hire motor carriers for ground transport.
Education and Training
Freight forwarders can begin working in the field with a high school diploma or GED. On-the-job training is usually provided to those who work for established companies.
Job Tasks
They are responsible for researching shipping rates, modes of transport and routing for clients. Freight forwarders arrange transportation service from pick-up through delivery of cargo.
Work Area
Freight forwarders typically work in a warehouse or dock environment because shipments have to be transferred to different modes of transport.
Responsibility
The freight forwarder assumes responsibility for the client's goods from pick-up to delivery. Typically the freight forwarder will take physical possession of the products at some point during transfer. Freight forwarders may also arrange for less-than-truckload shipments to facilitate expedited delivery.
