Freight Forwarders

Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.

Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.

Prepare shipping documentation, such as including bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.

Complete customs paperwork.

Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.

Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.

Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.

Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.

Keep records of goods dispatched or received.

Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.

Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.

Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.

Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.

Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.

Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.

Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.

Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.

Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.

Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.

Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.

Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.

Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.

Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.

Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.

Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.

Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.

Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.

Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.

Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.

Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.

Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.