Freight forwarder - who is he and what does he do?

The forwarder is one of the most important people involved in the entire transport undertaking - he plays a key role in planning the entire transport, from the shipping documentation, to the selection of the appropriate carrier, as well as contact with the customer and his contractors. So what distinguishes a good forwarder?

A professional forwarder is primarily characterized by experience and charisma, thanks to which, when planning tasks, he is able to pay attention to every detail during such complex operations. So what tasks rest on the shoulders of the forwarder and what should be followed when choosing the right forwarding company?

Forwarder - multitasking and stress resistance

The profession of a forwarder is an industry that is constantly evolving, therefore every forwarder should be open to modern and alternative solutions that offer faster and cheaper transport options. The main tasks of the forwarder include, above all, the creation of a given shipping documentation - including contact with the customer, customs offices and the carrier. The Freight Forwarder, as the person organizing the transport, should ensure the compliance of the goods and observe the terms of the contract, which is drawn up with the customer. A good forwarder is multi-tasking and highly resistant to stress - in this case, the forwarder's work involves constant supervision and monitoring of given orders, thanks to which the customer can be sure that his goods will arrive in accordance with the terms specified in the contract.

Acquiring new customers, supervising the loading and unloading of goods, negotiating prices in the transport industry or answering customer questions are only some of the responsibilities of the forwarder. Over the last decades, the logistics and shipping industry have significantly developed, as a result of which there are several types of shipping companies - and the shipping companies themselves.

Freight forwarding is not only road transport

The aforementioned development made international and intercontinental transport at a very high level. In these areas, there are several types of forwarders that deal with, depending on the means of transport rail freight, sea, air, container and also multimodal. According to the definition, multimodal transport is based on several modes of transport, with the traditional road transfer only being a supplement to the offer.

So what are the advantages of using the services of forwarders? First of all, the client gains comprehensive services, thanks to which he is informed about the progress related to the transport service. By deciding to use the forwarder's offer, you also gain the planned delivery date, as well as the door to door service, thanks to which the carrier will pick up the goods from the designated address and deliver them to any corner of the world as soon as possible, while maintaining attractive transport rates. Another advantage is the safety related to transport and cargo - an experienced forwarder will choose the optimal solution that will not only protect the goods from possible damage, but also complement the service with additional insurance in case of emergency. Thanks to the knowledge of the transport industry as well as the ability to use foreign languages, shippers will complete all formalities and, if necessary, contact a given carrier or customs authority related to a given transport order. 

What to consider when choosing a forwarder?

Above all, experience - thanks to many years of work, the forwarder has excellent knowledge of the transport industry, as well as a large base of carriers who offer attractive rates for the implementation of a given service. The person associated with the transport will create an offer tailored to the individual needs of the customer - thus meeting all necessary conditions. Before choosing a trusted shipping company, it is also good to consult people who have used its services before - this way you are guaranteed a safe and successful transport service.