Sunday, June 19, 2016

Freight Forwarder And The Things You Need To Know

By Joyce Thompson


Agent forwarders are generally recognized as cargo transporters that are specialized in managing shipments for companies and specific clients. More popularly known as a freight forwarder, this NVOCC or non vessel operating common carrier can operate as an agent or as a company that serves as medium between the carrier and the customer. Additionally, a forwarder also follows a moral obligation of ensuring goods and commodities are processed with utmost priority when it is being exported or imported.

A forwarding agent plays a critical role in making sure all the goods are managed properly especially when it is about to be exported. Providing various levels of styles and services, an agent can also function as a legal counterpart by providing all the paper works required by various agencies before goods are allowed for passage. To learn more about them, the following below are roles they also share.

All booking processes involve are carefully handled and managed by a forwarding agent. Because most cargoes have to enter different ports where the need to book for space is required, agents make sure these spaces are properly arranged, loaded, and discharged. In a sense, they can also be viewed as a contracting carrier making various necessary contracts for safe passage of goods to avoid any complication.

Forwarders also make sure cargoes remain legally compliant by supplying different supporting documents for smooth transport and discharge. Because the process of exporting requires many different port stops across various borders, the need to supply travel documents then becomes absolutely critical. The most commonly submitted documents often include government documents, transport papers, and statement of payment. With an agent helping you out however, the process becomes easier, simpler, and faster.

Agents also offer services such as distribution, packaging, and a well managed warehouse. Although it is safe to assume that not all agents have their own warehouses, they do come equipped with contracts from various warehouse owners. Optionally, an agent can also perform distribution and packaging services if the need to is required by a specific state. Ultimately however, their ability to have their own warehouses provides a complete peace of mind knowing cargoes will remain safe regardless of problems.

An agent can provide different advice on insurance and clauses. It can be tricky to sort the best cargo insurance most ideal for your package. If you are having trouble finding the best, feel free to ask advice from your agent. Most forwarders would often recommend you with the most suitable type of package although it is very important to note that these agents can only arrange these insurances and not process claims or anything beyond.

You can get more accurate costing through the help of a forwarding agent. Aside from what has already been mentioned above, an agent can also provide assistance in giving you an accurate cost for the whole importing or exporting service. Normally, these charges would include state government taxes, any fees from ports that may apply, and local tax.

Options are provided to customers before booking all arrangements. To make sure customers are fully aware of their choices, forwarders would often discuss first all options available for the customer before making any arrangement. After finalizing the route, forwarders will then immediately function as the main contractor between the carrier, shipper, and customer.




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