Freight Forwarder

• obtaining, checking and preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing specifications, and compliance with overseas countries' regulations and fiscal regimes;
• offering consolidation services by air, sea and road, ensuring cost-effective and secure solutions to small shippers who have insufficient cargo to require their own dedicated units;
• liaising with third parties to move goods (by road, rail, air or sea) in accordance with customer requirements;
• investigating and planning the most appropriate route for a shipment, taking account of the perishable or hazardous nature of the goods, cost, transit time and security;
• acting as a consultant in customs matters;
• maintaining current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations and other factors that could affect the movement of freight.
• arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of a claim;
• arranging appropriate packing, taking account of climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods and cost, and the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination;
• negotiating contracts, transportation and handling costs;
• arranging air transport for urgent and high-value freight and managing the risk door to door;
• arranging charters for large volume, out-of-gauge or project movements by air and sea;
• acting as broker in customs negotiations worldwide to guide the freight efficiently through complex procedures;
• dealing with special arrangements for transporting delicate cargoes, such as livestock, food and medical supplies;
• arranging courier and specialist hand-carry services;
• working closely with customers, colleagues and third parties to ensure smooth operations to deadlines;
• maintaining communication and control through all phases of the journey, including the production of management reports and statistical and unit cost analysis;
• offering tailored IT solutions and electronic data interchange (EDI) connections;
• arranging payment of freight and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the client;
• utilising e-commerce, internet technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods;

At more senior levels, the role may also involve managing staff and overseeing activities within a department or specialising in a particular area, such as sea freight or air freight.