A freight forwarder is one of the indispensable players in the logistics sector, which is one of the most important components of international trade. These companies act as a bridge between carriers (shipping lines, airlines, road transport companies) and cargo owners. They manage all the logistics processes that arise during the transportation of goods from one point to another professionally. However, freight forwarders do not physically carry out the transportation process. They act as intermediaries who select the most suitable conditions and carriers for transportation, organize the transportation process, and oversee every stage of the logistics process.

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Duties of Freight Forwarders

The duties of freight forwarders span a wide range and can vary depending on the type of goods being transported and the mode of transportation. However, their main tasks generally include:

• Carrier Selection and Pricing: They choose the most suitable carrier to transport the cargo, communicate with the carrier companies, and handle pricing. They are also responsible for any potential damage or delays during transportation.
• Management of Incoterms: They manage the specific rules of international trade (Incoterms) and ensure compliance with these rules. They monitor how logistics costs are shared between the importer and exporter.
• Operation Planning: They not only plan the logistics movement but also the routes for transportation and the legal regulations regarding those routes. They provide quick solutions in case of any disruptions.
• Loading and Unloading Operations: To ensure the most efficient transportation of goods, they manage loading and unloading processes according to the mode of transportation. Particularly in partial load shipments, they follow an organized system based on the principle of "first in, last out."
• Preparation of Documents: They are responsible for the correct and complete preparation of all the documents required during transportation. These documents include not only the transport documents but also paperwork related to the nature of the goods being transported.

Types of Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders specialize in various transportation types:

• Sea Freight Forwarders: Sea freight forwarders make ship reservations and organize the transportation process. They also manage operations connected to road transportation.
• Air Freight Forwarders: Air freight forwarders communicate with airlines, make flight reservations, and prepare documents such as air waybills.
• Road Freight Forwarders: Specialized in road transport, these forwarders ensure that the truck drivers handle not only the transportation but also all administrative tasks and manage customs procedures correctly.

Areas of Operation of Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders provide not only transportation but many other logistics services. Their areas of operation include:

• International and Domestic Transport: They offer transportation services via road, sea, air, and rail.
• Customs Clearance and Insurance: They manage operations related to export and import procedures, customs clearance, and insurance.
• Storage and Handling: They provide services related to the storage, handling, packaging, barcoding, and labeling of goods.
• Marketing and Customer Relations: They also manage customer relations, marketing, and banking operations.
• Use of Information Technologies: They utilize information technology to manage all logistics processes more efficiently.

Advantages of Working with a Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are companies that make the complex structure of international trade more efficient. The main advantages of working with them include:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Freight forwarders have extensive knowledge of international transportation and customs procedures.
• Time and Cost Savings: By managing all tasks in the transportation process professionally, they reduce workload and minimize potential errors.
• Risk Management: They provide insurance and risk management to guarantee security against possible damage and losses during transportation.
• International Relations: Thanks to their strong relationships with carriers and logistics providers, they offer better prices and advantageous terms.