A freight forwarder, either on a large scale or a small scale, is an individual or corporation that organizes shipments to companies, clients or final customers for the purpose of sending goods to a specific destination, consumer or end-user. The shipments may be for residential products such as furniture or electrical goods, manufactured goods like chemicals or machinery, or even for hazardous or perishable goods. A large shipment of bulk cargo such as a variety of automobiles or other transportation vehicles would require a freight forwarder with extensive experience and knowledge of loading, unloading, and storing such a large load. Such a business would most likely hire a full service brokerage firm to serve as their liaison with the shipping provider.
Freight forwarders have an in-depth understanding of the logistics of the international shipping industry, having worked with all types of shippers. They can advise clients of both scheduled and unplanned transportation of goods. Shippers often assign them to smaller loads, which makes it easier for them to determine the appropriate time to dispatch the goods, as well as the proper method of packing the container to protect it during storage. If a shipper has a large variety of products, however, they may receive requests from multiple clients, and must take the time to individually organize the logistics for each order. Freight forwarding businesses also keep records of all shipment details for use by shippers, including the type of goods, the destination and the delivery importacion Guatemala.
The role of a freight forwarder can also include acting as a customs broker. This involves arranging for the custom clearance of the goods at the customs, which includes preparing custom documents and performing duties as per the regulations pertaining to the imported goods. Such documentation generally includes the bill of lading (which records the description, identification and quantity of the goods), as well as the detailed customs declaration. A freight forwarder may also provide consultation on customs clearance documentation and act as a customs broker for a company representative, who travels to the country to establish the legal status of the goods.
Some forwarders offer their services as freight brokers, but function as independent consultants. This is useful when businesses have partners in other areas but prefer to retain control over the transportation documentation. Freight forwarders can also act as suppliers, providing access to carriers to move goods between locations. This service, however, requires documentation of the transport of goods, as well as detailed bills of lading. Freight forwarders generally do not provide storage services; unless they are associated with a carrier that provides such a service, they will generally rely upon third-party providers.
Freight forwarders can provide a valuable service to import and export companies, especially those that ship bulk goods. By taking possession of goods that are in transit, freight forwarders can notify customs officials of the specific destination of the goods and arrange for appropriate documentation. Furthermore, these specialists can act as intermediaries that arrange for the importation of goods without involving the shipper directly.
In addition to acting as a third-party logistics provider, a freight forwarding company can provide additional value to an organization. Many organizations use their services to act as a liaison between the shipper and the carrier. They can assist in the documentation of the load by preparing the necessary paperwork. Additionally, logistics experts may also prepare a specialized invoice that can be used to send goods to the carrier by a shipper. If a carrier does not have the specific paperwork available, many forwarding services can provide options, such as shipping labels.
As a shipper, a logistics expert can provide valuable and expedient services. Freight forwarders are usually independent organizations that can be relied upon for assistance when a shipper faces difficulties or difficulty in obtaining documentation for a shipment. When a carrier does not provide documentation for a shipment, many logistics experts can provide alternative options. These services can also be utilized when a shipper is unable to acquire documentation for a shipment. Many freight forwarding companies provide services that help in the documentation process, such as proof of ownership and insurance.
