Goods or products are transported from one place to another through various channels, and this transportation process is usually a procedure carried out between cargo owners and carriers. However, to ensure this process proceeds smoothly and both parties' rights are protected, a bridging role is played by the process called freight forwarder.
The question "What is a freight forwarder?" is one of the first questions that may come to mind for those who want more detailed information on this subject. In general, a freight forwarder is the company that facilitates and organizes transactions between goods owners and transportation companies during the shipping process.
These companies provide communication between parties during transportation, offer appropriate shipping and customs clearance services, and ensure the safety and timely delivery of the goods to be transported. Therefore, freight forwarders are of great importance in the transportation process and are responsible for ensuring the smooth progress of transactions.
What Are the Duties of a Freight Forwarder?
Among the functions of a freight forwarder, we can specify the following:
- Generally, when a product is imported, VAT and import taxes are paid. In these cases, payments are also made from the budget allocated to transportation companies.
- One of the concerns of shipping companies is the possibility that the goods may be damaged during transportation. In these unwanted situations, the customer satisfaction is prioritized, and the transportation agent provides the necessary insurances.
- A freight forwarder is considered to include the transportation company as well. In some countries, customs or import permits may be required. Therefore, obtaining permission to import certain products may be necessary. The shipping company can manage this process and assist you. This way, the transportation of goods can be safer and more trouble-free.
- Since they have extensive knowledge about import and export issues, they provide the necessary documents to the customer and also arrange the customer's customs duties. In other words, they can apply to obtain permits on behalf of the customer. The forwarder managing the entire process can conclude matters more quickly.
Types of Freight Forwarders
There are many different types and sizes of transportation companies in Turkey as well.
Among the types of freight forwarders, there are companies that provide services in areas such as sea freight, air freight, land transportation, and rail transportation. These companies offer great convenience to their customers by ensuring the reliable and timely transportation of shipments.
Freight Forwarder Areas of Activity
Many companies worldwide serve transportation and logistics companies offering various services. These companies provide integrated logistics solutions using various transportation options such as road, air, and sea. They also coordinate customs clearance, insurance, and other operational management services, managing processes collaboratively.
- Handling
- Preparation of road transportation documents
- Cost planning
- Storage
- Insurance
- Bank transactions
- Use of information technologies to establish coordination and communication among all units
- Customer relationship management
- Packaging, coding, and labeling
- Transportation agreement and content definition
- Providing consultancy on international legal regulations and practices.
- Offering services in road, sea, and air transportation as well as rail, river, pipeline, and combined transportation services is common.
Features of Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders play an important role in international transportation. Especially, they must have expertise in customs protocols and possess all relevant information. Considering that shipments transported from port to port or country to country can vary, it is very important for a freight forwarder to be an expert.
In the transportation sector, which faces many unforeseen situations, freight forwarders must have the ability to offer solutions in every circumstance. Especially when faced with technological issues or disruptions, they should be able to quickly focus on solutions.
When choosing a freight forwarder, it is important to consider not only their expertise but also their solution-oriented approach. Working with a reliable and experienced freight forwarder can help overcome any difficulties that may arise during the transportation process.
