A good freight forwarder assumes responsibility for and effectively carries out services and advice in connection with the transportation of cargo from point of origin to point of destination. Traditionally, the forwarder acts as agent for the owner of the goods. It co-ordinates with carriers and makes arrangements for the necessary intermediate steps. The forwarder may also act as a principal contractor, arranging the carriage in its own name and/or consolidating the cargoes of several customers into a single container. Here, the forwarder undertakes responsibility to the shipper as a carrier. Whether the freight forwarder acts as an agent or carrier, it plays an important role in the movement of cargo. If it fails to meet acceptable standards, it can create unnecessary costs, delays, risks and damages to the shipment - all nasty things the cargo owner likes to avoid. By contrast, when the forwarder meets or exceeds the needs of its customer, outstanding results are assured. So what separates the good from the bad? A good freight forwarder will maintain continuous control over the products being moved. It will provide efficient, reliable and integrated end-to-end freight management services. It reduces the risk you face, and as such is worth its weight in gold. Is your freight forwarder up to par? You can find out by evaluating it on the professional, operational and corporate levels.
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