The volume of cargo transportation in our time is growing every day. And along with this, such a profession as a freight forwarder becomes more and more popular . This specialist, tracking the path of the goods, is the agent of the carrier, which organizes freight forwarding services. And the duties of the forwarder are not just escort of cargo, he also plans and organizes its transportation. In principle, this specialist can coordinate any cargo transportation (container, hazardous and bulk, liquid and other cargoes). And he must know the negative and positive points when using a certain transport in any region. The forwarder must be able to draw up transportation plans, while choosing an acceptable transport. The forwarder's duties also include monitoring the stages of loading and unloading and the current state of the goods entrusted to him.
But no matter how accurate the planning, everything can happen on the road. And on the way, sometimes circumstances arise that threaten the environment, human safety, cargo safety or can lead to an accident. Then the freight forwarder's responsibility for the carriage of goods includes resolving these situations. First of all, he must contact the customer of cargo transportation and coordinate his actions with him. But if this cannot be done, then he has the right to act independently. At the same time, the forwarder realizes that then he will have to explain to the customer the necessity, legality and inevitability of his actions.
Also, the duties of the forwarder include the acceptance of cargo in the warehouse and verification of its compliance with the accompanying documents. He also needs to verify the integrity of the package and check the availability of devices necessary for the transport of goods. The forwarder also checks the sanitary condition of the transport that will be used for transportation. He personally controls the loading and unloading, packing and placement of goods. He then escorts him to his destination. And during the journey, the forwarder's duties include ensuring the necessary mode of cargo storage. Upon arrival at the place, he hands over the delivered goods and draws up all the necessary documentation. He also takes part in drawing up acts of damage to the cargo, its shortage and other similar troubles.
Still quite in demand is the vacancy of a driver-forwarding agent. And the usual driving experience for this position will not be enough. Such a specialist should not only deliver the goods to the destination and be able to fill out a waybill. The duties of the forwarding driver are wider than that of the usual “carrier”, which is reflected in his salary. He already personally, in accordance with invoices, takes the goods in the warehouse. At the same time, the forwarding driver must check the integrity of the package and check whether the goods are correctly packed in the back of his car. After that, all responsibility for the cargo falls on him. And he watches him during the journey until the moment of delivery to his addressee. Such a driver should be able to properly draw up documents that confirm the receipt and shipment of goods.
In addition to duties, the forwarder also has rights. So, he can independently choose a route, subcontractors and a vehicle, unless otherwise provided in the instructions of the customer. The forwarder can independently verify the documents and information about the cargo that he receives from the customer. And if in this case inconsistencies arise, then the responsibility for the consequences that may arise can be passed on to the client. Also, the forwarder can terminate the contract, while receiving payment for work already completed, if the customer himself has changed the instructions or the original terms of the contract so that it has become impossible to fulfill them.