The Freight Forwarders in general perspective

A freight forwarder must ave intimate knowledge of the Customs Act and its Regulations and be able to advise his client accordingly. He also must have good general knowledge of many other areas of commerce or at the very best be in the position to know how to ascertain the information required in any particular situation. There is no doubt that a broader spectrum of knowledge a freight forwarder has will enhance the value of his service to his customers.

There is one most important function of a freight forwarder which must not be overlooked and this can be seen by his office rather than outside. Bear in mind that the freight forwarder is entrusted with confidential information about his customer's goods and transactions. He is in possession of negotiable documents. He is handling a large sum of money on behalf of his customers and he is a businessman who offers the expertise to the business community for a price consideration to the value of his service.

Clearly, the objective of the freight forwarder must be as follows:

1. To provide maximum security for funds and documents entrusted to him;
2. To ensure that only the correct amount of duties, taxes and charges are paid to the various interest parties;
3. To effect clearance of goods in the shortest possible time;
4. To ensure that his customers' affairs are handled with utmost discretion;
5. To maintain the confidence of both his customers and the Customs Department;
6. To operate efficiently and profitably in accordance to the law.

It is therefore compulsory that the freight forwarders must be fully alert to the advancements and developments in relation of the rules, regulations and laws relating to the trade, customs and forwarding services.