Documentation is a requirement in international trade and for moving goods. Well-ordered and accurate documents are essential for a freight forwarder and are required for a successful export order and receipt of payment for delivery. Freight forwarders need to know exactly what document is required and when.

When preparing to move goods, the freight forwarder must first receive clear instructions from the importer or exporter - ideally well in advance of the goods being moved. These should be in writing and can be done via email or fax. However, the shipper will often hand the paperwork over to the driver collecting the goods, which is standard practice for air freight. If any instructions are taken over the telephone, they should then be confirmed to the customer in writing to avoid any later problems.

Other documents that are provided by the importer or exporter include invoices, packing lists and licences. Responsibility for hazardous goods declarations also lies with the shipper.

Each mode of transport will have its own document of carriage, such as the:

air waybill - for air freight

bill of lading - for sea freight

CMR consignment note - for road freight

The issuer of these documents may differ, but freight forwarders need to be familiar with them and their individual procedures.

Freight forwarders should also understand documents that relate to customs clearance at import and export.

 

( linda )11 Nov,2011

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