Job Description of a Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are often used in lieu of the United States Postal Service. This option allows merchandisers to offer their goods in a wider market including overseas. These freight forwarders use transport trucks and sometimes cargo ships to deliver these goods for their clients. 

• Freight forwarders act as the middleman between consumers and merchandisers. For this reason, merchandisers and retail stores have the ability to offer consumers more shipping options. 


• Freight forwarders offer services in the export and import industry by using tractor-trailer trucks and large ships in which large quantities of freight is moved at one time. As you may know this is the process used by grocery stores and department stores to receive their orders in a timely manner. These freight forwarders also offer insurance for the transport of these goods. 


• The freight forwarders that drive large transport trucks and tractor-trailer trucks are required by the United States Department of Transportation to possess a state insured commercial driver licenses. These drivers are also required to complete an eye examination at their local office of the D.O.T. to become compliant to drive the vehicle. 


• Freight forwarders are required to monitor and track the goods in which they ship. This is required to offer customers the ability to determine where their freight is located at any given time. This also enables the freight forwarder to track down shipments that are damaged or missing. 


• Freight forwarders are responsible for their drivers and staff. These freight forwarders are required by state and federal law to ensure that their staff follows the laws and regulations pertaining to shipment of goods.