Profile

Profile





































Most Ghanaian Freight forwarders are also Customs brokers and act on behalf of exporters and importers to clear goods through customs and deliver the items to the importer's warehouse. They are certified, licensed and regulated by CEPS. Freight forwarders deal with arranging the national and international movement of goods. They find the most appropriate and cost-effective way of moving goods, and co-ordinate and keep records of the arrangements.














Skills of GIFF Members GIFF members have: • excellent people and customer service skills • good verbal and written communication skills • problem-solving skills • record-keeping and numeracy skills • basic computer skills. They also know about: • CEPS rules and regulations • Tarriff structures applicable • international laws and standards regarding the transport of goods. • transport systems • shipping terms and United Nations port codes • methods of packing and stowing goods • carriage of goods laws, including dangerous goods regulations

Freight Forwarders play an integral part in Ghana's transportation process. They act on behalf of the exporters in arranging transportation services. Giff members are familiar with Ghana government export regulations, and documents connected with foreign trade. import rules and regulations of destination foreign countries, and methods of shipping,

Services—
Ghanaian Freight forwarders provide a number of services. During the initial planning phases of exporting we help decide:
• Which carriers to use
• Best days of the week to ship
• The best route
• The most economical shipment size

At the beginning of a sale, we also can provide the exporter with a quotation on:
• Freight costs
• Port charges
• Consular fees
• Cost of special documentation
• Insurance costs
• Freight forwarder's fees especially at destination (if required)

This information can be used in the preparation of an accurate price quotation to foreign customers. At the shipper's request, the freight forwarder can make the actual arrangements and provide the necessary services for expediting the shipment to its overseas destination.
This can include
• Booking space with the carrier
• Completing export documentation
• Arranging for cargo insurance
• Advising on foreign import regulations
• Providing guidance on packaging, marking, and labeling
• Arranging for products to be packed and containerized at the exporter's request

Some of our members are also freight consolidators and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers. Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) book space on ships in large quantities at lower rates and sell space to shippers in smaller amounts. NVOCCs consolidate small shipments into container loads that move under one bill of lading. More favorable rates are passed on to the shipper and therefore smaller shippers, with less-than-containerload (LCL) shipments, can take advantage of the lower costs associated with being a big shipper. Services typically offered by NVOCCs, in addition to customary services provided by freight forwarders, are:
• Consolidation of freight and Financial liability for goods due to loss or damage







































	Tasks and Duties Ghanaian Freight forwarders do some or all of the following: • find the most appropriate and cost-effective way of moving goods • prepare goods for dispatch • communicate with carriers such as road, rail, air and sea companies • book transport cargo space and prepare quotations and invoices • confirm transport arrangements • complete export documentation such as Bills of Lading liaise with international freight forwarders to arrange pick up and delivery of goods • advise clients of the costs of transporting goods and of the arrangements that have been made record movement and placement of goods while they are in transit • check incoming goods against documents • keep records of goods dispatched and received • clear goods through customs • arrange insurance for goods, and the payment of duties and taxes • organise the delivery of goods for export or to an importer's premises.