| |
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
|
|
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.
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.
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
See what the GIFF Symposium
has to say about te role of Ghanaian Freight Forwarders in Ghana's
economic development
|
|
