Difference Between Freight Forwarder and Clearing Agent
A shipment must be successfully transported via several organisations. No matter how big or little a delivery is, two organisations stand out because of how crucial their functions are to shipping. A freight forwarder and a clearing agent are these organisations. Because they are sometimes confused, it is crucial to comprehend the roles of a freight forwarder and a clearing agent in a cargo.
In this blog, we examine the similarities between Clearing and Transporting in Kolkata and the differences between a freight forwarder and a clearing agent. While they are frequently the same thing, there are many instances in which they could be better.
Who is a Freight Agent?
In the most straightforward terms possible, a freight forwarder is a multi-functional agent or operator who agrees to manage the transportation of commodities from one location to another on behalf of the cargo owner.
Consider setting up trade and financial documents, negotiating freight contracts, tracking the cargo movement, transporting, customs clearances, port inspections, and all other activities for the above volume, whether you are an importer or exporter.
- A freight forwarder can help with that. The following competencies (either owned or outsourced) are expected of a reputable and experienced freight forwarder: familiarity with various forms of transportation, including road, rail, air, and sea.
- Able to offer customers cargo shipping solutions that are both affordable and effective based on their needs.
- Ability to arrange for the cargo’s storage (usually, all big forwarders have their warehouses).
- With the power to bargain freight costs with the shipping line, they can organise the distribution, or “forwarding,” of the cargo by their client’s instructions.
- Able to contract with the shipping line to book cargo by the client’s needs or on their own.
- Despite not being an NVOCC, they issue their own approved house bills of lading (HBL), organise cargo transportation to and from the client’s locations, and have a thorough understanding of cross-border cargo movement.
- MIGHT or MIGHT NOT also Customs clearance may or may not be accredited to customs, the port, or other organisations, and if not accredited, cannot perform customs clearance or, if they issue house bills of lading, functions as a carrier.
When you choose to work with a qualified agent for clearing and transporting in Kolkata, you can try and rely on Team Logistics. We have a lot of expertise in this field. Our clearance agents perform their duties with utmost diligence and efficiency. To know more, visit our website.