Careers in freight forwarding | Daily Express Online

EVERYONE is talking about On-line business. We notice individuals and businesses ordering and buying essential items on-line. It has become a trend today. Especially when there is a lockdown, people are unable to go out. They rely on on-line businesses. An important role played in online businesses are the freight forwarders. 

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Freight forwarders are often called as  Air Export Agent, Air Export Coordinator, Export Coordinator, Ocean Export Coordinator, Ocean Forwarder, Relocation Coordinator, Route Specialist, Special Services Agent. 

The job title may vary according to the size of the company and their line of business. 

However, in Malaysia they are commonly referred to as freight forwarders. 

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Who are freight forwarders? 

They are people who Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. They Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. They Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.

What do freight forwarders do? 

You may have heard of Shoppe, Lazada, Amazon, etc.  People buy goods from their on-line platform. They need to deliver goods to their customers promptly. Their goods are transported by freight forwarders locally and internationally. 

• Freight Forwarders  Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
• They Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
• They Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
• They Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
• They also Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.

What knowledge do freight forwarders need? 

1. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
2. Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
3. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
4. Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
5. Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Education & Training

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If you are interested in studying about freight forwarding you can study for a Diploma or a Degree at the following institutions. There are many government and private institutions offering the program. Visit their webpage and find out more: Open University, University Utara, UMS, TAR University College, UCSI, Unitar, MUST, Han Chiang College,  etc.  Duration of Diploma courses is around 24 months and cost about RM 15,000.  

For further information

If you are interested in this industry, it would be good to  contact the Sabah Freight Forwarders & Logistics Association. They have a Facebook and various activities are conducted by them. Visit them for more information.