They can (1) give expert advice on routeing (cheapest, quickest, safest);
(2) arrange carriage with a carrier (i. e. booking space, paying freight, etc. ); (3) prepare or assist in preparation of shipping documents; (4) make customs entry (clearance) of goods; (5) arrange packaging and warehousing of goods before shipment; (6) arrange goods transit insurance; (7) arrange consolidation (e. g. in an LCL container) with other shippers’ goods destined for the same place or area. Most forwarders can usually carry out any or all of these functions as required by the shipper.
