Logistics & Operations: find professionals

Logistics and operations covers freight brokers and freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehousing and order fulfilment, for businesses that ship goods.

A freight broker finds carriers for full or partial loads. A freight forwarder arranges international shipments by sea, air and road. Customs brokers prepare customs paperwork, calculate duties and clear goods at the border. Warehousing and fulfilment companies store inventory and pick, pack and ship orders for online stores.

Customs work is licensed, so ask a broker which licence they hold and where you can check it before you hand over documents. Ask which routes, modes and volumes a firm handles, how they price, who is liable if goods are lost or damaged, and what insurance covers your shipments while they’re in someone else’s care. For international freight, ask who prepares the customs declaration and who is responsible if it is wrong.