The Work

Professionals in the area of shipping are mainly concerned with the efficient and economical movement of goods. Their work, therefore, involves all the commercial activities that ensure that goods reach their destinations.

Are privately employed with shipping agencies. Here, they match empty ships with the cargoes and negotiate terms on behalf of their clients.

They may use either a regular cargo run or they may charter full ships for a voyage or a series of voyages, or even a part of the ship's freight space, according to requirements, and the client’s specifications. Very often, they also buy and sell ships, as well as bulk carriers and oil tankers, for their clients.

Ship brokers also act as agents and deal with customs formalities, loading documentation, arrangements for the crew, and other such activities. They can also set up their own shipping agencies, provided they have adequate capital, and contacts with a variety of clientele.

Arrange the safe transportation of freight from one destination to the other, either from one port to the other, by ship, or by road or railways, from a particular destination to the ports from where the containers are loaded on to ships. They serve as an important link between the clients and the shipping companies.

Those in charge of freight forwarding have; therefore, to maintain good relations with cargo and customs authorities They are also responsible for documentation such as bills of landings, import and export licenses, specialized packaging and warehousing, and other such formalities.

At the docks, port authorities as well as shipping companies take care of the operational aspects such as customs, surveying of the ships and cargo, as well as insurance of the ships and shipping material. Officials are also appointed at the docks to take care of the ship handling, i.e., equipping the ship with provisions, spares and other requirements for a voyage, as well as with loading and movement, of containers.