freight-transport-dispatcher/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — freight transport dispatcher

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-5011.01 (Freight Forwarders).

Task statements

• [Core] Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
• [Core] Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
• [Core] Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
• [Core] Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
• [Core] Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
• [Core] Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
• [Core] Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
• [Core] Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
• [Core] Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
• [Core] Keep records of goods dispatched or received.
• [Core] Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.
• [Core] Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.
• [Core] Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
• [Core] Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.
• [Core] Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.
• [Core] Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
• [Core] Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
• [Core] Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
• [Core] Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
• [Core] Complete customs paperwork.
• [Core] Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.
• [Core] Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
• [Core] Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.
• [Supplemental] Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.
• [Supplemental] Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.
• [Supplemental] Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.
• [Supplemental] Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.
• [Supplemental] Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.
• [Supplemental] Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.
• [Supplemental] Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.
• [Supplemental] Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
• Arrange insurance coverage.
• Assist individuals with paperwork.
• Calculate shipping costs.
• Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
• Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
• Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
• Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
• Execute sales or other financial transactions.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
• Negotiate financial arrangements.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
• Recommend packing or shipping methods.
• Record shipping information.
• Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
• Track goods or materials.
• Verify shipping documentation.