What are my duties as a freight forwarder when transporting goods?
January 17, 2024 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Anna Sontheimer
Dear lawyer specialized in transport and freight law,
My name is Maria Kieselbach and I work as a freight forwarder. Lately, I have been experiencing an increasing number of problems with the transportation of goods and I am unsure about the duties I have as a freight forwarder. I want to make sure that I comply with all legal regulations and avoid any legal issues.
Currently, I am in a situation where I am supposed to transport goods for a client. However, I have concerns about whether I have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the goods. I am wondering what duties I have as a freight forwarder to ensure that the transportation goes smoothly and my liability is limited.
My concerns mainly revolve around not knowing exactly which documents I need, what safety precautions I need to take, and how to proceed in case of damages. Therefore, I would like to hear from you about the specific duties I have as a freight forwarder and what steps I can take to safeguard my legal situation.
Could you please explain in detail what duties I have as a freight forwarder in the transportation of goods and how I should best proceed to protect myself and avoid legal issues? I thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Maria Kieselbach
Dear Mrs. Kieselbach,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your duties as a freight forwarder in transport and logistics law. As a lawyer specializing in this area of law, I can explain in detail what specific obligations you have as a freight forwarder and how you can best protect yourself to avoid legal problems.
First and foremost, it is important to know that freight forwarders have a variety of duties to ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods. The most important duties include the careful selection of transportation means and carriers, compliance with safety regulations, and the preparation and verification of transport documents.
As a freight forwarder, you are obligated to carefully load, secure, and transport goods to prevent damage or loss. You must ensure that the goods are properly packaged, labeled, and comply with applicable regulations. Additionally, you have the duty to deliver the goods on time and inform the customer about the status of the transport.
With regards to documentation, as a freight forwarder, you are required to properly issue and deliver waybills, delivery notes, and other transport documents. These documents are important to track the transport and serve as evidence in case of damages or losses.
To protect yourself legally and avoid liability issues, I recommend documenting all agreements with your customers in writing and establishing clear terms for the transport. Additionally, make sure you have sufficient liability insurance to be covered in case of damages or losses.
If problems arise, it is important to react promptly and document any incidents. Contact your customer and resolve the matter transparently and cooperatively. If in doubt, seek legal advice from a lawyer specialized in transport and logistics law to represent your interests and initiate legal action.
I hope this information helps you better assess your legal situation as a freight forwarder. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Anna Sontheimer, Lawyer specializing in Transport and Logistics Law
