A freight forwarder is a firm specializing in the arrangement of cargo on behalf of shippers.
Below is How To Become A Freight Forwarder In Ghana
Forwarder Skills and Qualifications
The key skills required by a freight forwarder are as follows:
Knowledge of local and international carriers and routes
Ability to organize shipments
Ability to use key IT systems
Knowledge of foreign languages
Mediation and negotiation skills
Communication skills
Ability to cope well with pressure and work to deadlines
Precision and ability to work independently
How to Become a Freight Forwarder in Ghana
There is no straightforward way to becoming a freight forwarder in Ghana. This is due to the fact that certain people have pursued different careers before ending up in a shipping company. After several years of gaining experience in the company, they went ahead to open their own freight forwarding business.
But if you hope to become a professional, then you’ll have to get the proper education and get licensed by the Government of Ghana to operate as a legitimate freight forwarder in Ghana
Below are the right steps to take to become a freight forwarder in Ghana
Get the Right Education
As a freight forwarder, you will need to be educated on the various elements of the supply chain. The best place to get such an education is at the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders.
Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders is a non-profit organization established in August 1985 to handle the training of individuals in the freight forwarding business and to promote quality services in the logistics industry.
It was initially named the National Association of Customs House Agents (NACHA). The institution maintains strong links with the Government, parastatals, and other organizations that influence the logistics industry.
Members of the organization can access these links and stay ahead of other individuals in the industry that are not part of the institute. If you wish to successfully run a freight forwarding business, then it is a must that you become a member of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders.
Courses in the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders
Higher Diploma Course
GIFF/FIATA HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSE IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
The Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management Course is offered by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders (FIATA). This course is suitable for individuals aspiring to enter the freight forwarding business.
Upon completion of the course, the individual will be awarded the FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management and the GIFF Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management.
The course covers areas on the main elements of supply chain management. Below are the areas covered in the course;
Procurement Management
Strategic Management
Production & Operations Management
International Transport Management
Supply Chain Management
Financial Management
Global Marketing
Business Law
Human Resource Management
Entrepreneur Creativity
Requirement For This Course.
To study this course you’ll have to meet one of the following requirements
Be employed in a freight forwarding firm with a minimum of 2 years of employment
Be employed in a freight forwarding firm with University degree or diploma
Possess a degree or diploma from a reputable university.
Course Duration
The duration of the course is 1 year.
Course Fees
GIFF Members GH¢ 2,500
Non-GIFF Members GH¢ 3,000
International Trainees GH¢ 3,500
Diploma Course
THE GIFF/FIATA DIPLOMA COURSE IN INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING
This course covers general freight forwarding topics applicable in all modes of carriage.
Upon completion of the course, the individual will be awarded the FIATA Higher Diploma in International Freight Forwarding and the GIFF Diploma in Supply Chain Management.
Below are the 14 areas of focus in the course.
Introduction to Freight Forwarding
Maritime Transport
Multimodal Transport
Sea Containers
Air Transport
Road Transport
Rail Transport
Inland waterway Transport
Customs Procedures
Logistics & Warehousing
Transport and Liability Insurance
ICT in Forwarding
Dangerous Goods
Safety and Security
Requirements For This Course
To study this course you’ll have to meet one of the following requirements
Be employed in a freight forwarding firm with a minimum of 2 years employment
Be employed in a freight forwarding firm with University degree or diploma
Possess a degree or diploma from a reputable university.
Course Duration
The duration of the course is 1 year.
Course Fees
GIFF Members GH¢ 2,500
Non-GIFF Members GH¢ 3,000
International Trainees GH¢ 3,500
Certificate Course
The GIFF Certificate Course covers freight forwarding theory and practice. Below are the modules in the course
Introduction to freight forwarding
Introduction to logistics
Introduction to transportation
Introduction to customs procedures
Business communication
Statistics and business mathematics
Requirements for the Course
School Certificate, BECE, and NVTI
Course Fees
GIFF Members GH¢ 1,300
Non-GIFF Members GH¢ 1,500
International Trainees GH¢ 1,800
Join International Freight Forwarding Organizations
As seen above, the GIFF offers several privileges to its members by reducing their fees and offering links to potential clients. It will be in your best interest to become a member of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders before you start the course.
You should also become a member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders to increase your chances of becoming successful in the global landscape.
Get Licensed
Once you’ve gotten your certificates and memberships, you can then get licensed by the government so as to operate as a registered freight forwarder in Ghana.
Without the license, your business will be considered illegal.