How To Become A Freight Forwarder In Ghana

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.