Cost and Freight (CNF)

In a business, a seller must provide the buyer with documentation when they ship some items for the buyers to pick up at the destination. This is referred to as the legal term CNF, or Cost and Freight. 

If you are into an online business, post the pandemic situation, you likely have experienced a rise in online shopping, and shipping has been more frequent than before. To keep up with the rising demands, you need to invest more in building a team of labours capable of meeting the goals. Razi Solutions is where your search will end, surely. 

We have a pool of manpower of varied skill levels. While we boast of skilled manpower, we can also provide you with semi-skilled or unskilled manpower that you can utilise as per your organisation’s needs. 

So, in which segment of CNF do you need skilled labour? Is there any segment in CNF where you can do without unskilled/semi-skilled labour? Here we have answers to all your queries. Scroll on!

Freight forwarding 

This activity under CNF calls for professionals to coordinate the shipping process for your organisation. Sometimes, the freight forwarders have some skills developed through training, and some they acquire from experience. Some basic skills required for freight forwarding action include good communication, active listening, time management, adaptability etc. Though these vary from one individual to another, you must have computer skills and regulatory knowledge to be a successful freight forwarder. 

Type of labour required: Skilled, semi-skilled

Why?

• Skilled manpower can utilise their computer knowledge to predict transit time, arrange transportation routes, check alternative routes if needed, etc. 
• In freight forwarding, individuals need to know about e-commerce, satellite systems, internet technology etc., so that shipment tracking is easy and hassle-free.
• Each city, port, state and country have their own rules and regulations regarding shipping. So, a freight forwarder needs to know these standards and regulations so that the shipments reach their destinations successfully.
• Semi-skilled manpower can utilise their communication and listening skills to acquire necessary information, coordinate freight movement (both international and domestic), etc. They can negotiate with third-party vendors about handling costs, transportation costs etc. 
• The semi-skilled workforce in freight forwarding can also help with certain documentation such as arrival notices, outgoing invoices, delivery orders etc.

Freight Rate Analysis

This activity under CNF involves analysing freight rates, tariff regulations, changes in rates imposed by the government, and rate change proposals offered by shippers, carriers, sales offices etc. A freight rate analyst is also responsible for compiling rate-manual sections, taking into consideration various factors such as handling costs, fuel costs, business volume, the requirement of refrigeration etc. 

Type of Labour required: Skilled

Why?

Under freight rate analysis, there are myriad jobs that one has to perform. All these jobs can only be done if they are specifically skilled in those. The various job roles that a freight rate analyst has to perform include the following:

• Freight bill preparation involves preparing audited freight pay systems and carrier freight bills, and arranging for debits for suppliers in case of redundant inbound freight, and so on.
• Freight payment involves improving or streamlining the payment process, timely processing of carrier invoices following contractual agreements, comparison of freight rates with final freight payments etc.
• Working with an external payment system for timely invoice resolution
• Data entry tasks involve analysing cost and sell data, recording data of orders, keeping a record of promotional items, collecting and maintaining available data about shipments etc.
• Cost reduction involves evaluating available transportation capacity, analysing cost reduction initiatives, especially for inbound transportation, leveraging corporate volume in total etc.
• Though we have skilled manpower for this segment, you can rely on the semi-skilled labour from Razi Solutions and arrange internal training sessions to make them qualified for these works.

Customs broking 

CNF can be a successful venture only if the customs broking section is taken good care of. The custom brokers are mainly responsible for communicating with carriers, shippers, terminals, consignees, trucking companies etc. 

Type of Labour required: Semi-skilled, unskilled

Why?

Instead of skilled manpower, you can recruit semi-skilled or unskilled labour in this segment because the job responsibilities here do not require specific skills. Instead, generic skills are enough to carry out the work. The semi-skilled labour of Razi Solutions for CNF customs broking can perform the following actions:

• Track shipments and work with steamship lines.
• Ensure that all freight arrives at borders within the specified time and that all are cleared before that
• Ensure timely release of shipments
• Communicate with customers, foreign agents and other relevant departments to ensure the timely and prompt release of shipments

Freight Cost Management

Freight costs are the costs required for palletising, packing, documentation, insurance, loading, administration etc. Successful management of freight costs leads to controlled transport costs. This, in turn, results in overall cost reduction. As a business organisation, that is something you would always look out for.

Type of labour required: Skilled.

Why?

• Those involved in the freight cost management section must be skilled in proper invoicing, or the company will face overcharging. The risk of mistakes is higher with manual processes and if the IT system in use is outdated. A skilled workforce in this segment can take hold of the complex cost calculation and management process.
• The skilled CNF manpower of Razi Solutions can identify potential opportunities for cost reduction through prompt and professional freight invoice handling.

Choose Razi Solutions today for all your CNF assignments and ensure timely delivery of all shipments with no scope of confusion or challenges. Reach us on our toll-free number 24*7.