Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:33 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:33 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Plan and organise the international forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport
Plan and organise the international forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport
Unit of competency
National Code
TLIA5059A
TLIA5059A
State Code
D3658
D3658
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/11/2014
Field of Education
089901 - Purchasing, Warehousing And Distribution
Original Release Date
05/11/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan and organise international forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport (covering the importing, exporting and transiting of freight). This includes confirming customers' freight transport requirements; selecting routing for sea and multimodal transport; advising on and organising the packaging, packing, loading, stowage and storage of the freight; and completing freight forwarding calculations required for sea and multimodal transport. It also includes assisting in the organisation of insurance for sea and multimodal freight transport; organising permits, authorisations etc.; liaising with the freight forwarding global network; tracking and tracing international cargo being forwarded by sea and multimodal transport; and completing documentation and records required for sea and multimodal transport. There are no specific licensing or certification requirements applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Select routing for sea and multimodal freight transport
- 1.1 Requirements for international sea and multimodal freight transport services are confirmed and clarified with the customer
- 1.2 Critical logistics aspects of the freight transport are determined, analysed and taken into account in planning the freight forwarding solution(s)
- 1.3 Checks are made that all conventions for international sea and multimodal freight transport are fulfilled
- 1.4 Where the freight forwarding involves special transport services, advice is sought as required from experts or specialists in the area of the special cargo or dangerous goods concerned
- 1.5 Suitable routing for sea or multimodal transport is selected after consideration of the options available and analysis of the risks involved
- 1.6 Alternative routing options are identified for possible use in the event of contingencies
2Advise on and organise the packaging, packing, stowage and storage of freight for sea and multimodal freight transport
- 2.1 Suitable options are determined for the packaging, packing, stowage and storage of freight given the type of cargo, the mode of transport, the destination and the selected route(s)
- 2.2 Where applicable, container types suitable for sea and multimodal transport and appropriate for the freight are reviewed and appropriate options selected
- 2.3 The pricing of containers and other forms of freight packaging suitable for sea and multimodal transport is determined and advice provided to the customer
- 2.4 Advice is provided to the customer on the selection, loading and packing of suitable container types and other forms of freight packaging as applicable
- 2.5 Shipping documents required for the selected containers or other forms of packaging suitable for sea and multimodal freight transport are prepared as per standard procedures and regulatory requirements
- 2.6 Appropriate action is taken to organise and provide advice to the customer on the packaging, packing, stowage and storage of the freight for the planned forwarding project including the planning of the loading of the selected containers where applicable
3Complete freight forwarding calculations for sea and multimodal freight transport
- 3.1 Calculations required in the course of planning and organising the international forwarding of freight by sea or multimodal transport are completed accurately and with the available computational aids
4Assist in organising insurance for sea and multimodal freight transport
- 4.1 Risks involved in the planned sea or multimodal freight forwarding solution are identified and analysed
- 4.2 Transport and liability insurance requirements for the proposed forwarding solution are evaluated and considered
- 4.3 Assistance in selecting and organising appropriate insurance options is provided as per standard procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
5Organise permits, authorisations etc. needed for sea and multimodal freight transport
- 5.1 Documentation requirements are determined for the cargo, mode(s) of transport and selected routing concerned, including permits, authorisations etc.
- 5.2 Documentation requirements are organised and processed as per standard procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
6Liaise with freight forwarding global network
- 6.1 Appropriate liaison with agents, carriers and others in the global network and supply chain is undertaken to plan and organise the freight forwarding project
- 6.2 Appropriate information and communications technology systems and equipment are used when liaising with the freight forwarding global network as per standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
7Track and trace international cargo being forwarded by sea or multimodal freight transport
- 7.1 International cargo being transported by sea or multimodal freight transport is tracked and traced during a freight forwarding project using the available systems and technology
- 7.2 Problems with the transit of freight identified during tracking activities are evaluated and appropriate action is initiated to address the problems as per standard procedures
- 7.3 Advice is provided to the customer on the progress of the shipment and any action taken to address unexpected contingencies
8Complete required documentation and records
- 8.1 All forms and documentation required for the planned freight forwarding project are completed as per standard operating procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
- 8.2 Data is retrieved from and entered into computer systems as per standard operating procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
- 8.3 Records of arrangements made and critical transactions are kept as per standard operating procedures and applicable regulatory requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Modes of international freight transport may include:
sea transport
transport by inland waterway
multimodal transport
International freight forwarding includes services related to:
the importing of goods
the exporting of goods
the transiting of goods
Marine vessel types may include:
container ships
roll-on/roll-off carriers (RO-RO)
bulk carriers (dry cargo vessels)
conventional ships
tankers (crude oil, chemicals, liquefied gas, liquid foodstuffs)
heavy lift ships (equipped with cranes and derricks)
Types of multimodal transport include:
sea/air
air/road (truck)
rail/road/inland waterways-sea-rail/road inland waterways
mini-bridge
land bridge
piggyback
sea train
rail-sea-land
inland waterway-sea-inland waterway
Type of barges used in inland waterway carriage may include:
motor barges
tugged barges
tug
sailing barges
Pre-transport issues in the forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport may include:
adequacy of insurance
adequacy of packaging
planning of the packing and loading of cargo into containers
planning for security, proper stacking and stowage and handling in transit
planning for the loading of non-containerised cargo onto a vessel (including sea, air, rail, road or other transport)
Requirements for work may include:
international freight forwarding codes of practice, protocols and procedures
regulations relevant to international freight forwarding
authorities and permits relevant to international freight forwarding
workplace standard operating procedures
information and communications technology and related systems
global time zones and hours of operation
Parameters of freight transport services relevant to customer requirements may include:
standard operating procedures for forwarding of various types of international freight
type of transport modes
transport routing
various consignment methods
packaging, packing, stowage and storage options including containerisation
relevant legislative requirements
required import/export documentation, labelling and requirements
transport security checks
insurance requirements
service costs
contract arrangements
payment requirements and procedures
fiduciary and legal responsibilities of either party
Advantages of multimodal transport include:
minimises time loss at transhipment points
may provide faster transit of goods
reduces burden of documentation and formalities
saves costs
establishes only one agency to deal with
reduces costs of exports
Scope of services performed by multimodal transport operators include:
FCL (full container load))
LCL (less than full container load)
weighing and measurement of cargo
CFS (container-freight station)
consolidation
booking of space
CY (container yard)
liaison with Customs and other relevant regulatory authorities
assisting in organising required insurance coverage
return of leased containers
communication with customer and global contacts
use of appropriate information and communication technology
Container types may include:
general cargo containers
thermal containers
tank containers
(dry) bulk containers
flat racks/open tops (special equipment)
Types of packages used for storing and protecting cargo during transit may include:
bags
cartons
thermal cartons with gel-ice
cases
drums
pallets
pallecons and other devices for carrying bulk liquids, pastes and powders
Communications systems may involve:
face-to-face conversation
telephone including fixed, mobile and IP phones
fax
email
electronic data transfer of information (EDI)
mail
Sources of information required to perform international freight forwarding functions may include:
websites of key international and Australian organisations such as FIATA, IMO, ICAO, IATA, CASA, AMSA, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, AQIS, government agencies responsible for transport security etc.
key reference publications such as Incoterms, FIATA forms and documents, ICC publications, and other manuals, texts and handbooks on freight forwarding, international trade and related topics etc.
Consultative processes may involve:
customers
international and domestic agents and suppliers
relevant authorities, government departments and institutions
representatives of transport companies
relevant regulatory authorities and institutions
other professional or technical staff
management
freight forwarding specialists
Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Information/documents may include but are not limited to:
Australian and international regulations, conventions and codes of practice applicable to the international forwarding of freight
summaries and definitions of Incoterms and Combiterms
customers' instructions and transport requirements
workplace standard operating procedures and policies
operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation
standard FIATA forms and documentation such as
a Negotiable Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (FB/L)
a Non-negotiable Multimodal Transport Waybill (FWB)
a Forwarders Certificate of Receipt (FCR)
a Forwarders Certificate of Transport (FCT)
a Forwarders Warehouse Receipt (FWR)
a Forwarders Forwarding Instructions (FFI)
a Shippers Declaration for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (SDT)
a Shippers Intermodal Weight Certification (SIWC)
an Original Bill of Lading (OB/L)
a Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
a House Bill of Lading (HBL)
a House Air Waybill (HAWB)
Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (MTB/L)
cargo manifests
pre-advice and pre-alert documents
operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation
freight forwarding competency standards and training materials
workplace operating procedures and policies
Australian and International standards, criteria and certification requirements
data obtained through communications technology equipment and oral, aural or signed communications
freight forwarder company's quality assurance standards and procedures
emergency procedures
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
Australian and international regulations, conventions and codes of practice for the international forwarding of freight
relevant regulations for the import and export of cargo
Australian and international standards and certification requirements
relevant regulations pertaining to international trading and financial transactions
relevant Australian and international transport security and safety legislation
relevant Australian and international environmental protection legislation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Modes of international freight transport may include:
sea transport
transport by inland waterway
multimodal transport
International freight forwarding includes services related to:
the importing of goods
the exporting of goods
the transiting of goods
Marine vessel types may include:
container ships
roll-on/roll-off carriers (RO-RO)
bulk carriers (dry cargo vessels)
conventional ships
tankers (crude oil, chemicals, liquefied gas, liquid foodstuffs)
heavy lift ships (equipped with cranes and derricks)
Types of multimodal transport include:
sea/air
air/road (truck)
rail/road/inland waterways-sea-rail/road inland waterways
mini-bridge
land bridge
piggyback
sea train
rail-sea-land
inland waterway-sea-inland waterway
Type of barges used in inland waterway carriage may include:
motor barges
tugged barges
tug
sailing barges
Pre-transport issues in the forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport may include:
adequacy of insurance
adequacy of packaging
planning of the packing and loading of cargo into containers
planning for security, proper stacking and stowage and handling in transit
planning for the loading of non-containerised cargo onto a vessel (including sea, air, rail, road or other transport)
Requirements for work may include:
international freight forwarding codes of practice, protocols and procedures
regulations relevant to international freight forwarding
authorities and permits relevant to international freight forwarding
workplace standard operating procedures
information and communications technology and related systems
global time zones and hours of operation
Parameters of freight transport services relevant to customer requirements may include:
standard operating procedures for forwarding of various types of international freight
type of transport modes
transport routing
various consignment methods
packaging, packing, stowage and storage options including containerisation
relevant legislative requirements
required import/export documentation, labelling and requirements
transport security checks
insurance requirements
service costs
contract arrangements
payment requirements and procedures
fiduciary and legal responsibilities of either party
Advantages of multimodal transport include:
minimises time loss at transhipment points
may provide faster transit of goods
reduces burden of documentation and formalities
saves costs
establishes only one agency to deal with
reduces costs of exports
Scope of services performed by multimodal transport operators include:
FCL (full container load))
LCL (less than full container load)
weighing and measurement of cargo
CFS (container-freight station)
consolidation
booking of space
CY (container yard)
liaison with Customs and other relevant regulatory authorities
assisting in organising required insurance coverage
return of leased containers
communication with customer and global contacts
use of appropriate information and communication technology
Container types may include:
general cargo containers
thermal containers
tank containers
(dry) bulk containers
flat racks/open tops (special equipment)
Types of packages used for storing and protecting cargo during transit may include:
bags
cartons
thermal cartons with gel-ice
cases
drums
pallets
pallecons and other devices for carrying bulk liquids, pastes and powders
Communications systems may involve:
face-to-face conversation
telephone including fixed, mobile and IP phones
fax
electronic data transfer of information (EDI)
Sources of information required to perform international freight forwarding functions may include:
websites of key international and Australian organisations such as FIATA, IMO, ICAO, IATA, CASA, AMSA, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, AQIS, government agencies responsible for transport security etc.
key reference publications such as Incoterms, FIATA forms and documents, ICC publications, and other manuals, texts and handbooks on freight forwarding, international trade and related topics etc.
Consultative processes may involve:
customers
international and domestic agents and suppliers
relevant authorities, government departments and institutions
representatives of transport companies
relevant regulatory authorities and institutions
other professional or technical staff
management
freight forwarding specialists
Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Information/documents may include but are not limited to:
Australian and international regulations, conventions and codes of practice applicable to the international forwarding of freight
summaries and definitions of Incoterms and Combiterms
customers' instructions and transport requirements
workplace standard operating procedures and policies
operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation
standard FIATA forms and documentation such as
a Negotiable Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (FB/L)
a Non-negotiable Multimodal Transport Waybill (FWB)
a Forwarders Certificate of Receipt (FCR)
a Forwarders Certificate of Transport (FCT)
a Forwarders Warehouse Receipt (FWR)
a Forwarders Forwarding Instructions (FFI)
a Shippers Declaration for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (SDT)
a Shippers Intermodal Weight Certification (SIWC)
an Original Bill of Lading (OB/L)
a Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
a House Bill of Lading (HBL)
a House Air Waybill (HAWB)
Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (MTB/L)
cargo manifests
pre-advice and pre-alert documents
operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation
freight forwarding competency standards and training materials
workplace operating procedures and policies
Australian and International standards, criteria and certification requirements
data obtained through communications technology equipment and oral, aural or signed communications
freight forwarder company's quality assurance standards and procedures
emergency procedures
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
Australian and international regulations, conventions and codes of practice for the international forwarding of freight
relevant regulations for the import and export of cargo
Australian and international standards and certification requirements
relevant regulations pertaining to international trading and financial transactions
relevant Australian and international transport security and safety legislation
relevant Australian and international environmental protection legislation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:
selecting routing for sea and multimodal freight transport
advising on and organising the packaging, packing, stowage and storage of freight for sea and multimodal transport
completing freight forwarding calculations for sea and multimodal freight transport
assisting in the organisation of insurance for sea and multimodal freight transport
organising permits, authorisations etc. needed for sea and multimodal freight transport
liaising with the freight forwarding global network when organising sea and multimodal freight transport
tracking and tracing international cargo being forwarded by sea and multimodal freight transport
completing documentation and records required for sea and multimodal freight transport
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:
selecting routing for sea and multimodal freight transport
advising on and organising the packaging, packing, stowage and storage of freight for sea and multimodal transport
completing freight forwarding calculations for sea and multimodal freight transport
assisting in the organisation of insurance for sea and multimodal freight transport
organising permits, authorisations etc. needed for sea and multimodal freight transport
liaising with the freight forwarding global network when organising sea and multimodal freight transport
tracking and tracing international cargo being forwarded by sea and multimodal freight transport
completing documentation and records required for sea and multimodal freight transport
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWN34 | TLIA5059 | Plan and organise the international forwarding of freight by sea and multimodal transport | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W908 | TLI50310 | Diploma of International Freight Forwarding | Qualification |