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:

maintaining a current knowledge of the logistics, warehousing, storage and distribution issues as they relate to the international freight forwarding industry through appropriate continuous professional development activities

interpreting and applying the required knowledge of logistics, warehousing, storage and distribution to the international freight forwarding role and functions

other relevant aspects of the range statement

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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant Australian and international regulations, conventions, codes of practice and legislative requirements (including those applicable to the importing, exporting and transiting of goods)

Definition and an understanding of the origins of logistics systems

The main steps in logistics projects

Basic understanding of logistics terms such as JIT, 'pull systems', physical distribution systems, supply chain management, tailor made services etc.

The role of the forwarder in logistics activities

The forwarder's functions in the supply chain processes

Basic understanding of the role of logistics providers and related physical distribution systems

The procedures of warehousing as they relate to freight forwarding

Types of warehouses

Financial aspects of storage

Rights and duties of the warehouse operator and the customer

Warehouse charges and rent

Documentation and information and communication technology systems used in warehouses

Sources of information required to perform international freight forwarding functions

Principles and techniques of closed-loop communication in which checks are made to confirm that messages and responses being given or received are unambiguous and are correctly and clearly understood

Understanding of the principles of quality assurance and customer service standards, policies and procedures as they apply in the international freight forwarding industry

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when applying a knowledge of logistics, warehousing, storage and distribution to international freight forwarding functions, including unambiguous closed-loop communication in which checks are made to confirm that messages and responses are correctly and clearly understood (particularly in situations where communication is with a person for whom English is not the native language)

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and regulations relevant to logistics, warehousing, storage and distribution aspects of international freight forwarding

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the provision of international freight forwarding services, including data entry to a computer

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when providing international freight forwarding services

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may arise when providing international freight forwarding services in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unanticipated situations that may occur when providing international freight forwarding services

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Select and appropriately apply technology, information systems and procedures to complete workplace tasks

Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

International freight forwarding includes services related to:

the importing of goods

the exporting of goods

the transiting of goods

Logistics encompasses:

the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements

Supply chain management encompasses:

the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing and procurement, conversion, and all logistics management activities. It also includes coordination and collaboration with suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers

Types of warehouses include:

private warehouses

bonded warehouses

public warehouses

Warehouse equipment and systems include:

racking and layout systems

lift trucks and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks

automated conveyor lines

order picking equipment

fully automated warehouse systems

Warehouse charges may include:

storage charges

warehouse rent

warehouse insurance

warehouse handling fees

ancillary charges

IT based invoicing

Distribution systems encompass:

the procedures, methods, equipment, and facilities, designed and interconnected to facilitate and monitor the flow of goods or services from the source to the end user

Distribution centres are:

warehousing facilities located throughout a supply chain in which goods are sorted, assembled, staged or stored temporarily

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

logistics, warehousing and distribution contacts and specialists

other employees and supervisors

relevant regulatory authorities and institutions

management

other professional or technical staff

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Communications systems may involve:

face-to-face conversation

telephone including fixed, mobile and IP phones

fax

email

electronic data transfer of information (EDI)

mail

Information/documents may include but are not limited to:

Australian and international regulations, conventions and codes of practice for the international forwarding of freight

customers' instructions and transport requirements

workplace standard operating procedures and policies

warehousing forms and documentation such as:

a FIATA forwarder's warehouse receipt (FWR)

private warehouse receipt

a warrant warehouse receipt

cargo manifests

operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation

freight forwarding competency standards and training materials

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

information accessed through communications/computer technology and equipment, and verbal 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