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 knowledge of current information and communication technology as they relate to international freight forwarding functions through appropriate continuous professional development activities

interpreting and applying the required knowledge of applicable current information and communication technology to the international freight forwarding role and functions

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:

Procedures and protocols when using ICT

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Principles of data storage and management systems used in international freight forwarding

Internet and web based technology used in international freight forwarding

Principles of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and procedures for its use

Principles of Value-added Network (VAN) and procedures for its use

IP-based telecommunications systems and their application in international freight forwarding

Email protocols and procedures

Principles of barcoding and its use in logistics and freight forwarding

Principles of 3PL and 4PL logistics etc. as they apply to the freight forwarder including the applications and benefits of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems in the supply chain

Basic e-commerce data security principles, systems, precautions and procedures

Principles of electronic transactions

Sources of information and documentation needed when using ICT in 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

Typical problems that can occur when using ICT and related appropriate action that can be taken to prevent or resolve them

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when using ICT in freight forwarding activities, 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 and other information relevant to the use of current ICT in freight forwarding activities

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

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

Retrieve and enter data within applicable information technology systems

Operate ICT to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when using ICT

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 using ICT in accordance with workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unanticipated situations that may occur when using ICT

Apply relevant codes of practice and legislative requirements including local and international freight

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 ICT systems and procedures to complete workplace tasks

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

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

Information and communication technology (ICT) systems may include but are not limited to:

data storage and management systems

Electronic Freight Forwarding Management Systems (FFMS)

Electronic Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Electronic Transportation Management System (TMS)

Internet and web based technology

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

EDI for Administration of Commerce (EDIFACT)

Value-added Network (VAN)

IP-based telecommunications systems

Local Area Networks (LAN)

Wireless Area Networks (WAN)

broadband internet systems including ADSL, dedicated broadband lines and wireless systems

barcoding systems

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems used in warehouses and logistics facilities

E-commerce security systems

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.

Communications systems may involve:

face-to-face conversation

electronic data interchange (EDI)

telephone including fixed, mobile and IP phones

fax

email

mail

Consultative processes may involve:

customers

other employees and supervisors

global network of international and domestic agents, suppliers, clients

relevant regulatory authorities and institutions

management

information and communication technology specialists

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

Information/documents may include but are not limited to:

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

workplace standard operating procedures and policies for the use of ICT in international freight forwarding functions

customers' instructions and transport requirements

standard FIATA forms and documentation such as:

a Non-negotiable Multimodal Transport Waybill (FWB)

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

Australian and international standards, criteria and certification requirements

data obtained through information and communications technology equipment and oral, aural or signed communications

freight forwarding competency standards and training materials

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

relevant regulations for the use of ICT systems in freight forwarding activities

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