CPIM Practice Exam

Who acts as the intermediary between the carrier and the organization shipping products?

1. A customs broker

2. A logistics manager

3. A freight forwarder

4. A supply chain analyst

The correct answer is: A freight forwarder

The correct choice, a freight forwarder, serves as an intermediary between the carrier and the organization shipping products by coordinating and managing the transportation of goods. Freight forwarders handle various logistical aspects, such as booking cargo space with carriers, preparing shipping documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They are skilled at navigating the complexities of international shipping and can provide essential services that facilitate smoother logistics operations for businesses. The other options, while related to logistics and supply chain management, serve different roles. A customs broker specializes in clearing goods through customs, ensuring that all regulations and duties are complied with, but does not manage the transportation itself. A logistics manager oversees the entire logistics process but is typically part of the organization rather than an intermediary. A supply chain analyst focuses on analyzing data to improve supply chain performance but does not directly manage shipping logistics. Thus, the freight forwarder is uniquely positioned to fulfill the function of connecting shippers with carriers efficiently.