The transit agent: zoom on this essential job in the transport industry
Working for a road haulage company, the transit agent organizes all stages of transport, particularly in terms of administrative and operational management. This contact person, with his or her ability to organize independently, is always on the lookout. Because in the TRM sector, as in many others, regulations are constantly evolving: it’s important to keep abreast of the latest developments so as to comply with them in all circumstances. In the event of damage or loss, the transit agent may have to handle disputes. His job involves a skilful mix of office work and field presence. In fact, this person takes care of a lot of the paperwork… but is also required to visit the docks to carry out all kinds of checks.
The main tasks of a transit agent in a transport company
A transit agent’s daily routine
A transit agent manages all stages of the goodsfrom the warehouse to the consignee.. To this end, he is responsible for the documents required for shipment: he collects and checks the information required, carefully draws up the documents, and codes the goods based on the information provided by the customer. If the transit agent does not have all the information he needs to carry out his tasks, he searches for the data he requires.
In addition, this professional chooses the mode of transport best adapted to the regulations, constraints and objectives of the customer. It may be required to collaborate with other companies, and to define with them the terms and conditions of cooperation.
Some road haulage companies have one or two transit agents. But you can also set up a team and define a number of positions associated with specialties (import and export to a given destination, sea or air transport, road-rail transport, etc.).
In the event of a problem, dispute or complaint, thetransit agent is one of the first people you should contact. He or she must be able to call on the various collaborators to understand the origin of the problem and solve it, without forgetting to be rigorous in all cases.
The career path of a transit agent
There are several different ways to become a transit agent: after obtaining a BTS in transport management and associated logistics, a vocational baccalaureate in logistics, or a professional license in logistics and international transport, among others.
The transit agent’s role is also sometimes referred to as a transport employee or transport organizer.
What makes a good transit agent?
The transit agent’s job involves a large number of responsibilities. On a daily basis, in a freight transport company, he enjoys a captivating environment: no two days are alike!
More often than not, carriers rely on the responsiveness reactivity of their transit agents. They need to be able to adapt and find alternatives every time something doesn’t go as planned… Like in the case of a breakdown on the road, for example.
This highly rigorous professional must know and respect each country’s transport regulations. These vary according to local legislation and the type of merchandise. So you need to be able to work with a wide range of information and constraints in mind, from TRM regulations to customs and driver regulations.
Guide
Managing your transport station
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