Freight forwarding is a vital part of logistics in international trade activity. The traditional outlook of the role of Freight Forwarders/Customs House Agents (CHAs) has been to act as a buffer between the manufacturer/exporter and the sea carrier. By doing so, they assist in the efficient flow of goods down the international supply chain. Services generally offered by the forwarders arebooking space with the carrier, helping in the movement of goods down the dock, ensuring the safe loading, arranging customs clearance and producing the documentation to and from the sea carrier. This paper articulates a research study (based on the perception of exporters) with a special focus to appraise the role played by freight forwarders/Customs House Agents (CHA) in logistics in Tiruppur.

Logistics is concerned with getting products and services, `where they are needed when they are desired'. Consumers expect products to be readily available and fresh, that they take for granted, a high level of logistical competency. No marketing or manufacturing process can be accomplished without logistical support. Movement of goods is carried out by the Freight Forwarder on behalf of the shipper.

Freight forwarding is a vital part of international trade activity. Forwarding can be defined as "Help forward, send on to further destinations". The traditional outlook on the role of a forwarder was that of a buffer between the Manufacturer/Exporter and the sea carrier, to assist in the efficient flow of goods down the international transport chain. The forwarder helps in booking space with the carrier, helping in the movement of goods down the dock, ensuring safe loading, arranging customs clearance and producing the documentation to and from the sea carrier.

Role of Freight Forwarders and Customs House Agents in Logistics-A Perceptual Study, international, Customs House,documentation, Services,forwarders,safe loading, customs clearance, international trade, international transport, airfreight market, Shipping Agents, Buying Agency, Sea Air Port, Special Economic Zones, INCOTERMS, Packaging, freight forwarder, Port charges, foreign customers.