Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What is the role of a ship broker in international shipping?

1. Coordinates shipments for importers

2. Independent contractor connecting exporters with ship operators

3. Oversees customs regulations

4. Provides legal advice to exporters

The correct answer is: Independent contractor connecting exporters with ship operators

The role of a ship broker in international shipping primarily involves serving as an independent contractor who connects exporters with ship operators. This position is crucial as it facilitates the transportation of goods across borders by matching supply and demand within the shipping industry. A ship broker acts as an intermediary, playing a critical role in negotiating shipping rates, terms, and schedules. They leverage their knowledge of the shipping marketplace to provide valuable insights to both exporters and ship operators, ensuring that cargo is moved efficiently and at competitive rates. This function is essential for optimizing shipping operations, as it saves time and reduces the risk of misunderstandings between parties who might not have direct relationships. The other options represent functions that are typically outside the primary scope of a ship broker's responsibilities. Coordinating shipments for importers is more aligned with logistic coordinators or freight forwarders. Overseeing customs regulations is usually the task of customs brokers or compliance specialists who specialize in ensuring that shipments meet regulatory requirements. Providing legal advice is a responsibility better suited to legal experts or attorneys with experience in trade law rather than ship brokers, who focus on negotiating shipping contracts rather than legal counsel.