A person or organisation authorised to act for or on behalf of another person or organisation. In P&O Nedlloyd, an Agent is a corporate body with, which there is an agreement to perform particular functions on behalf of them at an agreed payment. An Agent is either a part of the P&O Nedlloyd organisation or an independent body. The following functions and responsibilities may apply to the activities of an agent. Sales: Marketing, acquisition of cargo, issuing quotations, concluding contracts in co-ordination with P&O Nedlloyd. Basically the agent is the first point of entry into the P&O Nedlloyd organisation for a shipper. Booking: Booking of cargo in accordance with allotments assigned to the agent for a certain voyage by P&O Nedlloyd. Customs: Dealing with the national customs administration for cargo declarations, manifest alterations and cargo clearance on behalf of P&O Nedlloyd. Documentation: Responsible for timeliness and correctness of all documentation required, regarding the carriage of cargo. Handling: Taking care of all procedures connected with physical handling of cargo. Equipment control: Managing of all equipment stock in a particular area. Issuing: Authorised to sign and issue Bills of Lading and other transport documents. Collecting: Authorised to collect freight and charges on behalf of P&O Nedlloyd. Delivery: The agent who releases the cargo and is responsible for its delivery to the consignee. Handling of cargo claims: Handling of cargo claims as per agency contract. Husbanding: Handling non cargo related operations of a vessel as instructed by the master, owner or charterer