Final answer:
A freight broker earns a fee for negotiating shipping rates with carriers and coordinating shipments between shippers and carriers, but not typically for providing insurance or managing customs documentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A freight broker is a crucial intermediary in the logistics and transportation industry, facilitating the movement of goods across global supply chains. Their role primarily includes tasks such as negotiating shipping rates with carriers and coordinating shipments between shippers and carriers, for which they earn a fee. However, offering insurance for the shipped goods is typically the responsibility of either the shipping company or the cargo owner and is not a direct service provided by freight brokers. Managing customs documentation is also a part of the freight broker's activities, as they must ensure that the shipments comply with international laws and regulations during transit.
Shipping goods via modes like cargo ships, as seen in the reference image, is a complex process that involves numerous logistical considerations. The freight broker is key in managing these affairs, and they earn their fee for this work, ensuring efficient and cost-effective transport of goods.