what is a freight forwarder

A freight forwarder is a person or a company who, for a fee, organizes shipments for the shipper by liaising with carriers. They act as an intermediary between the company who makes the shipment and the final destination for the goods. Freight forwarders do not move the goods but act as an agent in the logistics network. They provide a variety of supply chain services, including ocean or air freight transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution. Freight forwarders use their trusted contacts with carriers and partners from air transport specialists and trucking companies to transoceanic lines in order to negotiate the best possible price. They handle international shipments that move from country to country or across multiple countries. Freight forwarders typically ship freight under their own bills of lading and perform assembly and consolidation services. They can book cargo space for customers, often directly with the ocean or air provider, and negotiate rates for transport. Freight forwarding is typically more specialized work with specific terminology and legal requirements.