what is freight forwarder

A freight forwarder, also known as a forwarding agent, is a person or a company that arranges shipments for the shipper by liaising with carriers, for a fee. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the company that makes the shipment and the final destination for the goods. They do not move the goods themselves but offer different transport modes such as sea/ocean freight, rail freight, road transport, and air freight shipment. Freight forwarders use their trusted contacts with carriers and partners from air transport specialists and trucking companies to transoceanic lines to negotiate the best possible price. They handle a large volume of shipments, even from one international destination to another, so they are a key part of triangular operations. Freight forwarders provide a variety of supply chain services, including ocean or air freight transportation, customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing. They represent intermediaries between shipping customers and the services that move cargo, such as ocean freight, land transportation, air freight, rail services, and more. Freight forwarders usually specialize in a specific service, mode of transportation, or market. Working with a freight forwarder can make international shipping easier for businesses, as they take on many of the burdens involved in shipping goods worldwide, including tracking, sorting out documentation, and more.