what is freight forwarding

Freight forwarding is the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another via a single or multiple carriers via air, marine, rail, or highway. A freight forwarder is a person or a company who, for a fee, organizes shipments for the shipper by liaising with carriers. A forwarder does not move the goods but acts as an agent in the logistics network. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the company who makes the shipment and the final destination for the goods. They 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. Freight forwarders handle a large volume of shipments, even from one international destination to another, so they are a key part in triangular operations. Freight forwarding consists of strategic logistics planning and execution for the international movement of goods, on behalf of shippers. Freight forwarders manage the risks and benefits of shipping both nationally and internationally using the latest advances in information technology.