What is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a company or agent that organises the transport of goods on behalf of others, without necessarily moving the goods itself. It is the link between the shipper who owns the cargo and the carriers that physically transport it.

What a freight forwarder does

• Arranging carriage by road, sea or air
• Preparing transport and customs documentation
• Storage and handling
• Consolidating and deconsolidating shipments
• Customs clearance and cargo insurance

Many forwarders issue their own waybills or bills of lading and work with destination agents abroad who handle collection, deconsolidation and final delivery.

Freight forwarder vs carrier

A forwarder organises the transport; a carrier performs it. In road freight, orders and tours can be planned and dispatched in the Planner Module from IMPARGO.