Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is a company that arranges transportation of goods on behalf of shippers, acting as an intermediary between carriers and customers.

Examples: A forwarder books container space with an ocean carrier for an exporter, then arranges drayage and customs clearance.

Advantages: Provides expertise, consolidated pricing, and global reach.

Challenges: Shippers depend on forwarders’ reliability and may face hidden fees or delays.

Real-world example: Kuehne+Nagel and DHL Global Forwarding are two of the world’s largest freight forwarders.

Explain like I’m five: A freight forwarder is like a travel agent for cargo — they book the trip and handle the details.

FAQ: Do freight forwarders own trucks or ships? Usually not — they coordinate with carriers instead.

Bottom line: Freight forwarders simplify complex logistics but add a layer of cost and reliance for shippers.