Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is a logistics professional or company that acts as an agent on behalf of a shipper to arrange and coordinate the transportation of goods. Freight forwarders do not typically move cargo themselves. Instead, they organize shipments with carriers and manage the documentation, compliance, and operational requirements associated with domestic and international transport.

Freight forwarders analyze routing options, select appropriate modes of transportation such as ocean, air, rail, or truck, and coordinate bookings with carriers. They prepare and review shipping documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, export declarations, and other required filings. In international trade, freight forwarders also help ensure compliance with customs regulations and export control requirements.

For ocean shipments from the United States, an Ocean Freight Forwarder must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, or FMC. In this capacity, the forwarder acts strictly as an agent for the shipper. This differs from a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier, or NVOCC, which acts as a carrier and assumes contractual liability for the cargo.

Freight forwarders play a central role in supply chain execution by coordinating transportation providers, monitoring shipment progress, and helping mitigate delays, documentation errors, and compliance risks.