Freight Forwarder
A company that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers, typically specializing in international and multi-modal shipments. Unlike freight brokers who focus on domestic trucking, freight forwarders handle ocean freight, air cargo, customs clearance, documentation, cargo insurance, and door-to-door logistics across borders. They consolidate shipments from multiple clients to negotiate better rates with ocean and air carriers.
Detailed Explanation
A company that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers, typically specializing in international and multi-modal shipments. Unlike freight brokers who focus on domestic trucking, freight forwarders handle ocean freight, air cargo, customs clearance, documentation, cargo insurance, and door-to-door logistics across borders. They consolidate shipments from multiple clients to negotiate better rates with ocean and air carriers.
Example
An importer hires a freight forwarder to ship a container of machinery from Shanghai to their factory in Detroit. The forwarder handles ocean booking, export documentation, US customs clearance, and final truck delivery.
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