Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder arranges the end-to-end movement of goods — from the supplier's factory to the buyer's warehouse — without necessarily owning any transport assets. They book cargo space, coordinate trucking, air freight, and ocean freight, prepare export and shipping documentation, arrange marine cargo insurance, track shipments, and (directly or through a partner customs broker) handle import clearance at destination.

Forwarder vs customs broker. A forwarder moves cargo; a broker clears it at customs. Many companies offer both services. For simple imports, a single provider handles both. For complex compliance situations (AD/CVD, FTA claims, controlled goods), using separate specialists for logistics and compliance reduces the risk of one function's cut corners affecting the other.

Key documents a forwarder prepares. Shipper's Export Declaration (SED/EEI) for US exports, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (ocean) or Air Waybill (air), Certificate of Origin (where required), and sometimes a Dangerous Goods Declaration or CITES permit.

NVOCC vs forwarder. An NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) issues its own bill of lading to shippers and takes legal responsibility for cargo like a carrier — even though it doesn't own a ship. A freight forwarder acting only as agent does not take on that carrier liability. The distinction matters when claims arise.