A freight forwarder is an individual or organisation that assists individuals or businesses in shipping their goods. They may be employed by the goods’ owner or the carrier, or they may operate independently. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the goods. They are also known as third-party logistical service providers or forwarding agents.
A freight forwarder is a crucial intermediary between businesses and carriers, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods to their intended destination. For instance, if a US company wishes to deliver products to a European customer, they can enlist the services of a freight forwarder to manage the logistics. This includes arranging for the pickup of goods from the company’s warehouse, their transportation to the port, and loading onto a ship. Additionally, the freight forwarder handles all necessary paperwork, such as customs forms and bills of lading. Similarly, a small business seeking to import goods from China may lack the resources or expertise to handle logistics independently, thus relying on a freight forwarder. Ultimately, freight forwarders play a vital role in the global supply chain, assisting businesses of all sizes in reaching their desired markets.
A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transportation of goods from one place to another on behalf of a shipper.
Freight forwarders provide a range of services, including arranging transportation, preparing shipping documents, and handling customs clearance.
Yes, freight forwarders are regulated by various government agencies, including the Federal Maritime Commission and the Department of Transportation.
The liability of a freight forwarder varies depending on the terms of the contract between the freight forwarder and the shipper.
A bill of lading is a document that serves as a receipt for goods shipped by a carrier and as evidence of the contract of carriage.
The party responsible for paying freight charges depends on the terms of the contract between the shipper and the carrier.
Cargo insurance is insurance that covers loss or damage to goods during transportation.
A customs broker is a person or company that helps importers and exporters comply with customs regulations and procedures.
A letter of credit is a document issued by a bank that guarantees payment to a seller if certain conditions are met.
A freight forwarder arranges transportation on behalf of a shipper, while a carrier is the company that actually transports the goods.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freight-forwarder/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Freight Forwarder. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freight-forwarder/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Freight Forwarder. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freight-forwarder/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Freight Forwarder. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freight-forwarder/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts