# Air Freight Forwarder

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> Unlike airlines, which provide transport capacity, air freight forwarders act as intermediaries and organising agents: they secure cargo space, issue and verify the Air Waybill (AWB), arrange pre- and on-carriage, and handle customs clearance on behalf of the shipper.

Unlike airlines, which provide transport capacity, air freight forwarders act as intermediaries and organising agents: they secure cargo space, issue and verify the Air Waybill (AWB), arrange pre- and on-carriage, and handle customs clearance on behalf of the shipper. A core element of their business model is consolidation—grouping multiple smaller consignments into a single master shipment to achieve better rates per kilogram. Towards the airline they act as principal; towards the shipper, as agent. Many hold IATA Cargo Agent accreditation, granting direct access to airline tariffs and reservation systems. Liability is typically governed by the Montreal Convention or FIATA standard trading conditions.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/agent/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/agent/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Air Freight Forwarder |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 102 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/agent/ |

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