# Air Freight Forwarding

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> Unlike a direct booking with a carrier, an air freight forwarder manages the complete logistics chain on behalf of the shipper – from collection to final delivery.

Unlike a direct booking with a carrier, an air freight forwarder manages the complete logistics chain on behalf of the shipper – from collection to final delivery. Core services include shipment consolidation, preparation of house and master airway bills (HAWB/MAWB), customs clearance at origin and destination, dangerous goods compliance, and coordination among shipper, airline, and ground handling agents. By consolidating volumes from multiple customers, forwarders negotiate preferential rates with carriers and pass on competitive pricing. IATA-accredited cargo agents operate under defined standards as the contractual link between shipper and airline. Not to be confused with a customs broker, though many forwarders offer both services under one roof.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Air Freight Forwarding |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 107 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/agents/ |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-freight-forwarding](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-freight-forwarding)*

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