# freight forwarding contract

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Unlike a carriage contract, where the carrier itself performs the physical transport, a freight forwarding contract obliges the forwarder to organize, arrange, and coordinate transport services on behalf of the shipper – acting as an intermediary rather than an executing carrier.

Unlike a carriage contract, where the carrier itself performs the physical transport, a freight forwarding contract obliges the forwarder to organize, arrange, and coordinate transport services on behalf of the shipper – acting as an intermediary rather than an executing carrier. In practice, this means selecting suitable carriers, negotiating freight rates, managing documentation, and bearing commercial responsibility for timely and correct execution. The contract defines the scope of services, remuneration, liability, and obligations of both parties, supplemented by the applicable forwarding law. When losses arise from the forwarder's own failures, the forwarder is liable to the shipper – a liability basis distinct from that of the carrier, who is directly accountable for physical loss or damage to the goods during carriage.

**Source:** [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speditionsvertrag](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speditionsvertrag)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | freight forwarding contract |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 121 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speditionsvertrag |

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