GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Freight forwarder
A freight forwarder is a logistics intermediary who organises the movement of goods on behalf of shippers without owning or operating transport assets.
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Source: https://fiata.org
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Definition & Explanation
A freight forwarder is a logistics intermediary who organises the movement of goods on behalf of shippers without owning or operating transport assets. The forwarder books cargo space with carriers – shipping lines, airlines, or trucking companies – prepares the required shipping and customs documents, and manages clearance at origin and destination. Unlike a carrier, the freight forwarder does not physically move the cargo but bears contractual responsibility towards the shipper for the overall execution. In international trade, forwarders are the practical experts navigating complex routing, multimodal combinations, and regulatory requirements that most shippers cannot handle efficiently in-house. The profession is represented globally by FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.
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