Definition
An intermediary that arranges and coordinates the transport of goods on behalf of shippers and consignees.
A freight forwarder organizes the end-to-end movement of cargo — booking carriers across ocean, air, and road, preparing documentation, arranging customs and insurance, and consolidating shipments — without necessarily owning the transport assets.
The forwarder is the customer’s single point of accountability across a multi-leg, multi-carrier journey, adding value through routing expertise, buying power, and problem-solving. When it issues its own transport documents as an NVOCC, it takes on carrier-like responsibility.
Related terms
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
A carrier that issues its own bills of lading and sells ocean transport without operating the ships.
Customs Broker
A licensed specialist who clears goods through customs on behalf of importers and exporters.
Carrier
The party that physically transports the goods and contracts to carry them, e.g. a shipping line or airline.
Multimodal Transport
Carriage using two or more transport modes under a single contract and one responsible operator.
Built for freight forwarders
Turn these terms into a working pricing engine.
Freightools structures your tariffs, quotes on margin in seconds, and gives your customers self-service quoting. Book a demo to see it on your lanes.