A freight forwarder helps businesses organise the movement of goods from one location to another. For international shipments, this can involve coordinating carriers, documentation, customs requirements, cargo handling and delivery arrangements.
A freight forwarder does not necessarily transport the cargo itself. Instead, it coordinates with shipping lines, airlines, transport providers and other logistics partners to keep the shipment moving.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Actually Handle?
The exact role depends on the shipment, but a freight forwarder may coordinate several parts of the process:
| Freight Forwarding Activity | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Freight Booking | Arranging sea or air freight with the relevant carrier |
| Documentation | Coordinating shipping and commercial documents |
| Customs | Supporting customs-related requirements where applicable |
| Cargo Coordination | Managing different stages of the shipment |
| Tracking | Providing shipment updates and visibility |
| Delivery | Coordinating transportation to the destination |
Freight Forwarder vs Carrier
| Freight Forwarder | Carrier |
|---|---|
| Coordinates the overall shipment | Physically transports the cargo |
| Works with different logistics providers | Operates the transport service |
| Can arrange multiple freight services | Usually provides a specific transport mode |
| Helps manage shipping requirements | Moves goods between locations |
What Types of Freight Can They Manage?
| Shipment Requirement | Common Option |
|---|---|
| Smaller international shipment | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
| Full container shipment | FCL (Full Container Load) |
| Time-sensitive cargo | Air Freight |
| Larger international cargo | Sea Freight |
| Temperature-sensitive cargo | Reefer Containers |
Why Do Businesses Use Freight Forwarders?
International freight can involve several companies, documents and transportation stages. A freight forwarder brings these requirements together and helps coordinate the shipment.
Businesses may use a freight forwarder to:
- Arrange air or sea freight
- Coordinate with carriers and logistics providers
- Manage shipping documentation
- Assist with customs requirements
- Track shipments
- Arrange LCL or FCL freight
- Coordinate delivery requirements
How Does Freight Forwarding Work?
A typical shipment can follow these basic stages:
1. Shipment details are provided → 2. Freight option is selected → 3. Carrier and transport are arranged → 4. Documentation and customs are coordinated → 5. Cargo is transported → 6. Shipment is tracked → 7. Cargo reaches its destination
The process can be more complex depending on the origin, destination, cargo type and mode of transport.
Freight Forwarding for Australian Businesses
For Australian importers and exporters, freight forwarding can simplify the coordination of international cargo. A forwarder can help connect the different parts of the shipment, from the initial freight booking through to customs and delivery arrangements.
Stockwells has provided freight forwarding services since 1971, with capabilities across air and sea freight, LCL and FCL freight forwarding, buyer’s consolidation, reefer containers and customs brokerage.
(Frequently Asked Question FAQS)
1.Is a freight forwarder the same as a transport company?
No. A freight forwarder primarily coordinates shipments, while a carrier or transport company physically moves the cargo.
2.Does a freight forwarder handle customs?
Some freight forwarders provide customs brokerage services or coordinate with customs brokers as part of the shipping process.
Can a freight forwarder arrange both air and sea freight?
Yes. Freight forwarders can coordinate different modes of transport depending on the shipment requirements.
Do I need a freight forwarder for every shipment?
Ready to Simplify Your Freight Requirements?
Whether you are importing or exporting goods, the right freight forwarding support can make the shipping process easier to coordinate. Speak with Stockwells to discuss your freight requirements and available air or sea freight solutions.