Industry information: freight forwarder

There are different types of freight forwarders, also known as freight forwarders or logistics service providers, who specialize in organizing and coordinating international transportation and logistics activities. Here are some common types of freight forwarders:

• International freight forwarders: These forwarders organize and coordinate the transportation of goods by land, sea and air, both domestically and internationally. They often handle all aspects of the logistics process, including customs clearance and warehousing.
• Air freight forwarders: These forwarders specialize in organizing air freight transportation. They arrange cargo flight booking, airport handling and customs procedures for air cargo shipments.
• Ocean freight forwarders: Ocean freight forwarders focus on organizing ocean freight transportation. They book container ships, arrange loading and unloading operations at ports and handle customs formalities for ocean freight shipments.
• Road freight forwarders: These freight forwarders specialize in road transportation, including truck transportation and logistics services for goods transported by road. They arrange truck transportation and coordinate the delivery of goods.
• Rail freight forwarders: Rail freight forwarders are involved in organizing freight transport by train. They book train transportation and take care of loading and unloading goods at train stations.
• Multimodal freight forwarders: These freight forwarders combine different modes of transportation, such as road, rail, air and sea freight, to provide the most efficient logistics solution for their customers.
• Courier companies: Courier companies are freight forwarders that specialize in delivering small shipments, packages and documents with urgency, often nationally and internationally.
• Customs Forwarders: These forwarders specialize in customs clearance and ensure that goods are passed through customs inspections legally and without delay, including completing customs documents and paying customs duties and taxes.
• Project freight forwarders: Project freight forwarders specialize in managing complex and large freight projects, such as transporting heavy machinery, energy project equipment and construction materials.
• Hazardous materials freight forwarders: These freight forwarders are trained in the transportation of dangerous goods and ensure that such shipments meet strict regulations and safety standards.
• E-commerce and fulfillment freight forwarders: These freight forwarders specialize in managing logistics for e-commerce businesses, including picking, packing, shipping and returning online orders.

What to look out for when buying a freight forwarder

Acquiring a freight forwarder, which is responsible for organizing and coordinating international transportation and logistics, is a complex operation that requires thorough planning, due diligence and industry knowledge.

• Contracts and agreements: Examine all current contracts, including customer contracts, supplier agreements, transportation contracts and logistics agreements.
• Supplier relationships: Review existing relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customs agents and other logistics partners.
• Technology and systems: Check the technology and logistics software used for freight management, tracking and reporting. Make sure these systems are efficient and can be easily integrated into your operations.