What is a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder is an individual or company who dispatches shipments via asset-based carriers and arranges space for these shipments. Common carrier types may include waterborne vessels, airplanes, trucks or rail. Freight forwarders typically arrange cargo movement to an international destination. Also referred to as international freight forwarders, they have shipping expertise, which allows them to prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to international shipments. Some of the typical information reviewed by a freight forwarder is the commercial invoice, shipper's export declaration, bill of lading and other documents required by the carrier or country of export, import or transshipment. Much of this information is now processed in a paperless environment. The Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association is a trade association representing Customs brokers and freight forwarders that conducts business in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.