What Does a Freight Forwarder Do?

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Prime Logistics is a first-rate global shipping and logistics company. We are a U.S.-based freight forwarder that has access to a global network of modern facilities and agents that work together to give our customers and partners the best shipping experiences. 

Part of our role as a top company in the industry is to expand our knowledge and share it with our readers and potential customers. We share this information through our logistics blog. One of the biggest questions we get is, “What does a freight forwarder do?” We also hear, “What are the details of the job?” Fortunately, our team of experts can help shed some light on these matters. 

Freight forwarding is an industry that specializes in the arrangement of cargo for shippers. Many companies offer many different supply chain services for a variety of industries. There are many factors that go into the logistics of cargo shipping. Freight forwarders act as the step between shipping and customers and include the services that actually move the cargo. This is why it includes all forms of transportation, including freight, ocean, land, air, and more. 

Freight forwarders are also responsible for audit services, including freight weighing and metering for shipments that are heavy or in bulk. In some cases, they can also handle the different storage needs for goods and distribution. 

 

Types of Freight Forwarders

The types are normally classified by the type of freight forwarding services offered, which include:

  • Ocean Freight
  • Air Freight
  • Ground Freight

 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight forwarding specializes in the transportation of goods by sea. This is a service that is often used for anything that is too large, expensive, or time-sensitive to carry by air. Traveling by sea takes longer for the goods to reach their destination, but it is more cost-effective and offers a way to carry a wide variety of cargo. 

 

Air Freight

This type of freight forwarding handles cargo that needs to be transported by air. Freight forwarders manage the shipments of goods over large distances and often through different modes of transportation. They have responsibility for the shipments starting with the point they leave one country, and this responsibility does not end until these shipments reach their final destinations. Air freight forwarding services often include shipments such as parcel deliveries, non-machine freight, and machine freight. Goods shipped by air often include:

 

  • Automobiles
  • Electronics
  • Clothes
  • Food
  • Machinery
  • Parts used in manufacturing

 

Ground Freight

Ground or truck freight forwarding specializes in the setup of cargo movement by trucks between locations. Freight forwarders use their network of vehicle owners and transport companies to move any goods from place to place. It is often used for specific types of shipments of goods. There are even refrigerated trucks for temperature-sensitive goods.

 

Contact Prime Logistics Today!

Freight forwarders are not a one-stop shop for all transportation needs. If you have any other questions in addition to “What does a freight forwarder do?” or any of our other services, contact us today. Our freight forwarding experts are happy to help any of our existing and potential clients and customers. For more information about logistics solutions, check out our blog.

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Prime Logistics clients depend on our international network of coordinated cargo and freight service specialists to operate shipping routes across the globe. Our experienced customer service representatives are available to answer your calls and address any international freight forwarding and shipping questions you may have promptly and courteously. We are here for you!