Freight Forwarder

Customer-managed freight forwarder refers to an intermediary that, entrusted by the consignee or consignor of import and export goods, handles international cargo transportation and related business in the name of the principal or in its own name, and charges remuneration. Its core role is to integrate transportation resources and provide one-stop services such as booking, customs declaration, inspection declaration, warehousing, inland transportation, and insurance agency. Usage scenarios: Under FOB terms, the exporter usually has the freight forwarder designated by the buyer; under CIF terms, the importer has the freight forwarder arranged by the seller. Precautions: A freight forwarder is not the actual carrier, and its liability for loss or damage to goods is limited to its own fault, and it often invokes unit limitation of liability; customers should verify the forwarder's qualifications (such as NVOCC filing), clarify the fee structure, and avoid oral entrustment. Difference from carrier: The carrier actually transports and issues the bill of lading, while the freight forwarder may issue a house B/L; difference from customs broker: The freight forwarder's service scope is broader. Foreign trade practitioners need to specify the freight forwarder's responsibilities, costs, and document requirements in the contract to prevent the risk of delivery without bill of lading.