How are Freight Forwarder and Shipping Different?
JUL 01, 2025
Shipping goods internationally or importing goods from abroad involves various details regarding the shipment that differ depending on the regulations of the country where the goods are being shipped and the shipping method used. The process is more complex and challenging than domestic shipping, especially for sea freight and trucking, which require a lot of paperwork. For smoother operations, it is recommended to rely on an intermediary or agent to assist with shipping operations, coordination, and document processing.
Freight Forwarders and Shippingcompanies play a role in international shipping by acting as intermediaries or agents to facilitate export and import processes, making it easier and more convenient. However, they have different responsibilities and duties.
What is a Freight Forwarder?
A Freight Forwarder is a service provider that acts as an intermediary for exporters and importers in managing international shipments. They provide services such as: Shipping goods by air, sea, or truck
-Coordinating with exporters and importers -Booking cargo space on ships -Warehousing and consolidating goods -Packaging, distributing goods, and preparing important shipping documents -Handling customs procedures for imports and exports -Offering consulting services for international shipping
However, they do not own ships or containers, and typically lease these from other providers. They primarily serve smaller clients.
What is Shipping?
Shipping refers to services provided by a company or agent that acts as an intermediary between exporters and importers in managing international shipments. Their services include:
-Coordinating with exporters and importers on product details -Preparing key shipping documents and customs declarations -Handling customs procedures for imports and exports -Shipping goods using their own ships and containers
Shipping companies typically serve larger clients and may be divided into two types:
-General Shipping Agents -AEO Shipping Agents (who are certified for safety standards)
Differences Between Freight Forwarder and Shipping
The roles of Freight Forwarders and Shipping companies are similar as they both act as intermediaries to facilitate export and import. However, there are clear differences:
Freight Forwarders do not own ships or containers, and they lease these from other providers. They primarily serve smaller clients and have higher service costs due to leasing.
Shipping companies own ships and containers, primarily serving larger clients. They have lower service costs due to ownership of assets.
Both Freight Forwarders and Shipping companies are essential for international trade, as they help reduce shipping costs and manage complicated documentation processes.
CPLINTER offers comprehensive international shipping services. We can assist you with air, sea, and truck shipping, packaging, document preparation, and customs procedures. For more information, contact CPLINTER at 02-519-4426 or 091-519-4426, or via LINE @cplinter. You can also visit our website at www.cplinter.com. Interested in exporting goods? Please provide us with details so we can help ensure a smooth shipping process. You can fill out the form or contact us directly on LINE ID: @cplinter.