Freight Forwarders vs Shipping Lines
The difference between a freight forwarder and a shipping line, and when to use each.
Both move your cargo, but they work differently.
Shipping line (carrier)
owns or operates vessels and issues the Master Bill of Lading. You can book directly, which is usually possible for full-container shipments.
Freight forwarder
a company that arranges transport for you. It books space with carriers and offers extra services such as customs, trucking, warehousing, consolidation and insurance. Some forwarders issue their own House Bill of Lading.
Comparison
- Service: the shipping line provides ocean transport, the forwarder provides door-to-door logistics
- Best for: the line suits regular, large shippers, the forwarder suits small and medium shippers and LCL
- Flexibility: the line has fixed routes and terms, the forwarder can compare multiple carriers
- Extra services: limited at the line, customs, trucking and warehousing at the forwarder
- Contact: direct with the carrier, or one point of contact with a forwarder
When to use a forwarder
you ship small volumes, import regularly from several countries, or want help with documents and local clearance.
When to book direct
you ship full containers in large volumes on a stable route, and you have staff who handle the paperwork.
Tips
- Compare at least three quotes, with all charges listed
- Check free days, validity of the rate and cancellation terms
- Confirm whether the forwarder or the shipping line issues the B/L
- Ask about insurance for valuable cargo
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More in Export and Shipping →General information only. Check current rules with the official authorities.