Definition – A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in the arrangement of shipping for individuals and/or corporations. Shipments are often moved on various carrier types including railroads, trucks, airplanes, and ships. Freight forwarders are experts in supply chain management and act as a “travel agent” for cargo and are often non-asset based. International freight forwarders specialize in handling international shipments.
History – Originally, the purpose of the forwarder was to arrange the carriage of his customers’ goods by contracting with various carriers. The first international freight forwarders were actually inn keepers in London who would hold and re-forward the personal effects of their hotel guests. The earliest freight forwarding company on record is Thomas Meadows and Company Limited of London, England, established 1836.
Related Terms – Third Party Logistics (3PL)
Learning Opportunity – How to say Freight Forwarder in 10 different languages
- Irish – Seoltóir lasta
- Spanish – Transitario
- Chinese (Mandarin) – 貨運
- German – Spediteur
- Vietnamese – Giao nhận
- Arabic – وكيل الشحن
- Italian – Spedizioniere
- French – Transitaire
- Tagalog – Kargamento tagapagpatuloy
- Swedish – Speditör
