Logistics

Freight forwarder

Also known as: Forwarder · Transitario

The forwarder is the logistics intermediary between the trader and the carriers, terminals and customs authorities. It owns no ships: it organises the operation — books the freight, handles the paperwork including the B/L, arranges consolidation and deals with whatever goes wrong.

For a trading team, keeping two or three reliable forwarders close is as important as knowing your suppliers and your end buyers.

Forwarder invoices usually arrive after shipment, which makes them a classic source of unbudgeted cost lines: delay surcharges, storage, rerouting.

Related terms

Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading, or B/L, is the document issued by the ocean carrier acknowledging receipt of the cargo and acting as title to the goods. It is the most critical piece of paper in a seaborne commodity deal.
POL and POD
POL (Port of Loading) is where the cargo goes on board; POD (Port of Discharge) is where it comes off. Together they define the sea route of the deal.
Demurrage
Demurrage is the penalty a carrier or terminal charges when a container or vessel stays in port longer than the agreed free time. It is one of the least predictable cost lines in a deal.

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