If your business imports or exports goods, you’ve probably heard the term freight forwarder — but what does a freight forwarder actually do?
Simply put, a freight forwarder helps businesses coordinate the movement of goods from origin to destination. From choosing transportation options and preparing shipping documentation to coordinating customs clearance and final delivery, freight forwarders help manage the many moving pieces involved in domestic and international shipping.
At Radius International, we provide freight forwarding and logistics solutions for businesses from our locations in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; and Miami, Florida, helping customers navigate their supply chains with experienced support from start to finish.
What Is a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder acts as a logistics partner between a shipper and the various companies involved in transporting cargo.
Rather than a business having to independently coordinate carriers, transportation, documentation, customs requirements, warehousing, and delivery, a freight forwarder can help organize these steps as part of one overall shipping plan.
For companies shipping internationally, this can be especially valuable. Every shipment can involve different requirements depending on its origin, destination, cargo, transportation method, timeline, and applicable customs regulations.
The goal of a freight forwarder is to help make that process easier to navigate.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Handle?
Depending on the shipment, freight forwarding can involve coordinating transportation from the point of origin, booking air or ocean freight, managing shipping documentation, assisting with customs clearance, arranging domestic transportation, coordinating warehousing, and helping cargo reach its final destination.
A freight forwarder can also help businesses determine which transportation options make the most sense based on factors such as shipment size, destination, timeline, and budget.
For example, a time-sensitive shipment may require a different solution than a large shipment where transit time is more flexible. An experienced freight forwarding team can help a business evaluate those options before cargo begins moving.
Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight
Two of the most common methods of international freight transportation are air freight and ocean freight.
Air freight is often used when speed and timing are priorities. Ocean freight may be appropriate for larger shipments or businesses with more flexible transportation timelines.
There isn’t one shipping method that works for every business or every shipment. Factors including cargo type, volume, destination, deadlines, budget, and current transportation conditions can all influence the decision.
A freight forwarder helps evaluate these factors and coordinate the appropriate transportation solution.
What About Customs?
Customs is another important part of international shipping.
Goods entering the United States must meet applicable import requirements and be accompanied by the necessary documentation. Missing or incorrect information can contribute to delays and other complications during the shipping process.
Freight forwarding and customs support can help businesses better understand the requirements associated with their shipments and coordinate the clearance process as cargo enters the country.
Do Freight Forwarders Help After Cargo Arrives?
International transportation is only one part of the supply chain.
Once freight reaches the United States, businesses may still need transportation from an airport or port, short- or long-term warehousing, inventory management, distribution, or delivery to another destination.
Working with logistics partners that can coordinate multiple stages of the process can make it easier to manage freight from origin through final delivery.
Freight Forwarding in Boston, Chicago and Miami
Location can play an important role when choosing a freight forwarding partner.
Radius International has offices serving Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; and Miami, Florida, giving customers access to freight forwarding and logistics support in three major U.S. transportation markets.
Boston, Massachusetts
Radius International’s Boston-area team supports businesses throughout Massachusetts and New England with international freight forwarding, air and ocean transportation, customs support, domestic transportation, and related logistics services.
Chicago, Illinois
With access to one of the country’s largest transportation and logistics markets, Radius International’s Chicago location supports businesses moving freight domestically and internationally through the Midwest and beyond.
Miami, Florida
South Florida is an important gateway for international trade, particularly for businesses moving goods between the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other global markets. Radius International’s Miami location provides businesses with local access to international freight forwarding and logistics support.
How Do You Choose a Freight Forwarder?
When choosing a freight forwarding company, businesses should look beyond simply getting cargo from one location to another.
Consider whether your freight forwarder can clearly communicate throughout the shipment, coordinate multiple transportation options, assist with customs and documentation, provide warehousing or domestic logistics support when needed, and respond when plans change.
International shipping has a lot of moving parts. Having a knowledgeable team coordinating those pieces can make a major difference.
Looking for a Freight Forwarder?
Whether you’re importing goods into the United States, exporting internationally, or looking for support with your domestic supply chain, Radius International provides freight forwarding and logistics solutions through its Boston, Chicago, and Miami locations.
Our team can help coordinate air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, domestic transportation, warehousing, and other logistics needs based on your shipment and supply chain.
Visit radiuscargo.com to learn more about Radius International or contact our team to discuss your next shipment. And connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram
