A freight forwarder is a company that helps coordinate the transport of goods on behalf of its clients. It can include arranging for pick-up and delivery, handling customs clearance and providing tracking information.
On the other hand, a broker is a middleman who arranges transport for their clients but does not provide any of the transport services themselves. Instead, they work with different transport providers to get their clients’ best rates and terms.
Means of transport
Freight forwarders are transport companies that provide transport services for their clients. They arrange for the pick-up and delivery of goods, handle customs clearance and provide tracking information. On the other hand, Brokers are middlemen who work with different transport providers to get the best rates and terms for their clients.
Services they offer
Freight forwarders offer a one-stop-shop for all of your transport needs. They can take care of everything from arranging transport to handling customs clearance. Brokers, on the other hand, only arrange transport for their clients.
The way they charge
Freight forwarders typically charge a flat fee for their services. On the other hand, Brokers typically charge a commission based on the transport services they arrange.
The transport providers they work with
Freight forwarders typically have their transport fleet and network of transport providers that they work with. It gives them more control over the transport process and allows them to offer a one-stop-shop for all of your transport needs. On the other hand, Brokers work with different transport providers to get the best rates and terms for their clients.
The size of their operations
Freight forwarders are typically larger companies with a global reach. It allows them to offer a wide range of transport services and work with transport providers worldwide. On the other hand, Brokers are typically smaller companies that only offer transport services in their local area.
The type of goods they transport
Freight forwarders typically transport commercial goods such as raw materials, finished goods and spare parts. Brokers typically transport household goods and personal belongings.
When to use a broker
You only need transport services
If you only need transport services, a broker is a good option. They will be able to arrange transport for you at the best rates and terms.
You need transport services in your local area
If you need transport services in your local area, a broker is a good option. They are typically smaller companies that only offer transport services in their local area.
You need transport services for household goods or personal belongings
If you need transport services for household goods or personal belongings, a broker is a good option. They typically transport these types of goods.
You need transport services at the best rates
If you need transport services at the best rates, a broker is a good option. They typically charge a commission based on the transport services they arrange.
When to use a freight forwarder
If you need a one-stop-shop for all of your transport needs
A freight forwarder is best if you need a one-stop-shop for all your transport needs. They can take care of everything from arranging transport to handling customs clearance.
You need transport services in more than one location
If you need transport services in more than one location, a freight forwarder is a good option. They have their transport fleet and network of transport providers that they work with.
If you need to transport freight that is difficult to transport
If you need to transport freight that is difficult to transport, then a freight forwarder is good. Freight forwarders typically have experience transporting these types of goods.
You need transport services for commercial goods
A freight forwarder is best if you need transport services for commercial goods. They typically transport these types of goods.
You need to transport hazardous goods
A freight forwarder is best if you need transport services for hazardous goods. They typically have experience transporting these types of goods.
If you need to transport freight internationally
If you need to transport freight internationally, a freight forwarder is a good option. Freight forwarders have a global reach and can work with transport providers worldwide.