When it comes to planning an upscale for your business, it pays to work with the right professional. Freight forwarders and freight brokers are both individual agents that help you to move through this complex system with ease. But how do you know which one to choose? And what is the most beneficial option for your business now and in the future? That’s what we’ll go into in this blog today.

What Is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is an individual agent who assists individuals and businesses in organising the entire international shipment process. They arrange the physical shipping of freight as well as organising paperwork, storing products before shipment and consolidation of goods from various clients.

Freight forwarders normally transport shipments and goods underneath their own Bill of Lading. Which means they physically take ownership of the goods and manage their movement internally. With a wide range of contacts, they can negotiate for the best rates, providing a specialist service that gets clients the very best deals.

What Is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker acts as the middle person between the shipper and the carrier. Unlike freight forwarders, this is largely where their support ends. They can still get you the best deals and competitive rates when it comes to international shipments. However, they do not operate under their own Bill of Lading. As a business, you will need to organise the delivery of your goods to the carrier service in question. Freight brokers also generally specialise in a specific area of international travel.

Which Is Right for Me?

When choosing between the two, consider what you need from an external international trade agent. If your current logistics are complex, you ship to many different countries and you require multiple levels of support, a freight forwarder is an ideal choice. If you’re working on a smaller scale and are simply looking to achieve lower shipping rates, consider a freight broker. On both fronts, you’ll gain a wealth of experience and support which can only help as your business continues to scale.

Here at Radius Warehouse and Logistic Services, we have over 25 years of experience in freight forwarding. Specialising in USA and Far East inbound and outbound movements, we’re here to support your business throughout the entire shipping process. If you would like to speak to a member of our team or request a quote, get in contact here today.