The terms freight carrier and freight forwarder are pretty standard and somehow interlinked; however, people tend to make mistakes while reading about them. Understanding these concepts is challenging but will not remain the same after you are done reading this blog.

What is the Difference Between a Freight Carrier and a Freight Forwarder?

Freight Carrier companies generate profits after moving your shipment from one place to another, all around the globe, to make them reach the destination. These companies include trucking, Rail, Air, and Ocean industries. All of them deal with transportation services. Freight Forwarders are the companies that find you the best offer and negotiate until that facility gets reduced to an affordable price. Moreover, the facilities further include documentation, customs clearance, etc.

Get Things Moving

In the end, both concepts lead to the same point of making the goods get going. A freight carrier at this point generates revenue from transportation while the freight forwarder helps you negotiate deals, and eventually, your business gets wheels to move. 

Transport Arrangements

Another point taken into consideration is the transport arrangements. Freight Carriers and Freight forwarders deal with the method of transportation in their way. Freight forwarders mainly cater transport arrangements as they are responsible for helping companies provide them with the best offer. However, Freight carriers then take the process ahead by transportation. 

Determination of the Means of Transport

Which transport to opt for while shipping your goods? Well, this question is answered by the facts that you have. For example: what are you transporting? What is the quantity and quality of the product? After analyzing these questions, you understand what means of transport is the best for you. Freight forwarder would guide you the best in this process. 

Determination of The Route

Which route to take? How long is it? How far? All these questions are tackled by a freight forwarder who finds an opportunity for you by cutting costs efficiently and finding you a perfect match concerning your requirements. 

Selection of The Carrier

This question then again depends on what are you transporting? Is it perishable or non-perishable? Does it need a proper temperature while being transported? What essentials are its requirements? After answering all these questions, you know about the means of transportation you need. For example, for temperature-sensitive goods, you might need a reefer. 

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between the carrier and the shipper?

Shippers are the people who tend to move their products from one place to another. On the other hand, a carrier is the one who transports your goods where you desire. 

Q: Is a freight forwarder a carrier?

A carrier transports goods. However, a forwarder organizes the shipments. 

Conclusion 

As we see, both the terms are interlinked but deal with different transportation domains. One deals with the arrangement of transportation and the other with the means of transport. For more information regarding the services, you may contact Gillson Solutions.