A Common Carrier is a person or company that transports goods on regular routes at set rates. A Freight Forwarder is a person or company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from origin to destination; forwarders typically contract with a carrier to move the goods.

What is a carrier in freight forwarding?

Freight carriers are the individuals or companies that transport goods to their destination on behalf of a shipper. Shippers are the companies that have or make the goods needing to be shipped.

Can a freight forwarder be a shipper?

The freight forwarder is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission and can act as an agent for the shipper of the goods. It is important to recognize that the manufacturer of the goods is not always the shipper.