Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Freight forwarder mean in logistics?

Short answer

A company that arranges the movement of goods on behalf of shippers, booking space with carriers, preparing documents, arranging customs clearance and often consolidating cargo. It may issue its own house bill of lading or house air waybill.

Indian forwarders commonly act as NVOCCs or multimodal transport operators and work with licensed customs brokers; the same firm often holds both roles. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

We publish no freight rates. Our desk confirms your price within minutes.

The numbers behind this answer

Category
EXIM & customs
Related terms
NVOCC, Customs broker, House vs master bill of lading, MTO (multimodal transport operator)

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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