the freight forwarder co- ordinates the transfer of the cargo from one transport vehicle to another. This involves booking space on a transhipment vessel, discharging, sorting, loading and distribution of the cargo to various consignees. Within the context of multimodal transport the forwarder might also act as contracting carrier.
The freight forwarder is considered the architect of transport in international trade. He advises his customer - as principal - on the available transportation options and plans the most efficient route according to the customer’s needs.