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.
Also as agent of the shipper/consignee, the freight forwarder co-ordinates and effects payment of freight to the performing carrier and any local taxes, eg VAT or government service tax on behalf of his customers to avoid delays.