A shipping company (carrier) and a freight forwarder both help move cargo, but they play very different roles.

Here is a simple analogy – Think of shipping a package internationally:

• A shipping company is like the airline that flies the package.
• A freight forwarder is like a travel agent for cargo: they choose the airline, prepare paperwork, arrange pickup and delivery, and coordinate the entire trip.

What a freight forwarder does

A freight forwarder may:

• Book space with ocean carriers, airlines, trucking companies, or rail operators
• Prepare shipping documents
• Handle customs clearance
• Arrange cargo insurance
• Consolidate shipments from multiple customers
• Coordinate door-to-door delivery

Examples of freight forwarders include:

• DHL Global Forwarding
• Kuehne+Nagel
• DB Schenker

What a shipping company does

A shipping company (ocean carrier) may:

• Own or operate container ships
• Transport containers between ports
• Issue the carrier's bill of lading
• Manage vessel schedules and cargo capacity

Examples include:

• Maersk
• MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
• CMA CGM

Which should you use?

• If you're an importer or exporter and want someone to manage the logistics, customs, and carrier selection, use a freight forwarder.
• If you have significant shipping volume and want to book transportation directly, you can work with a shipping company.

In practice, many businesses book through a freight forwarder, who then books space with the shipping company on their behalf.

Freight Mart International

Address: 45 Miguel Rd, Bibra Lake WA 6163

Phone: +618 9435 3100

Website: https://freightmart.com.au/