A freight forwarder itself usually does not directly conduct import and export business. The main responsibilities of a freight forwarder are to provide customers (importers and exporters, etc.) with services related to goods transportation, such as booking shipping space, customs declaration, inspection application, arranging transportation routes, and warehouse management. However, in some cases, a freight forwarder may conduct import and export operations in its own name. For example, when a customer entrusts it to complete customs clearance and other procedures in the name of the agent.
If a freight forwarder conducts import and export operations in its own name, it needs to have the right to engage in import and export operations and apply for record-filing registration with the commerce department according to relevant regulations. In addition, when conducting import and export operations, the freight forwarder also needs to comply with the regulations of the customs, inspection and quarantine and other departments, accurately declare goods information, and pay corresponding taxes and fees. But generally speaking, the focus of most freight forwarder businesses is still to assist customers in completing the goods transportation process, rather than taking the lead in import and export operations on its own.
Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
A freight forwarder itself usually does not directly conduct import and export business. The main responsibilities of a freight forwarder are to provide customers (importers and exporters, etc.) with services related to goods transportation, such as booking shipping space, customs declaration, inspection application, arranging transportation routes, and warehouse management. However, in some cases, a freight forwarder may conduct import and export operations in its own name. For example, when a customer entrusts it to complete customs clearance and other procedures in the name of the agent.
If a freight forwarder conducts import and export operations in its own name, it needs to have the right to engage in import and export operations and apply for record-filing registration with the commerce department according to relevant regulations. In addition, when conducting import and export operations, the freight forwarder also needs to comply with the regulations of the customs, inspection and quarantine and other departments, accurately declare goods information, and pay corresponding taxes and fees. But generally speaking, the focus of most freight forwarder businesses is still to assist customers in completing the goods transportation process, rather than taking the lead in import and export operations on its own.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
A freight forwarder generally does not need to conduct import and export operations on its own. It mainly helps customers handle various matters in the transportation link, such as finding suitable means of transportation, coordinating loading and unloading, etc. Customers handle import and export-related procedures on their own.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders may be involved in import and export operations. For example, when customers ask them to handle customs clearance on their behalf. However, this is not a common situation. Most of them still focus on transportation services, such as arranging shipping schedules and tracking the movement of goods.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
It depends. If a customer entrusts the freight forwarder with full authority, the freight forwarder may participate in import and export operations. But most of the time, the freight forwarder is only responsible for the connection of goods transportation and is not involved in the import and export operations themselves.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Usually, the core of a freight forwarder is transportation agency. Import and export operations are not necessary. It will only get involved under specific entrustments. For example, when a customer does not understand the customs clearance process and entrusts the agent to handle it.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
A freight forwarder mainly plays the role of a transportation intermediary and provides transportation solutions for customers. The main body of import and export operations is mostly still the customers. The freight forwarder only assists in handling some import and export matters under the authorization of the customers.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Most freight forwarders do not conduct import and export operations. They focus on transportation services, such as loading and unloading of goods, handling, and transportation arrangements. Import and export operations are completed by the cargo owners themselves.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
A freight forwarder can choose not to conduct import and export operations. It is only responsible for matters on the transportation chain, such as contacting truck fleets, arranging containers, etc. Customers handle import and export procedures on their own.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders will handle matters related to import and export, such as customs declaration on behalf of customers. But not all of them do so. Most of them still focus on the connection and coordination of transportation.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
A freight forwarder usually focuses on transportation services. Import and export operations are not its main business. It may only help handle some import and export processes when customers need it.