A person or organization that works on behalf of a shipper to organize and transport goods via one or multiple carriers. Unlike a Freight Broker, a Forwarder may take responsibility for the shipments.
For Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration purposes, a party that, “organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. Freight forwarders assemble and consolidate shipments and provide for break-bulk and distribution of shipments. Unlike Brokers, Freight Forwarders assume responsibility for the transportation and may transport the freight itself. Therefore, they are involved directly or indirectly with the cargo.”