A blog from Jo – What is a freight forwarder?

Sometimes when people ask what we do at PSP Logistics and I say we’re a freight forwarder and they respond with a slightly puzzled look, what is a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder organises the global movement of cargo on behalf of manufacturers, businesses and individuals. Freight cargo can be transported on ships, planes, trains, and lorries and a freight forwarder is the conduit between the shipper and the vessel owner.  Freight forwarders have the expertise and knowledge to advise and select the best mode and route depending on the shippers’ specific requirements. Freight forwarders can also help with all the relevant documentation and customs clearance and a good freight forwarder is worth their weight in gold. They can certainly make sure you keep your costs down and adhere to local regulations as most have a worldwide network of like-minded partners to help the whole process run smoothly.

So in a nutshell, if you want to ship a container full of toys from China to Southampton or air freight a pallet of widgets from Singapore or move a yacht from the UK to South Africa, your freight forwarder would organise it all for you and the documents. I should add that shipping yachts is extremely specialised but its something we do at PSP Logistics.

We, the freight forwarder, are the final piece in the supply chain puzzle, without us there would be no toys on the shelves! Click here for more information about freight forwarding.