11/02/2026
Why Importers Choose Freight Forwarders Over Shipping Lines
For the past years, freight forwarding companies have been doing good in the world of logistics, wherein most of the importers right now is choosing to use the service of Freight Forwarder rather than choosing the service of Shipping Line.
In order to understand why more and more importers rely on the service of freight forwarding companies, we detail in this infographic the biggest advantages that freight forwarders have over traditional shipping lines.
1. Flexibility
Freight Forwarder could be more flexible in terms of quality service and rate which is very critical for importers these days. Instead of going directly with the shipping line, a freight forwarder will negotiate on your behalf to get a competitive deal and discover the most suitable arrangement for your shipments.
2. Service
A freight forwarder is a total logistics provider, which means that an importer can access a wide variety of services more conveniently. Freight forwarder could offer different types of Incoterms depending on what arrangement of importer wanted to do.
In fact, there are shipping arrangements that a freight forwarder could offer to a budding importer that a shipping line cannot, such as such as Ex-Works and Air Freight. Lastly, freight forwarders provide brokerage services which are a critical aspect when running a legitimate importing business.
3. Rate
Of course, a freight forwarder will still use the service of a shipping line to transport the goods since they do not have their own vessel to do so. However, to make their rates more competitive than shipping lines, freight forwarders use the extreme competition in shipping line industry as leverage. They do this by proposing rates to all shipping lines instead of using only one shipping line, allowing them to charge the most cost-effective rates to their customer more effectively.
4. Reliability
One of the hardest parts on the side of importers is the communication. Most importers – especially those that are new in the business – can testify how hard to contact shipping line and how inconsistent their service when it comes to updating the arrival details of their shipment.
On the contrary, freight forwarders are known in the industry as reliable service providers. They can come up with solutions on-the-go be it for harsh weather, customs errors, inaccessible routes, vehicle breakdowns, and other problems that could arise and delay the transport of your shipment.
5. Contract Agreement
A reliable and trustworthy freight forwarder could get not only the best and most competitive rates but other cost-privileges such as Demurrage, Detention, Ocean Freight, Credit Term and ability not to be affected by General Rate Increase.
By choosing to work with a freight forwarder, you will also be able to choose from a wide variety of shipping line options. They know where to load best in terms of your need/demand. It’s either low rate or transit schedule. You can also enjoy the service contracts/agreements they have with different shipping lines in terms of extended free time and waive of unnecessary charges, thus helping you lower your overall importation cost.
If you need help with your cargo forwarding needs send us a message 😀
