May 19, 2020
What Is the Difference Between Logistics and Freight Forwarding?
While freight forwarders and logistics companies may seem similar or even synonymous, there are some differences between the two to keep in mind. Unlike logistics companies, freight forwarders might be partners with a network of logistics companies, but they do not own any assets themselves.
What Is a Freight Forwarding Company?
Freight forwarders tend to partner with several logistics companies either nationally or internationally, which means that price checking capabilities are far better and more thorough than what you would get when working directly with one logistics company. Freight forwarders also have more knowledge and experience around specialty companies, which often vary greatly regarding types of transport, house moving, fragile goods, and lead times, among other elements.
What Is a Logistics Company?
Logistics companies, unlike freight forwarders, own all of their own assets including intermodal fleets of trucks, boats, or planes, but without any access to actual shipping routes. Logistics companies often specialize in specific areas such as dry box, long haul, cold storage, intracity, or large scale. At the same time, they’ll attempt to cover every aspect of the supply chain.
Generally, a logistics company is responsible for managing goods’ physical movement along the supply chain. In some cases, they may also manage documentation.
What are the Benefits of a Freight Forwarder?
There are multiple benefits of working with a freight forwarding company as opposed to a logistics company. The advantages include:
- A network of multiple logistics companies that helps reduce prices with more diversity
- Technology-based freight forwarders can provide instant quotes
- Pricing is more transparent, as most freight forwarders will provide customers with in-depth breakdowns of all costs
- Maintain data regarding specialty routes along with route optimization to help minimize delays and ensure timely arrival of goods
- Have a good understanding of logistics companies in many different specialty areas, including household goods, fragile goods, cold storage, and others
In addition to these benefits, freight forwarders can also handle all of the paperwork associated with freight forwarding, including customs documentation, bills of lading, shipper’s export declarations, insurance forms, and letters of invoice.
Why You Should Turn to Carson for Reliable Freight Forwarding
Supply chains need freight forwarders that have a good understanding of the goods involved, along with the various suppliers and trade routes. Carson International can give you top-tier customer service and dependable solutions regardless of your needs. Some of the specific advantages you’ll get with Carson include:
North American Coverage
With offices located in Toronto, Montreal, Washington, and Vancouver, Carson can meet all international freight needs.
Global Coverage
Carson has a dedicated network of logistics partners all over the world, which provides optimal international coverage via all major global logistics hubs.
Asia-Pacific Specialists
Carson specializes in cargo management through the Asia-Pacific logistics hub, with many years of experience using this trade lane.
Best-in-Class Tracking Software
We maximize the visibility of your shipment across the supply chain using some of the best tracking software available. You can easily access and view all shipment documentation, reports, and billing information using our convenient web app.
Customizable Solutions
Depending on your specific needs, we can customize a solution to proactively identify and resolve issues anywhere in your supply chain.
All of these advantages can make Carson International an invaluable asset to your operations as a leading freight forwarder.