Sourcing glossary
Freight forwarder
Also known as: Forwarder, Forwarding agent
A company that organizes the transport of your goods on your behalf, booking space with shipping lines, airlines or rail operators and arranging paperwork, customs clearance and delivery.
Forwarders rarely own ships or planes. They buy capacity from carriers, combine it with trucking, warehousing and customs brokerage, and sell you one service, from a single leg such as port to port up to full door-to-door delivery on DDP terms. Many also run LCL consolidation in China.
When comparing forwarders, check exactly what each quote includes: origin and destination charges, customs clearance, duties, and who acts as importer of record. See sea vs air vs rail vs express for how to choose the mode they book.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Trade terms
EXW vs FOB vs DDP: Which Incoterm to Use When Buying from China
EXW, FOB and DDP compared for China imports: who pays each cost, where risk transfers, and which term suits first-time buyers vs experienced importers.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 3 min read
QC
Defective Goods from China: What to Do When Your Order Arrives Wrong
Defective goods from a Chinese supplier? How to document evidence, use your PO terms, negotiate a fix, file Trade Assurance or insurance claims, and prevent repeats.
Updated 2026-09-21 · 5 min read
Shipping
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA: Rules, Options and Pitfalls
How to ship inventory from China into Amazon FBA in the US: carton and pallet limits, labels, importer of record, DDP forwarders, AGL and prep centers.
Updated 2026-09-20 · 6 min read
Yiwu
Yiwu Sourcing Agent Fees: How Agents Charge and What to Compare
How Yiwu buying agents charge: commission ranges, flat and per-container fees, what is included, hidden markups, red flags and how to compare quotes fairly.
Updated 2026-09-19 · 5 min read
Compliance
How to Calculate Landed Cost When Importing from China
A step-by-step landed cost formula for China imports: product cost, freight, insurance, duty, VAT, fees and delivery, with why US and EU/UK duty bases differ.
Updated 2026-09-17 · 6 min read
Trade terms
CIF vs FOB: Which Is Better When Importing from China?
CIF vs FOB under Incoterms 2020: who books freight, what CIF insurance really covers, where risk passes, and why CIF can cost more once goods reach your port.
Updated 2026-09-16 · 5 min read
Part of Shipping & Logistics.