What is a Freight Forwarder?
A Freight Forwarder is a company that organizes the shipment of goods on behalf of the cargo owner (shipper or importer). They act as intermediaries between cargo owners and carriers — booking space with shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies, handling documentation, and often providing customs clearance services.
Services Provided by Freight Forwarders
- Ocean freight booking (FCL and LCL)
- Air freight arrangements
- Export and import customs clearance
- Bill of Lading preparation
- Cargo insurance
- Warehousing and distribution
- Dangerous goods handling
Freight Forwarders in UAE
The UAE hosts hundreds of freight forwarding companies, particularly concentrated around Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai Airport Freezone, and Dubai Maritime City. Major international forwarders including DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker, and DSV all have significant UAE operations.
