Freight forwarding
cooperation models, 10–20% commissions, liability, documents — choosing and working with a forwarder
Freight forwarding
Forwarder's role:
Organizes transport: finds the carrier, handles documents, controls the trip — you pay for service and responsibility.
Commission:
Usually 10–20% of the carrier rate or a fixed fee per trip; rises in peak season.
Contract models:
Forwarding contract (organizes), agency (acts on your behalf), carriage contract (liable as the carrier).
Liability:
The forwarder is liable for carrier choice and documents; for cargo — only if it assumed carrier liability.
What to check:
Real contract with the actual carrier, forwarder liability insurance, payment terms, penalties.
Trip documents:
Order-note, CMR, consignment note, forwarder receipt, circumstances report (on failures).
Typical risks:
Double forwarding (chains of intermediaries), subcontracting without consent, late carrier payment = cargo delay.
Advice:
Work with a forwarder that insures liability and shows the carrier contract; pay after receiving the signed CMR.