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When it comes to the transportation and logistics industry, the terms “freight shipping” and “freight forwarding” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among shippers and receivers. In reality, these two terms have different meanings and have a significant impact on the shipping and delivery process.

Being in the freight forwarding business for nearly 35 years, Baum Shipping (formerly ETC International Freight Services) has outlined what exactly constitutes freight shipping vs freight forwarding. To get expert advice on your domestic and international shipping needs, call (800) 383-3157 to speak with one of our experts or fill out a quick form to Get a Free Quote!

Continue reading to learn what the differences are between freight shipping and freight forwarding.

Freight Shipping Seems Self-Explanatory, Right?

Well, to put it simply, freight shipping refers to the movement of cargo from one point to another via a chosen mode of transportation, such as trucks, ships, or planes. Freight shipping companies specialize in handling and transporting goods, domestically or internationally, based on the customer’s shipping needs and requirements.
On the other hand, freight forwarding involves organizing and coordinating the shipment of goods on behalf of a company or individual. The freight forwarding company acts as a middleman between the shipper and the carrier, facilitating the transportation of goods and handling the logistics.

So Then How Does a Freight Forwarding Company Differ?

Freight forwarding companies typically provide services such as customs clearance, documentation, insurance, and warehousing, making the shipment process more manageable for the customer. They have the necessary expertise and resources to navigate the complexities of international shipping and help ensure a smooth delivery process. The five key functions a freight forwarding company does for their client are:

• Arranges Transportation
• Provides Logistics Services
• Offers Insurance & Risk Management
• Manages Supply Chains
• Provides Cost-Effective Solutions

You may be thinking, “Okay, but how do I choose which method of shipping I need?” When you contact Baum Shipping, we will walk you through this and take care of everything for you by determining a few factors.

How to Decide Between Freight Shipping & Forwarding

Choosing between freight shipping and freight forwarding depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you have experience in shipping goods and have the necessary resources to handle logistics, working with a freight shipping service might be suitable for you.

However, if you are new to shipping goods internationally or require additional services such as customs clearance or documentation processing, a freight forwarding service is more likely the better option.

Put Your Trust in the Hands of the Expert Shipping Specialists

Freight shipping and freight forwarding have different meanings and functions in the transportation and logistics industry. While freight shipping services are specialized in the transportation of goods, freight forwarding services offer a more comprehensive range of services related to the shipment of goods, and they can save you time and resources.

Baum Shipping understands all the nuances that go hand-in-hand with the shipping industry, especially when it comes to deciding between freight forwarding and shipping. Reach out by calling (800) 383-3157 if you need expert freight services and we’ll take care of everything. You can also fill out a quick form to Get a Free Quote to see what we offer.

Baum Shipping | Freight Shipping & Forwarding