A freight broker, like any type of broker, serves as an intermediary between the buyer and seller. In this case, the seller is a carrier, transporting goods by road, rail, or sea. A freight forwarder provides actual services or “freight logistics,” which may include providing transportation of goods as well as providing the assembly and consolidation of shipments.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through the U.S. Department of Transportation, both Freight Brokers and Freight Forwarders are required to file a BMC- 84 or BMC-85, Surety Bonds or Trust Fund Agreements totaling 75,000 USD.[1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2015). Insurance Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements]
Both brokers and forwarders must be registered with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration but the legal requirements for registration vary. It is necessary for both brokers and forwarders to prove a performance bond or trust fund of 10,000 USD and to designate an agent to receive legal documents in each state where business is conducted while forwarders have the additional requirement of carrying cargo and liability insurance policies equal to at least the minimum coverage amounts as required for carriers. [2. Zias, Kerry. Demand Media. Freight Broker vs. Freight Forwarder. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/freight-broker-vs-freight-forwarder-6435.html]
Freight Brokers have no legal responsibility for shipments. In fact, Freight Brokers are not listed on the Bill of Lading, the legal document between the shipper and carrier detailing the shipment. The Bill of Lading gives title of the particular shipment to a specified party and serves as a receipt of shipment when a good is delivered. [3. The Economic Times. Definition of ‘Bill of Lading.’ Retrieved from http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/bill-of-lading] Freight Forwarders arrange the Bill of Lading which, is signed by their agent at the destination when the cargo is received.
Despite this, the intermediary role brokers play in connecting the shipper with a carrier and assisting in the price negotiation of the shipment is often viewed as invaluable. Freight Brokers are well-connected in the shipping industry and can help the buyer get the best price.
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I didn’t know that a freight broker serves as an intermediary between a buyer and seller. That is interesting that they only outsource all transportation activities and never actually possess the goods. I thought that they were directly involved in the moving process! Thank you for the clarification!
One of the largest differences between a broker and a freight forwarder is that a dealer would not take possession of the freight. A broker works as a centerman to connect shippers and providers and commonly doesn’t trouble bills of lading (bol) with their name because of the provider.
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Its important to know that a freight forwarder and a freight broker are different. Most people think their duties are the same when actually they’re not. This is a great read that clears up the difference.
Thanks for this blog. It resolves few doubt about freight forwarder and freight broker.
I’ve always wondered if there was a difference between transportation professionals such as freight brokers and freight forwarders since when I first heard about them, they seemed to be very similar to me. Thanks for clarifying that a broker typically services their customers either in an office or a remote area. I guess one can look for a broker if they know that they’re reliable.
It is interesting to imagine just how much goods are in an overmass freight and how far it can go. I’ve always been curious about how very large quantities of goods are transported in different industries. The freight industry sure fills a vital role in transportation and makes most goods-based ventures possible.
I really appreciate this information.
Great information. Thanks for sharing this.
Excelent article, thanks for the explanation A freight broker, like any type of broker, serves as an intermediary between the buyer and seller. In this case, the seller is a carrier, transporting goods by road, rail, or sea. A freight forwarder provides actual services or “freight logistics,” which may include providing transportation of goods as well as providing the assembly and consolidation of shipments.
This is good info, A freight broker, like any type of broker, serves as an intermediary between the buyer and seller. In this case, the seller is a carrier, transporting goods by road, rail, or sea. A freight forwarder provides actual services or “freight logistics,” which may include providing transportation of goods as well as providing the assembly and consolidation of shipments.