The difference between freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Vancouver’s leader in trucking and warehousing looks into the difference between freight forwarders and customs brokers to help you lower costs and increase profits when it comes to importing and exporting. 

We’ve often heard of the amazing results that come with having freight forwarders and customs brokers on your dream team. If you’re starting to dip your toes into importing/exporting or thinking of expanding your business, learning about the specialties and differences between freight forwarders and customs brokers will help you make the right decisions, lower costs, and increase profits. 

What are Freight Forwarders?

Freight forwarders are experts who specialize in organizing the storage and shipping of goods on behalf of your business. They do not ship the goods, but act as an intermediary service between shippers and transport services and are responsible for logistical and administrative duties.

Their services include:

• Prepare paperwork and documentation (examples: Certificate of Origin (COO) from a Bill of Lading (BOL))
• Tracking your freight
• Negotiating freight rates
• Transport
• Consolidation
• Insurance
• Warehousing
• Ensure shipments arrive within the desired timeframe
• Liaison with customs brokers

Having a freight forwarding company working for you will save you time and money as they have the contacts and experience to make shipping a breeze.

What are Customs Brokers?

Trades between countries are necessary and profitable, but navigating the ever-changing bureaucratic passage may not be an easy one. Each country has its own legislation and regulations and not all goods can be imported or exported. This is where customs brokers come in. They work on your behalf and serve as a go-between to ensure that your goods are imported as efficiently as possible. 

Customs Brokers can help with:

• Clearing shipments of imported goods
• Collecting required duties and taxes
• Preparing customs accounting documents
• Consulting on how to take advantage of free trade agreements
• Staying up to date with changes in regulations related to importing/exporting goods
• Communicating with different agencies (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and government officials (Transport Canada, Health Canada) 

What are the key differences between freight forwarders and customs brokers?

Freight forwarders and customs brokers work in the same area and are similar in some ways. However, their areas of expertise differ. Some freight forwarders may take on the roles of customs brokers or have access to brokerage services, but the reverse is less likely.

• Freight forwarders handle the logistics side of moving your goods from A to B (including physical transport through air/sea/trucking, warehousing, storing) and serve as a liaison between your business and transport companies 
• Customs Brokers act as an intermediary between your company and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and deal solely with imports 

As a leader in the trucking and warehousing industry in Metro Vancouver for over 30 years, our experienced team at Sandhar Trucking is always ready to answer any questions. Being a leader also means that we have trusted industry partners in customs brokerage and freight forwarding that can help you with your import and export needs.

We are one of the few trucking companies in Vancouver, BC that services all the ports/rails, operate a bonded warehouse and has a fleet of 5-ton trucks, flat-decks and 53’ trailers. Most trucking companies in BC specialize in a certain area, but at Sandhar Trucking, we are a one-stop shop for all your needs.
Whether you’re in need of container trucking, LTL/FTL services or a bonded sufferance warehouse, our above and beyond services are here to serve you. Contact us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com today to learn more.