Freight forwarding involves the transportation of cargo from its origin to its destination through various modes of transportation, such as ocean, air, or truck freight. Freight forwarding companies manage the process of cargo pickup, transportation, and delivery to the destination, provided it falls within their geographical coverage. Regulatory bodies oversee and regulate freight forwarders to ensure compliance with industry regulations, including those related to freight transportation. These agencies may also impose restrictions on cargo types and weight limits for each transport company. Such regulations help safeguard both the customer and the cargo during transit. It is important to note that freight forwarders do not own the cargo they transport but are only responsible for the safe transportation of cargo from one location to another.

Freight forwarders are classified based on the type of freight they handle, which can be transported by different modes of transportation. The three main types of freight forwarding services are:

Ocean Freight Forwarding: This type of freight forwarding deals with the transportation of goods across oceans. It involves coordinating the shipment of goods by sea, including arranging for cargo space on ships, negotiating freight rates, and managing customs clearance.

Air Freight Forwarding: Air freight forwarding involves the transportation of goods by air. This type of forwarding is often used for time-sensitive shipments or for items that require specialized handling. Air freight forwarders handle the logistics of getting goods from the manufacturer or supplier to the airport, and then onto a plane for transport.

Truck Freight Forwarding: Truck freight forwarding involves the transportation of goods by land. This type of forwarding is often used for domestic or regional shipments, where the distance is too short for air or ocean freight. Truck freight forwarders coordinate the movement of goods by road, managing everything from pick-up to delivery. They may also arrange for customs clearance and other related services.