If you’ve ever wondered how products move across oceans and borders to reach shelves—or your door—you’ve already scratched the surface of what freight forwarders do.
In this article, we’ll answer common questions like:
- What is the mode of transportation for a freight forwarder?
- Who pays for freight shipping?
- What costs are included in freight?
- How do air freight delivery services compare to ocean freight?
- What are the advantages of using a freight forwarder?
We’ll also dive into how ExFreight, a digital-first logistics company, is revolutionizing the industry with transparent pricing, open API systems, and door-to-door logistics.
What is the Mode of Transportation for a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder arranges freight transportation by coordinating with various carriers to move goods through different transportation modes:
Ocean Freight
Used for heavy or bulky international shipments. It’s cost-effective but slower than air. Ideal for full container loads (FCL) or less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments. ExFreight partners with top ocean carriers like MSC and COSCO offer global cargo freight shipping options.
Air Freight Shipping
Perfect for urgent or high-value shipments. Despite higher costs, air freight is popular for fast air freight delivery services. ExFreight offers spot rates and access to over 150 countries, featuring live GPS tracking.
Road Freight (LTL & FTL)
Domestic trucking options, such as Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping or Full Truckload (FTL), are widely used. ExFreight specializes in freight services for LTL in the USA, offering dynamic pricing and extensive carrier integrations.
Rail Freight
Used occasionally for inland transport or as part of intermodal shipping solutions, particularly in North America and Europe.
Who Pays for Freight Shipping?
The party responsible for freight shipping costs depends on the Incoterms agreed upon in the sales contract. Typically:
- The shipper (Exporter) pays for the original charges, documentation, and often transportation to the port.
- Consignee (Importer) may pay for duties, customs, and delivery at the destination.
In ExFreight’s case, customers can choose between Door-to-Port or Door-to-Door services. The platform clearly outlines what’s included in each quote.
What Costs Are Included in Freight?
Standard Freight Costs
- Pickup fees
- Export documentation
- Main transportation (air/ocean/road)
- Terminal handling fees
- Customs clearance
- Delivery to final address
Extra Charges May Include:
- Import duties & taxes
- Storage or demurrage fees
- Special permits (Hazmat, over-dimensional, etc.)
- Insurance
Using ExFreight’s platform, shippers can get freight quotes that include most of these costs—excluding only duties/taxes.
What are the Advantages of Using a Freight Forwarder?
Freight forwarders streamline the complex logistics of freight and shipping. Benefits include:
- Consolidation of multiple shipments
- Access to global freight transportation networks
- Expert documentation handling
- Customs brokerage services
- Flexible pricing & route options
- Real-time tracking
ExFreight, for example, offers a digital logistics platform with:
- Open APIs for integration with any TMS
- Real-time door-to-door pricing
- Automated customs and documentation uploads
- Global air/ocean/road coverage to 150+ countries
How Do Air Freight Forwarder Costs Vary?
Costs for air freight shipping vary based on:
- Weight and volume (charged as dimensional weight)
- Route congestion and fuel costs
- Delivery urgency (express vs. economy)
- Special cargo (e.g., temperature-controlled, hazardous)
In 2025, air freight costs remain high due to fuel surcharges, aircraft shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties—yet they still beat ocean transit times.
ExFreight’s Digital Approach to Freight Logistics
Open API Integration
ExFreight’s intelligent logistics platform allows clients to:
- Quote, book, and track instantly
- Access multi-carrier rates with spot pricing
- Receive live shipment GPS tracking
- Estimate taxes & duties on 150+ countries
What is Intelligent Logistics?
It’s the combination of automation, analytics, and connectivity to make smarter, faster shipping decisions. ExFreight’s system removes the guesswork from freight and enhances logistics services for small and mid-size shippers.
How ExFreight Helps Reduce Freight Costs
- Dynamic rate comparison across dozens of carriers
- Consolidated shipping to reduce per-unit costs
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Digital documentation to reduce delays
- Risk management via insurance & proactive tracking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do?
A freight forwarder manages the entire process of transporting cargo, utilizing third-party carriers. They handle logistics, documentation, and customs to ensure your goods arrive safely.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Freight Forwarder?
Freight forwarders offer convenience, speed, and expertise—especially in international freight transportation. They also often get better rates through high-volume partnerships.
What Costs Are Included in Freight?
Costs generally include pickup, transportation, customs clearance, and delivery. Duties, taxes, and accessorial charges (such as storage or liftgate services) are typically additional.
How Do Air Freight Forwarder Costs Vary?
Costs vary depending on the route, cargo size, weight, and the level of emergency. Recent trends indicate that air freight rates have increased by 17% year-over-year, driven by the growth of e-commerce and capacity constraints.
What Is LTL Shipping?
LTL (Less-than-Truckload) is ideal for shipments between 150–10,000 lbs that don’t require a full truckload. It’s cost-effective and widely used for domestic deliveries within the U.S.
Does ExFreight Provide Door-to-Door International Services?
Yes. ExFreight provides freight shipping services to and from the USA, offering comprehensive door-to-door services in over 150 countries.
Freight forwarding isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about orchestrating the most efficient, cost-effective, and reliable way to deliver shipments globally. Whether by air freight, ocean freight, or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, the value of a freight forwarder lies in its ability to simplify complex logistics.
With digital solutions like ExFreight leading the charge, the logistics industry is more accessible than ever—even for small businesses.
Do you need a freight quote today? Try ExFreight’s instant rating system and see how effortless logistics can be.
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