PL: Spedytor | DE: Spediteur
Definition
A freight forwarder is a business entity specialising in organising goods transport in international and domestic trade. Unlike a carrier who physically performs transport, a forwarder acts as an intermediary and coordinator — selects optimal routes and transport modes, negotiates freight rates, arranges transshipment, prepares transport documentation, and often coordinates customs clearance.
The scope of freight forwarder services includes: multimodal transport organisation, booking cargo space, cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, cargo insurance, transport document preparation (B/L, CMR, AWB), customs clearance coordination, shipment tracking, and warehousing logistics.
In Poland, forwarding activities are regulated by the Civil Code (Art. 794-804). Internationally, freight forwarders often belong to industry organizations (FIATA, PISiL) and hold quality certificates.
The scope of freight forwarder services includes: multimodal transport organisation, booking cargo space, cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, cargo insurance, transport document preparation (B/L, CMR, AWB), customs clearance coordination, shipment tracking, and warehousing logistics.
In Poland, forwarding activities are regulated by the Civil Code (Art. 794-804). Internationally, freight forwarders often belong to industry organizations (FIATA, PISiL) and hold quality certificates.