Eastern Europe Shipping Blog

When you’re a smaller-volume shipper importing or exporting container freight between the U.S. and Europe, the lure of working with a major freight forwarder or Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) can be strong. At that level, they have significant leverage with the major ocean lines and can offer attractive rates for each booking. But is it possible that going the “big guy” route can prove to be penny wise yet pound foolish? What are the best types of shipping companies for small businesses? Let’s take a look under the hood.

Exporting commodities to the U.S. for manufacturing involves a complex set of logistics. The goods must be properly loaded and secured in a container for the entire journey. But what about the many instances where the receiver (i.e., U.S.-based manufacturer), due to physical limitations or site restrictions, cannot accept container loads?

If you’re new to the world of freight transportation, you may be wondering what exactly a freight forwarder is, what they do, what they’re responsible for, what you as the shipper have to handle, and how forwarders differ from freight brokers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to answer the basic question of what a freight forwarder does compared to other service providers, so you can make an informed decision about purchasing freight and choosing a reliable partner.