There are a number of ways that items can be shipped from one location to another. Both freight forwarders and couriers can provide delivery solutions for your items. However, depending on what you are shipping, the quantity, and the distance, there may be a preference to what method is better for you.
Couriers
Choosing the right shipping method can save you time and money, and it is important to know what will work for you. The main difference between freight forwarders and couriers is that couriers would be used to transport a single package or item from one location to another.
Couriers usually focus on speed, using trucks and airplanes to transport goods, and provide door to door service. Your item will remain with the courier the entire length of its transport.
There are cargo size limits when shipping with a courier, packages will need to be less than 150 pounds and adhere to the dimensions limit of the courier service. Couriers are similar to parcel or mail delivery services and use their own staff and vehicles to transport items.
Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders work differently than couriers but can accomplish similar tasks. While a freight forwarding company can provide door to door service for single packages, their shipping services extend far beyond just that. The service offers a wide range of modes of transport and different shipping services. They will often use a number of different carriers for one journey.
Additional freight forwarder services may include preparing documentation for imports and exports, customs clearance, and warehousing. The main difference is that freight forwarders focus on large scale global shipping rather than a single point to point deliveries. They work with a large network of shippers, truckers, and movers to provide cost-effective shipping solutions all over the world.
Freight forwarders also do not use their own vehicles and vessels, but instead, rely on a solidified network or agents to handle the tasks for them. This helps freight forwarders find competitive pricing and travel routes for you.
Final Thoughts
At Asiana USA, we work with professionals of all kinds to provide you the best options in shipping. Whether you are making a one-time shipment of one item or building a huge supply chain, we have experts to advise and assist you every step of the way. Call Asiana USA at (323)-250-9407 to get help with your shipment.
