What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a carrier?

A freight forwarder and a carrier (transporter) are two distinct roles in logistics. The carrier physically transports goods with their own vehicles (trucks, ships, aircraft). Their responsibility is limited to the physical transfer from A to B under a transport contract (CMR for international road freight). The freight forwarder is the organiser and coordinator of the entire logistics chain. They don't necessarily transport with their own vehicles, but select carriers, plan optimal routes, manage documentation, coordinate customs clearance, organise warehousing and distribution — they are the 'director' of the shipment. In Italy-Switzerland trade, this distinction is critical: a carrier brings goods to the border, but you then need customs declarants for clearance, another carrier for Swiss distribution, and someone to coordinate everything. A full-service forwarder like Franzosini manages the entire chain: collection in Italy → border transport → customs clearance (with in-house declarants) → optional bonded warehouse storage → final Swiss distribution. One point of contact, one invoice, no responsibility gaps.

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