Transporters and forwarders

Transporter or forwarder?

Forwarders are middlemen. They will have your goods transported and take care of the entire process on your behalf. On top of transport, they will also arrange:

• documents
• insurance
• storage
• customs processing

Forwarders do not transport goods themselves: that is the job of the transporter (or carrier, as they are also called). Forwarders will arrange a carrier for you and enter into a transport agreement on your behalf. They can enter into transport agreements in their own name or in your name.

Customs brokers

When you import goods from or export goods to non-EU countries, there are special rules to keep in mind. You must therefore first declare your goods to Customs. Customs brokers can file these declarations for you.

Groupage services: cheaper transportation

Do you import or export small quantities of goods? Many forwarders offer groupage services. Groupage involves combining smaller shipments from multiple customers and transporting them in one container or lorry. You pay less for groupage transport than when the forwarder transports your goods separately.

Finding a transporter or forwarder

Looking for Dutch transporters that offer international shipping services? Industry association evofenedex has a database of carriers (in Dutch). You can search the database by mode of transport, destination, and specialism.

If you regularly ship large consignments to regular customers abroad, make long-term agreements with a transporter and try to negotiate a good price.