What is an international freight forwarder? Complete definition and role.
Introduction What is an international freight forwarder? Global trade is a complex mechanism in which every shipment involves a multitude of players: shipping lines, air carriers, road transporters, customs services, warehouses, and insurers. At the center of this network stands a key professional who connects all these links: the international freight forwarder. Often invisible to the end consumer, the freight forwarder is nevertheless at the very heart of international logistics. Understanding their role, services, and importance is essential for any company involved in import-export or the management of goods transportation. Definition: What is an international freight forwarder? An international freight forwarder is a professional or a specialized company that organizes and manages the shipment of goods on a global scale.They act as an intermediary between the shipper and transport service providers (maritime, air, road, or rail). Unlike a carrier, who owns its own trucks, planes, or vessels, the freight forwarder designs a comprehensive logistics solution, which includes: They are the architects of the international supply chain: assembling solutions, coordinating all players, and ensuring that goods move seamlessly from origin to destination. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES The Role of the Freight Forwarder in Global Trade 1. Logistics Intermediary and Coordinator The freight forwarder acts as a single point of contact between the shipper and multiple transport providers. This simplifies communication and spares the client company from managing several contracts and interlocutors. 2. Organization of International Transport With solid expertise, the freight forwarder selects the most suitable mode of transport (air, sea, road, or rail) based on: 3. Regulatory and Customs Expertise Each country enforces strict rules on foreign trade. The freight forwarder ensures that shipments comply with these regulations, helping clients avoid costly fines or delays. 4. Administrative Freight Management The freight forwarder handles all international shipping documentation, such as: 5. Global Logistics Risk Management International trade faces multiple uncertainties — port strikes, vessel delays, health crises, or natural disasters. The freight forwarder anticipates these risks and provides alternative solutions, such as switching to air freight in case of maritime disruptions. 6. Digital Tracking and Visibility Thanks to modern digital platforms, freight forwarders offer real-time shipment visibility. Shippers can track their cargo at every stage, ensuring transparency and building trust. Main Services Offered by an International Freight Forwarder The role of a freight forwarder goes far beyond simply booking space on a ship or plane. Their services cover a wide range of complementary logistics solutions, including: When and How to Choose a Reliable International Freight Forwarder When to Work with a Freight Forwarder How to Choose the Right One Key selection criteria include: A good freight forwarder combines human expertise, a strong network, and modern technology to ensure smooth, reliable, and optimized logistics worldwide. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES Practical Cases and Real Examples of International Transport 1. Textile Export – Asia → Europe A French fashion brand produces its collections in Bangladesh. Each season, the freight forwarder: Result: optimized seasonal flows and controlled costs. 2. Medical Device Transport A manufacturer ships sensitive equipment to Latin America. The freight forwarder: Result: products arrive on time and meet all regulatory standards. 3. Just-in-Time Automotive Parts A European car manufacturer depends on parts imported from China. The freight forwarder: Result: uninterrupted production and minimized downtime. 4. E-commerce and Retail A European e-commerce company sells in North America. The freight forwarder implements a multimodal solution (air + road) to ensure fast delivery to end customers. 5. Agri-food Sector An exporter of fresh produce ships fruit to the Middle East. The freight forwarder manages the cold chain and secures the required phytosanitary certificates. Frequently Asked Questions About International Freight Forwarders Is a freight forwarder mandatory? No. However, in practice, their role becomes essential as soon as shipments cross borders. They greatly reduce the risk of errors and delays. What’s the difference between a freight forwarder and a carrier? A carrier owns its own means of transport (trucks, planes, vessels). A freight forwarder, on the other hand, selects and coordinates carriers to provide a complete logistics solution. What’s the difference between a freight forwarder and a transport commissioner? A transport commissioner assumes legal responsibility for the transport. A freight forwarder acts as an organizer, though some companies perform both roles. Do Freight Forwarders Offer Insurance Yes. They provide freight insurance covering loss, damage, theft, or delays. What Types of Goods Can a Freight Forwarder Handle? From general cargo to sensitive products — including agri-food, pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials, textiles, and automotive parts. Can You Track a Shipment with a Freight Forwarder? Yes. Most freight forwarders offer digital tracking systems accessible online. How Much Does a Freight Forwarder Cost? The cost depends on the chosen transport mode, volume, weight, and additional services (customs, insurance, warehousing). Prices vary widely depending on the destination and season. How to Become a Freight Forwarder? The profession is accessible through studies in logistics or international trade, combined with field experience. Key skills include organization, negotiation, and knowledge of international regulations. Conclusion: The International Freight Forwarder, the Conductor of Global Logistics In a world where supply chains must be fast, reliable, and resilient, the international freight forwarder plays a crucial role. More than just an intermediary, they are the conductor of international logistics: planning, coordinating, securing, and optimizing global flows. Understanding their role, responsibilities, and services helps businesses better anticipate their logistics needs and approach international trade with confidence.
Importing from China in 2025: understanding the new logistics challenges
Faced with maritime tensions and the unpredictability of international flows, French importers must rethink their strategy for importing from China. This is a structural transformation of supply chains, driven by one goal: securing flows without sacrificing competitiveness. In this article, we analyze the major current logistics disruptions, their concrete consequences for French companies and the levers to activate to continue importing reliably from China in 2025. A new logistics reality: longer lead times, rising costs and limited resources Since late 2023, the partial closure of the Red Sea maritime corridor has disrupted traditional routes between Asia and Europe. Many shipping lines have chosen to reroute their vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending transit times and driving up freight costs. Quelles conséquences pour les importateurs français ? In short: flows are becoming unpredictable, costs volatile and pressure on logistics teams is increasing. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES Why China remains an essential partner In a world undergoing major logistics restructuring, China continues to play a central role in global supply chains, and France is no exception. In 2024, China accounted for more than 10% of French imports across all sectors, according to Customs data. This figure reflects not only trade volume but also deep economic interdependence. China alone concentrates a significant share of flows related to: Beyond finished products, industrial components such as motors, spare parts, printed circuits, fasteners and packaging also move massively from China to France. For many European manufacturers, these components are essential to maintaining production continuity and ensuring revenue stability. Still a highly competitive advantage Despite gradually rising wages and internal costs, China remains highly competitive in manufacturing thanks to: Relocating or diversifying sourcing is possible – but seldom immediate or economically neutral. Ignoring China: a strategic illusion In this context, some companies are adopting a “China +1” strategy, combining China with a second country to reduce risk. However, a full exit from China remains unrealistic for most French businesses, for industrial, contractual and customs reasons alike. Conversely, remaining dependent on China without adapting one’s logistics model means facing major risks: delays, extra costs and disruptions. This reality calls for a balanced and pragmatic approach: ➡️ Continue sourcing from China, but with stronger, more transparent and better-adapted logistics tools to handle today’s instability. This is precisely where Nexline comes in: helping companies maintain their strategic suppliers while securing the how of their logistics flows, through solutions such as NEXBOX Shanghai, designed to bring clarity and reliability back to an uncertain environment. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES Business expectations in 2025 In a logistics environment marked by instability and unpredictability, the companies that perform best are those that have refocused their efforts on three key priorities: maintaining flow fluidity, controlling costs and safeguarding operational performance. 1. Strengthen visibility across all logistics flows Without visibility, there is no anticipation or control.Today, companies must be able to know, in real time: The goal: move from reaction to prevention.A predictable delay can be managed. An unexpected one cannot. 2. Rely on reliable and controllable flows As the geopolitical environment grows more uncertain, the priority is shifting from “cost per kilo” to the stability of flows.Companies should prioritize services that: The challenge is no longer to go fast, but to stay on schedule. 3. Increase agility across the entire supply chain Whether in production or distribution, companies must be able to: Logistics should no longer be a constraint but a lever for rapid adaptation.This requires partners capable of adjusting in real time to on-the-ground realities. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES The Nexline Solution: NEXBOX Shanghai, a dedicated service for demanding importers It is in this context that Nexline designed NEXBOX, a weekly sea freight consolidation service from Shanghai to Dunkirk, created for French importers facing current market volatility. What NEXBOX offers: 🎯 Objective: regain control of your supply chain, even in an uncertain environment. DISCOVER NEXBOX – ASIA-EUROPE SEA FREIGHT The Nexline Solution: NEXBOX Shanghai, a dedicated line for demanding importers It is in this context that Nexline created NEXBOX, a weekly sea freight consolidation service from Shanghai to Dunkirk, designed for French importers facing today’s market volatility. What NEXBOX offers: 🎯 Objective: regain control of your supply chain, even in an uncertain environment. Why this approach appeals to the most demanding importers In recent years, a clear trend has emerged: companies are reorganizing their logistics around solutions that are more transparent, predictable and controllable.This shift goes beyond a mere reaction to the Red Sea crisis. It reflects a deeper transformation in how international flows are managed. In practice, the most successful companies in 2025: This shift toward clear, predictable, and flexible solutions not only helps reduce unforeseen issues but also restores fluidity across the entire supply chain – from factory to distribution point. Shanghai: a strategic hub that requires precise management Shanghai remains one of the main points of origin for flows to Europe. That status isn’t likely to change anytime soon: efficient port infrastructure, a dense supplier network and strong international connectivity. However, in a strained logistics environment, location alone no longer guarantees smooth operations. What matters now is the ability to: Fine-tuned operational management at origin has become just as strategic as the routing itself, it’s this level of execution that now makes the difference. Importing from China: still possible, but more demanding Global logistics isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving.Importing from China remains not only possible but often essential. What’s changing are the conditions for success. Today, the companies that manage to maintain stable flows despite geopolitical disruptions share one common trait:They have taken the time to rethink their logistics model around three key criteria: In other words: it’s no longer just about shipping a container. It’s about understanding, anticipating, coordinating and securing- by integrating commercial, industrial and operational dimensions from the very start.
Logistics and the sea: a shared horizon
Heading for summer and maritime legends Last Friday, part of the Nexline Group – SAYL International Logistics team had the privilege of boarding a sailing ship for Les Voiles de Légendes, the unmissable summer event held every year in Dunkirk. This day spent between sky and sea was much more than just a relaxing break. She recalled the unbreakable bond that links our profession to the ocean, our operations to the sea, and logistics to the movement of the waves. A living tribute to maritime heritage Invited by LEMAIRE SN, one of our long-standing partners in the port of Dunkirk, our teams had the rare opportunity to embark alongside sailors from around the world, each bringing with them their own traditions, stories and expertise. On these sailing ships steeped in history, every manoeuvre, every rope, every breath of wind tells a fragment of the story of maritime trade and the routes that have shaped the world. For Nexline, it is also a reminder of our origins. Our work as an international freight forwarder is part of this tradition: connecting continents, linking ports, and facilitating trade between East and West, between land and sea. CHECK OUT OUR MARITIME SERVICES From yesterday’s ports to today’s supply chains Modern logistics is the direct descendant of the great maritime routes. In the past, ships transported spices, cotton and metals. Today, they carry containers, electronic components, textiles and finished products. But the principle remains the same: a chain of people and knowledge centred around a single anchor point – the port. From Dunkirk to Chittagong, Shanghai to Lyon, every logistics hub, every terminal and every warehouse is part of the same ecosystem. An invisible but vital network that ensures the continuity of global trade. The sea, the cradle of modern logistics The sea is where it all begins. Before digital, before data, before the integrated supply chain, there was navigation. Trade routes were mapped out on the waves long before they were traced in ERP systems. And it is perhaps this proximity to the sea that explains why logistics still retains, even today, that taste for adventure, anticipation and mastery of the elements. At Nexline, we don’t just transport goods. We perpetuate, in our own way, a maritime heritage – one of movement, transmission and trust. DISCOVER NEXBOX – ASIA-EUROPE MARITIME GROUPAGE A shared moment, a powerful symbol This day on board was a rare break from our usual routine. It was an opportunity for partners, colleagues and enthusiasts to exchange ideas, reminding us that behind every shipment and every container there are real people. And that logistics, before being a science of performance, remains above all a human endeavour. A big thank you to LEMAIRE SN for this invitation, which was as convivial as it was unforgettable. And to all those who, on the quays and on the decks, contribute to bringing to life the link between the sea and logistics, between tradition and modernity. Because in our business, as at sea, everything often begins… with a port. To discover our integrated logistics services: Nexline – Supply chain solutions To contact us: Nexline – Contact CHECK OUT OUR MARITIME SERVICES
Nexline strengthens its presence in Asia: opening of two offices in Bangladesh
It’s official: Nexline is continuing its international expansion and has announced the opening of two new offices in Bangladesh, in Dhaka and Chittagong. A team of ten experts is already operational on site to support flows between Asia and Europe, in a challenging global logistics environment. A strategic foothold at the heart of global textile production Bangladesh is now one of Asia’s most dynamic industrial hubs. As the world’s second-largest textile exporter, the country plays a key role in international supply chains. By strengthening its presence in Dhaka and Chittagong, Nexline is consolidating its support capabilities for European importers and exporters, particularly in the textile, retail and mass distribution sectors. This local presence enables better control oflogistics flows, improved responsiveness to import/export operations and smooth coordination between all players in the chain, from Asian suppliers to final delivery in Europe. CHECK OUT OUR MARITIME SERVICES Facilitating trade between East and West Geopolitical tensions, congestion on sea routes and new environmental regulations are profoundly changing the balance of international transport. In this context, the reliability of logistics partners is becoming a key performance factor. Thanks to its new locations, Nexline is strengthening its ability to offer tailor-made freight solutions between Asia and Europe, whether by sea, air or multimodal transport. These offices are connected in real time with teams based in France, ensuring continuous monitoring of operations and better control of deadlines. A local presence for global solutions Nexline’s teams in Bangladesh work closely with local stakeholders: carriers, freight forwarders, port and customs authorities. This operational proximity makes it possible to reduce transit times, anticipate potential disruptions in the flow of goods and provide concrete solutions to European customers. The services offered on site cover the entire logistics chain: Each solution is tailored to the customer’s actual needs, with a single point of contact to monitor the flow from the first to the last kilometre. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES A key step in Nexline’s international development strategy After France and China, Bangladesh is becoming a new pillar of the Nexline network. This expansion is part of a sustained growth dynamic, driven by the desire to offer customers a more integrated, fluid and responsive supply chain. From Asia to Europe, Nexline positions itself as a logistics link, capable of designing and managing tailor-made supply chains in a complex international environment. Because companies don’t just need a service provider, they need a partner who understands their challenges, anticipates their constraints and guarantees the reliability of their operations. To find out more about our locations and services: 👉 Find out more about Nexline – About us 👉 Read the full article on EuroTribune Discover why so many companiesalready entrust their logistics to Nexline.
Asia-Europe maritime freight: between uncertainty and the search for stability
Maritime transport is undergoing a period of unprecedented change. For several years now, a combination of geopolitical, economic and environmental factors has disrupted the balance of global trade. Shipping routes, once stable and predictable, are now subject to constant tensions that are redefining international freight forwarding practices. Between the war in the Red Sea, restrictions on strategic passages such as the Suez and Panama Canals, and the rise of new environmental regulations, the global supply chain is being forced to reinvent itself. For importing and exporting companies, the challenge is clear: maintain continuity of flows while limiting costs and risks. Structural tensions in global maritime transport Historically, the Asia-Europe route has accounted for more than 40% of global maritime trade. But in recent years, available capacity has been stretched to the limit. Shipping companies have had to juggle fluctuating demand, container shortages and repositioning imbalances. This situation creates a triangle of uncertainty: freight costs subject to unpredictable increases or decreases, often insufficient container availability at certain ports, and transit times that vary from week to week depending on port congestion. The result is a loss of visibility for importers, who must manage their supplies in an increasingly unstable environment. The ‘just-in-time’ approach is gradually giving way to a ‘just in case’ approach. CHECK OUT OUR SEA TRANSPORT SERVICES The domino effect of logistical complexity Maritime disruptions are not limited to ocean transport. They have a knock-on effect on the entire chain: road transport, warehousing, customs clearance and last-mile delivery. When ships arrive late, terminals become saturated, containers pile up, and unloading times increase. Conversely, when volumes drop, operators have to reduce rotations, which further undermines the regularity of flows. In this context, logistics planning becomes a balancing act. European importers are now looking for partners capable of coordinating several links in the supply chain, from sea freight to multimodal transport, including inventory management and flow tracking. This integrated approach is now the key to more fluid and resilient logistics. The central role of maritime groupage In an uncertain climate, consolidated shipping (or LCL – Less than Container Load) is once again becoming a strategic option for many companies. It allows shipments from several importers to be pooled in a single container, thereby reducing unit costs and optimising available capacity. But consolidated shipping is not just about cost. It is also a tool for flexibility and securing flows: it offers more regular departures, better adaptation to actual volumes and a more balanced sharing of logistical risks. In a saturated or unstable market, it is a pragmatic response to the constraints of the moment. It is with this in mind that NEXBOX was designed, a container consolidation service between Asia and Europe developed by Nexline. This solution relies on consolidation hubs located in major Asian ports, direct and stable routes to Europe, and unloading carried out in warehouses under Nexline’s control. The aim is to offer a regular and transparent framework for importers who are often faced with market unpredictability. DISCOVER NEXBOX – ASIA-EUROPE MARITIME GROUPAGE The need for visibility and reliability The current volatility of the maritime market has given rise to a new requirement: complete traceability. Digital real-time tracking tools, once reserved for large multinationals, are now becoming a standard expected by all companies. Knowing where your container is, when it will be available, and being able to anticipate potential delays has become a key performance factor. Players such as Nexline are putting technology at the service of this visibility by integrating shipment tracking into global supply chain management systems. These tools facilitate decision-making, reduce margins of error, and improve communication between the various players in the transport sector. But technology alone is not enough. The real challenge lies in human coordination: having teams capable of analysing, adapting, and correcting operations in real time. It is this combination of skills and responsiveness that allows us to stay on course, even in the most turbulent times. The future of maritime transport: towards sustainable stability The current transformation of maritime freight is not limited to the economic situation. It reflects a fundamental shift towards more responsible and predictable logistics. Decarbonisation initiatives, the rise of rail transport on Eurasian corridors, and the boom in multimodal transport show that the industry is actively seeking to reinvent its balance. The most successful importers are no longer just looking for carriers, but for partners capable of designing a comprehensive logistics strategy: planning, consolidation, monitoring and continuous adaptation. Services such as NEXBOX are part of this evolution, offering controlled groupage solutions that are aligned with the imperatives of sustainability and efficiency. In conclusion Asia-Europe maritime freight is at a turning point. Between geopolitical tensions and ecological transition, companies must redefine their priorities: speed alone is no longer enough; stability is becoming essential. Consolidation solutions, such as those offered by Nexline, embody this desire to regain control over global flows, while incorporating flexibility and transparency. In this new equilibrium, resilience is not a reaction: it is a method. And stability, more than just a goal, is now becoming a strategy. Find out more: Nexline – About us Contact our teams Discover why so many companiesalready entrust their logistics to Nexline
Nexline featured in EuroTribune: reinventing the rules of international freight forwarding
We are proud to see Nexline featured in EuroTribune, the leading media outlet for the transport and logistics sector. This recognition confirms our ambition: to reinvent the rules of freight forwarding international. In an uncertain geopolitical context and a global supply chain under pressure, companies are now looking for agile and resilient logistics solutions. This is precisely our mission: to design tailor-made, reliable and sustainable logistics strategies on a daily basis. A new generation of freight forwarders Founded by former executives from Bansard and SEKO, Nexline draws on more than 20 years of field experience to rethink logistics around the essentials: trust, transparency and operational performance. We are not just transporters. We are the architects of your supply chain: a strategic partner capable of building customised solutions tailored to your priorities- whether it’s speed, cost control or sustainability. Our expertise covers all modes of transport: CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES A tailor-made supply chain, designed for your business challenges At Nexline, each customer benefits from a specific logistics plan and real-time tracking. Our approach is based on: Our solutions also cover global supply chain management, from warehousing and inventory management to last-mile logistics, e-commerce fulfilment and returns logistics. Thanks to our presence between Europe and Asia – from Paris to Hong Kong, via Dhaka – we connect markets with agility and reliability (printed materials, fasteners, packaging, etc.) that transit massively from China to France. For many European manufacturers, these parts are essential to production continuity – and therefore to their turnover. Why EuroTribune is talking about Nexline EuroTribune featured us because our approach stands out from market standards: we combine the experience of a large group with the proximity of a human-sized structure. In its article, the media outlet highlights our ability to anticipate risks, manage the unexpected and guarantee continuity of flows, even in the most complex situations. Our expertise has been forged in the field, working with the most demanding industries: textiles, retail, automotive and medical. “What we offer is not transport by the kilo. It is a tailor-made logistics strategy designed for the success of our customers.” Loïc Benattar, Managing Director, Nexline France An ambitious international outlook Following successful launches in China and Bangladesh, Nexline has established itself in France with three offices: Paris, Lyon and Lille. This expansion marks a new stage in its global development towards Spain, Italy, Belgium, Dubai and Latin America. Our services cover the entire logistics chain, from pallet transport to customs declarations, e-commerce delivery and transport flow management. Our goal: to become the benchmark network for demanding supply chains around the world. A trusted partner, not just a service provider Where others standardise their services, Nexline prioritises flexibility and people. Our team designs strategies that combine economic performance, operational excellence and environmental sustainability. We support our clients in managing and analysing their supply chain in order to optimise flows, reduce costs and improve overall performance. Discover why so many companiesalready entrust their logistics to Nexline In conclusion Being featured in EuroTribune is not an end in itself, but rather a milestone: recognition of a more human, flexible and sustainable model. At Nexline, we believe that an efficient supply chain is built on trust, agility and precision. 👉 Learn more about Nexline – About us 👉 Read the full article in EuroTribune