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What’s the Difference Between a Freight Forwarder vs Cargo Agent?
When shipping goods internationally, you’ll often hear the terms freight forwarder and cargo agent. Many people think they mean the same thing — but there are key differences you should understand before choosing who to work with.
At Bali Sourcing Cargo, we aim to make shipping clear and simple. Let’s break it down 👇
🔹 What is a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder is a company that organizes the full shipment process for you. They don’t usually own the ships or planes but instead arrange transport through their network of carriers.
What they do:
Plan the best route for your cargo
Book space with airlines, shipping lines, or trucking companies
Handle customs clearance and documentation
Provide tracking and shipment updates
Offer door-to-door services
👉 In short, a freight forwarder is like your logistics manager, making sure everything goes smoothly from pickup to delivery.
🔹 What is a Cargo Agent?
A cargo agent usually works on behalf of airlines, shipping lines, or logistics companies. They are more specialized and focus on one part of the shipping process.
What they do:
Sell cargo space on behalf of carriers
Arrange bookings for sea freight or air freight
Provide basic documentation support
Act as an agent between you and the carrier
👉 A cargo agent is more like a sales representative of the shipping company rather than a full logistics partner.
🔹 Which One Should You Choose?
If you want peace of mind and a partner to manage everything, choose a freight forwarder.
If you only need to book space on a ship or plane and can handle the rest, a cargo agent might be enough.
At Bali Sourcing Cargo, we operate as a trusted freight forwarder in Bali, providing complete export solutions — from packing, trucking, customs clearance, to worldwide delivery.