A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary between exporters and the various transportation services involved in getting goods from one point to another. Their primary role is to arrange the shipment of goods on behalf of shippers, handling the logistics of transportation, including the selection of carriers, negotiation of freight rates, and management of the necessary documentation for international shipping. Freight forwarders leverage their expertise and network to streamline the shipping process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. This includes navigating the complex regulatory requirements and customs clearances associated with international trade. An exporter should make use of a freight forwarder to benefit from their knowledge and infrastructure, which can significantly reduce the administrative burden and logistical challenges, ensure compliance with international laws, and potentially lower shipping costs through better rates and optimization of shipment routes. This allows exporters to focus on their core business operations, knowing that the logistics of their product distribution are handled expertly.