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

Freight Forwarder : Essentially secures the business of various exporters and importers and has the ability/facility to

• storage the cargo belonging to the clients at their warehouse (usually all big forwarders have their own warehouses)
• negotiate freight rates with the shipping line to cover the interest of their clients
• prepare bills of lading and associated shipping/negotiating documentation (F178, Certificate of Origin, etc)
• MAY or MAY NOT also do Customs Clearance
• almost viewed by clients as an alternative shipping line

Broker is someone who

• Arranges transportation whether road, rail or sea with a carrier, either on behalf of the shipper, consignee or freight forwarder..
• Outsources all the activities associated with the transportation such as transport, insurance..
• Brokers generally do not own their own bills of lading like some Freight Forwarders may do..