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

1, Definition and Overview
Express delivery personnel
A courier is an individual or team specialized in courier services, primarily responsible for delivering goods directly from the sender to the recipient. They usually work within the system of express delivery or logistics companies, carrying out the collection, transportation, distribution, and signing of goods according to the company's regulations and requirements. The scope of work for couriers is relatively small, mainly concentrated in the field of short distance delivery in cities or regions.
Freight forwarder (freight forwarder)
Freight forwarders are organizations or individuals specialized in freight transportation agency business, providing customers with comprehensive logistics services, including booking, customs declaration, inspection, warehousing, distribution, etc. Freight forwarders play an important role in the logistics chain, serving as a bridge between shippers and carriers, responsible for coordinating the work of various links, ensuring that goods can be transported smoothly and efficiently from the starting point to the destination.
2, Job responsibilities and responsibilities
The job responsibilities and scope of responsibilities of a courier
The main job responsibilities of a courier include: receiving customer express orders and picking them up at their doorstep according to their requirements and schedule; Safely and quickly deliver the goods to the designated location, and ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation; Communicate and confirm with customers to ensure that the goods are accurately and accurately delivered to the recipient's hands; Handle customer complaints and disputes, and provide high-quality customer service.
The job content and scope of responsibilities of freight forwarding agents
The job responsibilities of freight forwarding agents are relatively more complex and extensive. They need to understand various regulations and processes in the international trade and logistics industry, and provide professional logistics consulting services to customers; Develop appropriate transportation plans for customers, including selecting the best transportation method, route, and carrier, etc; Assist clients in completing customs declaration, inspection and other procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods; Provide warehousing and distribution services to customers, ensuring that goods are properly stored and delivered in a timely manner during transportation; Handle various transportation risks and issues, and provide comprehensive risk management services to customers.
3, Professional competence and service targets
Professional competence and service targets of couriers
Express delivery personnel need to have basic communication skills and service awareness, be able to accurately understand customer needs and requirements, and provide timely and accurate services. Their service targets mainly individuals or small businesses, mainly handling small parcel express and short distance delivery businesses.
Professional competence and service targets of freight forwarders
Freight forwarders need to have more comprehensive professional capabilities and service experience, including knowledge and skills in international trade, logistics, customs declaration, inspection and other aspects. They need to provide comprehensive logistics services to customers, solve various complex problems and risks. Their service targets are mainly large enterprises, multinational corporations, or importers and exporters, mainly handling international transportation and distribution of bulk goods.