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

1, Definition and Responsibilities
Customs broker: A customs broker, also known as a customs service company or customs agent, is an organization specialized in providing import and export goods customs declaration, inspection and other services. Their main responsibility is to submit customs declarations and related documents on behalf of importers and exporters to the customs, and handle the import and export procedures of goods. Customs brokers are familiar with customs regulations and policies, able to ensure the accuracy and compliance of customs declaration documents, and help customers pass through customs smoothly. In addition, customs brokers also provide consulting and training services to help clients understand and comply with customs regulations and policies, and improve their business capabilities and levels.
Freight forwarding: Freight forwarding, also known as freight forwarding, is an organization specialized in providing services such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution of goods. Their main responsibility is to assist customers in selecting suitable transportation methods (such as sea, air, land, etc.) based on their needs, and arrange the transportation routes and vehicles for goods. Freight forwarders also provide warehousing and distribution services, with modern warehouse facilities and distribution networks, capable of providing customers with safe, fast, and reliable warehousing and distribution services. In addition, freight forwarders also provide logistics consulting and planning services to help customers optimize logistics processes and improve logistics efficiency.
2, Function and Service Scope
The functions and service scope of a customs broker: The core function of a customs broker is to handle the customs declaration and inspection affairs of imported and exported goods. They not only represent customers in submitting customs declarations and related documents to customs, but also coordinate customs inspections, tax payments, and other matters. In addition, customs brokers also provide professional consulting and training services to help customers solve various problems encountered during the import and export process. The service scope of customs brokers mainly focuses on import and export procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.
The functions and service scope of freight forwarding: The functions of freight forwarding are more extensive and diverse. They not only provide goods transportation services, but also involve multiple aspects such as warehousing, distribution, logistics consulting, etc. Freight forwarders provide personalized logistics solutions based on customer needs, helping customers reduce logistics costs and improve logistics efficiency. The service scope of freight forwarding covers the entire logistics transportation process, from the loading and transportation of goods to the final delivery, all of which rely on the participation and coordination of freight forwarding agents.
3, Relationship with customers
The relationship between customs brokers and customers: Customs brokers and customers usually establish a cooperative relationship based on trust and professionalism. The client entrusts the customs clearance affairs to the customs broker, relying on their professional knowledge and experience to ensure the smooth clearance of goods. Customs brokers win the trust and dependence of customers by providing accurate and efficient customs clearance services. This relationship is based on long-term cooperation and mutual support.
The relationship between freight forwarders and customers: The relationship between freight forwarders and customers is even closer and more diverse. As a logistics partner of customers, freight forwarders not only provide goods transportation services, but also actively participate in customers' logistics planning and optimization work. The communication and collaboration between freight forwarders and customers run through the entire logistics transportation process, ensuring that goods can be safely and timely delivered to the destination according to customer requirements. Freight forwarders provide comprehensive logistics services to help customers reduce logistics costs and enhance market competitiveness.