A freight forwarder is an individual or company who dispatches shipments via asset-based carriers and arranges space for these shipments. Common carrier types may include waterborne vessels, airplanes, trucks or rail. Freight forwarders typically arrange cargo movement to an international destination. Also referred to as international freight forwarders, they have shipping expertise, which allows them to prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to international shipments. Some of the typical information reviewed by a freight forwarder is the commercial invoice, shipper's export declaration, bill of lading and other documents required by the carrier or country of export, import or transshipment. Much of this information is now processed in a paperless environment. The Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association is a trade association representing Customs brokers and freight forwarders that conducts business in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Los Angeles Forwarders Brokers is a group of local freight forwarders and brokers who are available to assist importers (and exporters) in shipping their cargo through the Port of Los Angeles. These industry experts may introduce importers who are new to the international shipping business and cargo handling process at the Port of Los Angeles to U.S. Customs, FDA, and USDA requirements and regulations, and related documentation and procedures. In addition to overseas assistance, this community of local forwarders-brokers have helped many importers to move their cargo throughout the United States, from Los Angeles to Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, and other inland locations nationwide. Members of Los Angeles Forwarders Brokers are willing to offer a patient assistance and guidance to all new importers. Directory listings and usage are always free for all local forwarders, brokers, and prospective importers. The group's mission statement and business philosophy is to quickly and efficiently help new importers set up their products for shipping through the Port of Los Angeles, from Customs clearance to door delivery.
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What is a Freight Forwarder?
What is a Customs Broker?
Customs brokerage is a profession that involves the clearing of goods through Customs barriers for importers and exporters (usually businesses). This involves the preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation (and usually the payment) on behalf of the client of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between the importer/exporter and governmental authorities. Customs brokers in the U.S. will often prepare and submit documentation to notify or obtain clearance from other government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the United States, as is the case through much of the world, Customs brokers are licensed by the local Customs authority. In the United States, this authority is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection.