If you’re importing products for Amazon FBA or DTC fulfillment, you’ll encounter two key logistics partners: freight forwarders and customs brokers. While they both play essential roles in getting your goods across borders, their functions are distinctly different.

Confusing the two—or working without one—can lead to customs delays, compliance issues, and unexpected costs. In this guide, we’ll break down what each party does, when you need them, and how they work together to keep your supply chain running smoothly.

What Is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a logistics partner that manages the end-to-end transportation of your goods across international borders. They act as an intermediary between you and various transportation providers (air, sea, rail, or truck), handling the physical movement of your cargo.

Key Responsibilities:

• Booking cargo space on ships, planes, or trucks
• Coordinating international shipments
• Consolidating cargo (especially for LCL—less than container load)
• Managing shipping documentation (bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list)
• Arranging cargo insurance
• Providing door-to-door or port-to-port service

Think of a Freight Forwarder as:

Your logistics project manager—they don’t physically move the goods themselves but coordinate every aspect of how and where your goods are shipped.

What Is a Customs Broker?

A customs broker is a licensed professional (or company) who ensures your shipments meet all legal requirements for entry into a specific country. In the U.S., customs brokers must be licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Their job is to ensure your goods clear customs smoothly and compliantly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Classifying products using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes
• Calculating and submitting duties and taxes
• Filing entry documents with customs authorities (e.g., FDA, USDA for regulated goods)
• Ensuring compliance with import laws
• Managing customs holds or inspections

Think of a Customs Broker as:

Your compliance expert—they make sure your goods aren’t held up at the border due to incorrect paperwork or regulations.

Freight Forwarder vs. Customs Broker: Key Differences

Feature	Freight Forwarder	Customs Broker
Main Role	Manages transportation and logistics	Manages customs compliance and clearance
Handles Shipping?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Handles Customs Paperwork?	⚠ Sometimes (through a broker)	✅ Yes
Licensed by Government?	❌ No (not required)	✅ Yes (e.g., CBP in the U.S.)
Product Classification?	❌ No	✅ Yes (HTS code)
Calculates Duties & Taxes?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Coordinates Inspections?	❌ No	✅ Yes

Do You Need Both?

Yes—in most cases. Freight forwarders and customs brokers often work together, but they serve different parts of the logistics puzzle.

• The freight forwarder moves your goods from point A to point B.
  
• The customs broker ensures your goods are legally allowed into point B.
  

Many freight forwarding companies offer customs brokerage as a service, either in-house or through partners. But if you’re importing regulated goods (like supplements or electronics), it’s often wise to work with a dedicated broker to ensure compliance.

When Should You Use Each?

Use a Freight Forwarder if you are:

• Shipping from overseas manufacturers
• Coordinating multiple shipping modes (sea, air, truck)
• Need cargo insurance or route optimization

Use a Customs Broker if you are:

• Importing into the U.S. or another regulated market
• Need help with duties, HS codes, or compliance
• Shipping FDA, USDA, or other regulated products

How MyFBAPrep Simplifies Both

At MyFBAPrep, we work with a trusted network of freight forwarders and customs brokers to streamline your import process from manufacturer to final warehouse destination. Whether you’re shipping to Amazon FBA, Walmart Fulfillment Services, or your own DTC 3PL, we ensure your goods move smoothly—and legally—every step of the way.

We can help with:

• Sourcing and managing freight forwarders
• Connecting you with licensed customs brokers
• Ensuring product compliance for supplements, electronics, and more
• Handling final-mile delivery to prep centers or FBA warehouses

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a customs broker and a freight forwarder is critical to keeping your international shipments on track. While freight forwarders handle how your goods move, customs brokers handle if your goods are allowed to move across borders.

Working with experienced partners like MyFBAPrep ensures that both roles are covered—so you can focus on growing your business, not fighting customs delays.

Ready to import with confidence? Let MyFBAPrep connect you with vetted freight and customs partners and handle your end-to-end prep and fulfillment logistics. Contact us today.