International Freight Forwarding

International freight forwarders coordinate complex international shipments, handling ocean or air freight, customs clearance, documentation, and door-to-door logistics for importing and exporting businesses.

With global trade worth $25+ trillion annually and businesses requiring expertise to navigate international shipping, forwarders generate revenue of $180,000-$650,000 annually with profit margins of 15-25% through markup on carrier services and fees for documentation and coordination.

The business requires deep knowledge of international shipping, customs regulations, Incoterms, and documentation requirements.

Many forwarders obtain customs broker licenses to provide full-service import/export support.

Services include ocean/air freight booking, customs clearance, documentation preparation, cargo insurance, warehousing coordination, and delivery arrangement.

Forwarders build relationships with ocean carriers, airlines, customs brokers, and trucking companies to provide complete solutions.

Success factors include expertise in international regulations, strong problem-solving abilities, and relationships with reliable partners.

Many forwarders specialize in specific trade lanes (US-China, US-Europe) or industries.

The business requires significant working capital due to payment timing (paying carriers before collecting from customers).

Marketing focuses on networking with importers/exporters, trade show attendance, and demonstrating expertise in specific lanes.

With global commerce continuing strong in 2025 and regulatory complexity increasing, international freight forwarding offers opportunities for entrepreneurs with international trade knowledge willing to build a relationship and expertise-based business.