Freight forwarder or haulier: who we are and how we source vehicles
A haulier physically moves goods with its own truck and driver. A freight forwarder organises that transport for the customer – choosing the right vehicle, contracting the carrier, agreeing collection and delivery and monitoring the journey. We are an international freight forwarder: we do not own trucks, and we source the vehicle for your goods from one of more than 500 contracted carriers.
What is the difference between a forwarder and a haulier?
In everyday speech the terms are often mixed up, but contractually they mean different things. A haulier (carrier) owns or operates vehicles and performs the transport. A freight forwarder arranges the transport: it finds a carrier with a suitable vehicle and free capacity on the route and coordinates everyone involved – the consignor, the carrier and the consignee.
| Freight forwarder | Haulier | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | organises the transport, selects vehicle and carrier | performs the transport |
| Fleet | not needed – works with a carrier network | own or leased vehicles |
| Vehicle choice | many types, matched to goods and route | limited to its own fleet |
| Best for | varied goods, irregular routes, multiple collections | a fixed lane with a dedicated truck |
Why a forwarder makes sense for imports from the EU
Shipments from across the European Union vary a great deal. One week you need a reefer for vegetables from Almería, the next a curtainsider for tiles from Castellón, and then a van for an urgent part. No single haulier has every vehicle type on every route. We choose from a wide network of contracted partners, so the vehicle matches the goods rather than whatever happens to be free.
On long routes – from the Iberian Peninsula, the Baltics or the Balkans – we also use trucks heading back towards central Europe after delivering there, which makes it easier to find space even for smaller consignments.
How a shipment with us works
- Request – via the calculator, by e-mail or by phone.
- Vehicle proposal and quote – based on the goods, quantity and date.
- Booking the carrier – with precise instructions on loading, temperature and securing.
- Liaising with your supplier – collection time and readiness of the goods.
- Tracking and delivery – regular updates and the signed CMR consignment note after unloading.
Who is liable for the goods?
In international road transport the carrier is liable under the CMR Convention. Liability is limited to 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of gross weight unless a higher value has been declared. For valuable goods such as machinery or wine we therefore recommend cargo insurance, and we are happy to advise when it is worth having.
Interested in a particular type of goods? Start on the home page or get a price now.