By Yasmine EDDAM
1 May 2025
The freight forwarder organises and guarantees the transport of goods. Their involvement in the logistics chain is governed by precise rules. Their status, obligations and responsibilities structure commercial exchanges. The legal status of the freight forwarder The freight forwarder is defined as an intermediary who organises transport on behalf of a customer. They act in their own name but on behalf of others. Three criteria determine their status: this status distinguishes them from freight forwarders (who simply act as agents), freight brokers (who do not contract in their own name) or carriers (who carry out the transport operation). The profession is regulated. It imposes strict conditions: professional competence, good repute, entry in the official register. Failure to register is an offence punishable by imprisonment and a fine. For a detailed examination of this legal status, see our article on the legal status of the freight forwarder. The freight forwarding contract The contract is...
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