When Were Forwarders Invented?

One of the earliest freight forwarders was Thomas Meadows and Company Limited of London, England, established in 1836.

When did freight forwarding start?

The Origins of Freight Forwarding

The practice of freight forwarding has origins in the late 18th Century. The first forwarders were innkeepers who assisted their guests by holding and forwarding their belongings and goods.

What is the difference between forwarder and carrier?

A Common Carrier is a person or company that transports goods on regular routes at set rates. A Freight Forwarder is a person or company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from origin to destination; forwarders typically contract with a carrier to move the goods.