Company Types and Roles

Understanding company classifications helps organize your business relationships.

Trader

• Companies that buy or sell cargo space or freight services.
• Import/export businesses.
• Manufacturers and distributors.
• Retailers needing shipping services.
• Typically your customers or cargo owners.

Line/Forwarder

• Shipping lines that operate vessels.
• Freight forwarders who arrange transportation.
• NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers).
• Logistics service providers.
• Your partners, carriers, and service providers.

Dual classification

Some companies may function as both Trader and Line/Forwarder if they:

• Operate their own services while also buying capacity from others.
• Provide both forwarding and trading services.
• Act as both customer and partner in different transactions.