Exporters use the services of a forwarder primarily for convenience. New exporters can benefit from the services of a good and honest forwarder.
In less developed countries, it is a business practice that the exporter utilizes own contacts or sources of export services like trucking and customs declaration, especially in ocean shipments, instead of relying on the forwarder, which is the practice in developed countries.
Referring to Case Sample: Freight Consolidation (1), XY Consolidator may offer UVW Exports to transport their goods at US$70/CBM, including such charges as the inland freight (cartage) and handling, from UVW Exports' premises to Port B. If UVW Exports uses its own contacts in the forwarding instead of a consolidator, the freight rate of US$55/CBM from RS Shipping plus all other charges may amount to less than US$70/CBM. Exporters should always check the options.