In short, a shipper is just that; a shipper. They simply move the cargo from port to port. Typically shipping companies Australia will load containers from the dockside onto their ships. They will transport the container to the destination country.

The container is delivered dockside and that is where their responsibility ends. A shipper takes no responsibility for getting the containers to the final destination. Once the container is on the dockside, it is up to the owner to sort everything out, including complex paperwork, customs, taxes and duty. By contrast, a freight forwarder takes on the responsibility of getting cargo from point to point. They will organise pick up from the location and transportation to the port. They can oversee import/export regulations including customs forms. The freight forwarders will organise and expedite shipping. After the container arrives at the destination port, they will oversee custom requirements. The freight forwarder will then deliver the container to the destination address.

Any good shipping company in Australia can also assist with compliance of any of the shipped items, in the new country. A freight forwarder in Australia offers the logistics services of point to point service not just a port to port service offered by shippers.