Freight forwarder, clearing agent and transporter: who does what?

Moving imported cargo involves several different specialists, and their roles are easy to mix up. Knowing who does what helps you brief the right party and avoid gaps, or paying twice for the same thing.

The freight forwarder

A freight forwarder arranges the shipping of goods, often across modes and borders, booking space with carriers and coordinating the international movement. They're the organiser of the wider shipment, particularly the sea or air leg into the country.

The clearing agent

A clearing agent (or customs agent) handles the customs side once cargo arrives. Customs is administered by the Kenya Revenue Authority, and clearing is a licensed, specialist role. The agent processes declarations and documentation (see our overview of freight documents and release) so the cargo can be released.

The transporter

The transporter, that's us, moves the cargo by road once it's released: from the port or CFS to the final destination. Our job is the right vehicle, careful securing and a well-planned journey. We're not a clearing agent or forwarder, and we don't handle customs; we handle the road leg, as explained in what a logistics company does.

How they fit together

On a typical import, the forwarder gets the goods to Kenya, the clearing agent clears them, and the transporter delivers them. Some businesses use one company that coordinates several of these; others appoint each separately. Either way, knowing the boundaries keeps the process smooth.

Need the road transport leg handled from Mombasa? See our cargo transport services or get a quote.