Stakeholders Involved in an International Order
An international shipment — even something as small as a $1000 consignment — involves multiple stakeholders. Each plays a distinct role in ensuring that cargo moves smoothly from the exporter to the final consignee.
Understanding who they are and what they do is crucial for anyone involved in global trade.
- Exporter (Supplier, Trading Company, or Manufacturer)
The exporter is the entity responsible for supplying goods and preparing them for shipment.They could be the manufacturer themselves or a trading company holding a valid export license.If a manufacturer lacks this license, a trading company facilitates the export process on their behalf.
2. Origin Agent / Freight Forwarder at Origin
Acts as the coordinator at the shipping origin.
They handle pick-up from the supplier’s facility, local transportation, export documentation, and customs clearance.
Even large freight forwarding companies rely on a network of local agents to manage these ground operations efficiently.
3. CFS (Container Freight Station) at Origin
This is the location where cargo is received from the exporter or shipper before being handed over to the carrier. CFS handles cargo storage, consolidation, and loading onto the vessel. In the case of LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, a consolidating agent operates here — grouping smaller consignments into one shared container for export.
Shipping Line / Carrier (Main Carriage)
This is the entity responsible for the main leg of transportation — moving goods by sea or air from the port of origin to the destination. The shipping line issues the Bill of Lading, which serves as both a receipt and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the consignee.
Destination Freight Forwarder / Agent
The counterpart of the origin forwarder at the receiving end.They coordinate with the shipping line, ensure that all shipping documents are in order, and arrange delivery of the cargo to the designated Container Freight Station (CFS) or customs point for further processing.
CFS (Container Freight Station) at Destination
At the destination, the CFS receives and handles all imported cargo.In case of LCL shipments, this is where containers are segregated — goods belonging to different consignees are separated based on their House Bills of Lading (HBLs) and documentation before customs processing.
Customs House Agent (CHA)
A licensed intermediary who represents the importer in front of Customs.They file the customs Entry, coordinate inspections, handle duty payments, and ensure that all declarations and documentation comply with Indian Customs regulations.
Customs Department
The government authority responsible for assessing and regulating imported goods.They verify the accuracy of declarations, may request additional documents, and approve the release of cargo once compliance requirements are met.
Transporter / Last-Mile Delivery Partner
Handles the domestic movement of cargo after clearance — from the port or CFS to the importer’s warehouse, fulfillment center, or final storage location.
