Spediteur

Spediteur is a logistics professional or company that arranges and coordinates the shipment of goods on behalf of clients. A spediteur typically does not own the transport assets; instead, they act as an intermediary between the shipper and carriers (shipping lines, airlines, trucking firms) to move goods from origin to destination. Their responsibilities include selecting transport modes, negotiating rates, preparing and processing transport and customs documents, arranging insurance, and managing warehousing and distribution as needed. They may provide door-to-door service, cargo consolidation, packaging, labeling, and tracking.

They operate in multimodal and international contexts, handling activities such as booking cargo space, routing, handling import and export formalities, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and Incoterms. They coordinate with customs brokers and authorities to obtain clearance. They often issue transport documents such as bills of lading or airway bills and provide risk management and claims handling. Some spediteurs own assets such as trucks or warehouses (asset-based freight forwarders), while others are non-asset-based and contract out to carriers (3PLs).

In business practice, a spediteur works to optimize cost, transit times, and reliability while meeting customer requirements and ensuring data accuracy. Regulation varies by country but typically includes licensing or registration, professional liability, insurance requirements, and adherence to customs, safety, and anti-fraud controls. The role is central to international trade, serving as the coordinator, negotiator, and compliance facilitator that enables efficient movement of goods across borders.