What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a broker?

The main difference between a freight forwarder and a freight broker is that a freight forwarder arranges the shipping of freight for customers and may also store products, while a freight broker coordinates the connection between shippers and carriers without handling freight directly. Freight forwarders take physical possession of goods during a point in their travel and operate internationally, while freight brokers typically only arrange the transport of freight within their home country. Additionally, freight brokers have more bargaining power than an individual business with only a few regular clients and connect with multiple carriers to negotiate better rates for the shippers.