A freight forwarder mainly arranges and manages the transportation of goods on behalf of the shipper. They usually work with carriers, customs brokers, warehouses, and other logistics providers to find a suitable shipping solution. For example, a freight forwarder can arrange sea freight, air freight, customs clearance, and delivery from China to the final destination.

A logistics company is a broader term. It may provide transportation, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, customs services, or even manage the entire supply chain. Some logistics companies own their trucks, warehouses, or other transportation assets, while others also outsource part of the operation to partners.

In simple terms, a freight forwarder is mainly a coordinator of international shipments, while a logistics company can provide a wider range of logistics and supply-chain services.

For most importers and Amazon sellers, the key is not simply whether a company calls itself a freight forwarder or a logistics company. What matters more is whether it can provide reliable transportation, transparent pricing, customs support, shipment tracking, and responsive customer service.