In daily import and export trade, companies often encounter terms like "shipowner," "shipping company," "shipping agent," and "freight forwarder." So, what exactly are these terms? And what roles do they each play in global maritime trade?

1. Shipowner

As the name suggests, a shipowner is the owner of a vessel. They are responsible for the construction, purchase, and subsequent maintenance of the vessel. They also manage the vessel's dispatch and crew based on shipping market conditions and their own business strategies, bearing certain long-term investment and capital operating risks.

2. Shipping Company

A shipping company, commonly known as a liner company, may be a transportation service provider that charters and operates vessels from shipowners, or it may be the shipowner itself.

Shipping companies often own large fleets and primarily engage in maritime cargo transportation, earning revenue from shipping fees. They provide shippers or freight forwarders with a range of high-quality services, including route planning, sailing schedules, and maritime transportation.

3. Shipping Agent

A shipping agent is an agency that serves shipowners or shipping companies, handling all matters related to ships in port. The qualification requirements for a shipping agent are very strict, requiring a professional service team and extensive business experience.

A shipping agent's main duties include handling port entry and exit procedures, arranging ship berthing, organizing cargo loading and unloading, and providing ship supplies. At the port, a shipping agent coordinates various matters with import and export parties to ensure the efficient operation of ships, and is known as the "Angel of the Port."

4. Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is a professional agency that accepts commissions from shippers and provides a range of comprehensive logistics services, including cargo collection, booking, customs clearance, inspection, and transportation arrangements. Freight forwarders are divided into first-tier and second-tier freight forwarders. Freight forwarders arrange the appropriate transportation method for the cargo based on the shipper's needs and select the appropriate shipping company for booking (freight forwarders generally contact shipping agents for booking), ensuring smooth shipment and meeting the shipper's demand for efficient logistics services.

In short, "shipowners", "shipping companies", "shipping agents" and "freight forwarders" play different roles in international trade. They are indispensable links in the cross-border flow of goods and effectively guarantee the smooth development of global trade.