Niche freight forwarder with your own license

Small and mid-sized importers and exporters, trade-show exhibitors and online sellers who need a personal service that large forwarders often don't give them.

You charge clients a rate per shipment and keep the difference between that and what carriers charge you, plus fees for documents, handling and extra services.

• Sales and negotiating with carriers
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Understanding of customs and trade documents
• Customer service under time pressure

• Ocean forwarding often needs a federal license and a surety bond, and air or customs work may need other registrations, so check each one before you take clients
• You may need a local business license, and your state may have its own rules, so check with your city, county and state
• Carriers may expect payment before your clients pay you, so plan for cash flow gaps
• Check which liability, cargo and errors and omissions insurance you need
• Customs errors, fines and lost cargo can be costly, so consider partnering with a licensed customs broker

Estimated startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your niche, the licenses and registrations you need, software and insurance. Check each federal and state requirement before taking clients, as they affect your total.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your trade lane, client base and shipment volume. Carriers may expect payment before your clients pay you, so plan for cash flow gaps.

Ocean forwarding often needs a federal license and a surety bond, and air or customs work may need other registrations. Check each before taking clients, plus local business license and state rules, and which insurance you need.