The carrier owns or leases transportation tools and is responsible for specific transportation operations. Freight forwarders do not own transportation tools, but provide comprehensive transportation solutions by cooperating with multiple carriers.

For large-volume and long-distance cargo transportation, the single transportation cost of sea transportation is relatively low. For medium- and short-distance, time-sensitive cargo transportation, freight transportation has high cost-effectiveness.

Freight forwarders have rich industry knowledge and experience and can provide customers with professional transportation consulting and solutions. For some small and medium-sized enterprises or low-value goods, the service fees of freight forwarders may be high, affecting their profit margins.

FCA is a trade term in the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) issued by the International Chamber of Commerce, which means "free carrier". According to the FCA terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the carrier designated by the buyer.

The three main types of freight are air freight, ocean freight, and trucking. Air freight is the fastest way to ship, sea freight takes longer, and trucking offers flexibility. Each method has its own characteristics and advantages, and plays different roles in different scenarios.