What role does a freight forwarding agent play in moving goods through several carriers?

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Mosaic portrait of Emperor Justinian I with a jeweled crown and halo, from the 6th-century Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. — Carriage of goods Justinian I, detail of a 6th-century mosaic at the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.

A freight forwarding agent plays a critical role when the transport of goods requires multiple carriers or successive modes of transport. Their primary function is to arrange for the carriage and delivery of goods to their destination for a reward.1

In this capacity, the agent acts as an intermediary who makes contracts of carriage on behalf of their principal. By establishing a direct contractual relationship between the principal and the carrier, the agent facilitates the movement of goods across different segments of a journey.1

The agent's legal responsibilities vary significantly by jurisdiction:

Common-law jurisdictions: An agent who is not a carrier is generally not responsible for the goods once they are handed over to the carrier they engaged. However, if the agent acts as a carrier throughout the journey—using other carriers on their own account—they assume the liabilities of a carrier.1
Civil-law jurisdictions: The agent is typically held fully responsible for any loss or damage occurring while the goods are in the hands of the carriers they engaged, unless the principal specifically requested the use of a particular carrier.1

Regardless of jurisdiction, if an agent carries the goods themselves, they incur the liabilities of a carrier.1