（1） The Concept of International Freight Forwarding

1. The definition of international freight forwarding issued by the competent department of the Chinese government (Ministry of Commerce)

International freight forwarding industry "refers to the industry that accepts the commission of the consignee and consignor of import and export goods, handles international freight transportation and related business for the principal in the name of the principal or in its own name, and collects service remuneration.

2. Definition of international freight forwarder formulated by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

The Model Regulations on International Freight Forwarding Services (also known as FIATA Freight Forwarding Standard Trading Conditions) promulgated in October 1996 defines international freight forwarder and international freight forwarding services as follows.

"International freight forwarder" refers to the person who signs an international freight forwarding service contract with the customer.

International freight forwarding and logistics services "refer to all services related to the transportation of goods, as well as services related to the consolidation, storage, processing, packaging, and distribution of goods, as well as auxiliary and consulting services related to the aforementioned services. This includes, but is not limited to, customs and financial affairs, official declaration of goods, arrangement of insurance for goods, collection or payment of goods related payments and documents, and other services.

（2） The Nature of International Freight Forwarding

The essence of international freight forwarder is "international freight forwarder", which can act as the agent of the consignee and consignor of import and export goods, playing the role of "agent"; You can also act as an independent operator, playing the role of a "party" and engaging in international freight forwarding business. International freight forwarding belongs to the tertiary industry service industry in the social industrial structure.