Freight forwarders are essential for successful shipping because they bridge the gap between carriers and you. You should partner with the best freight forwarders in Nigeria to guarantee excellent results. Failure to select the right forwarder can affect your international trade and business operations.
This article covers the five best freight forwarders in Nigeria. It also explores what they do and how to choose the best one.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do in Nigeria?
A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary between you and a shipping company. They coordinate the shipping process on your behalf. Their services include:
1. Determining the Best Modes of Shipping
A freight forwarder can help you determine whether air freight, sea freight, or inland haulage is your best option. They will opt for air freight if the shipment is time-bound and costly. A freight forwarder will choose sea freight for non-urgent cargo. Inland haulage transports shipments within Nigeria’s borders.
2. Documentation Handling
Freight forwarders will handle documents for shipping nationally and internationally. These documents include, but are not limited to, purchase contracts, bills of lading, waybills, and commercial invoices. They will submit these documents when required to ensure your shipments arrive on time.
3. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
A freight forwarder will ensure that your shipping adheres to national and international regulatory requirements. They have professionals who understand trade laws, monitor them, and maintain the legality of operations. For example, a freight forwarder will ensure it meets environmental safety compliance and the requirements for shipping specialised cargo.
4. Warehousing and Consolidation
A freight forwarder helps store your goods until they are ready for shipping while keeping proper inventory. These include products that require specialised storage such as refrigeration. Freight forwarders consolidate large shipments to help you cut costs and ship efficiently.
5. Maximizing Value
A freight forwarder helps you save money on shipping by negotiating costs. They will explore different shipping companies and decide on the one that offers the best deal. A freight forwarder will explore shipping incentives that can help you cut costs.
6. Ensuring Safe Delivery
Freight forwarders will monitor your shipments to ensure it is being transported properly. They will respond to any issues that may arise and explore solutions. Freight forwarders facilitate the delivery of your cargo to your doorstep.
Key Difference From Regular Shipping Companies
A shipping company’s duty is the physical shipping of the cargo from one point to another using a vessel. They do not handle logistical services such as warehousing, customs clearance, consolidation, or document handling; a freight forwarder does.
Freight forwarders can choose different carriers and routes. However, shipping companies transport goods using their network. You do not typically interact with a shipping company unless you are transporting a large amount of cargo.
However, some shipping companies provide freight forwarding services. Working with them means you do not have to use a third-party freight forwarder.
5 Best Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (2025)
Here are the five best freight forwarders in Nigeria (2025).
1. D2D Cargo
D2D Cargo is one of the leading freight forwarders in Nigeria. provides reliable freight forwarding services in over 200 countries. The company is known for its end-to-end shipping support and is a leading operator of China-Nigeria routes in Nigeria. D2D’s head office is in Lagos, but it provides world-class shipping services nationwide.
The company offers services such as air freight, sea freight, and inland haulage. It provides customs clearing and real-time tracking services.
D2D Cargo operates transparently and delivers your goods urgently. It will communicate the estimated delivery time and stick to it. Should any issues arise, D2D Cargo handles them promptly. It has responsive customer support.
2. Fortune Global
Fortune Global is a forwarding services provider established in 2006. The company is headquartered in Nigeria but has branches in the Benin Republic, Djibouti, Ghana, and Kenya. It has a global services network in over 100 countries.
The company provides air and sea freight services. It offers Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. Fortune Global is popular for its ability to handle heavy lift haulage and custom projects. It can optimise its services to match your specific demands. The company is registered with top national and international organisations.
3. NAHCO Logistics
Nahcho Logistics has transported over 50,000 cargo during its ten years of experience in Nigeria..The company offers air freight, sea freight, and inland haulage. Its cutting-edge technology, intelligent workforce, and top operating standards allow it to deliver prompt, effective, and qualitative logistical solutions
Its headquarters is at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, positioning it as a top option for corporate air freight shipping out of Lagos. Nacho Logistics also provides excellent bonded warehousing services.
4. GIG Logistics (Corporate Division)
GIG Logistics was founded in 2012 and is one of the best freight forwarders in Nigeria. Its advanced technological capabilities and innovation make it stand out; it uses the latest tracking software and automation.
GIG Logistics is known for its excellent corporate logistics division. It is a top option for your business, especially if you are in the e-commerce sector. GIG Logistics’ global network and partnerships allow you to ship goods internationally. Its inland haulage services make delivering goods to your customers timely and easy.
5. Bolloré Transport & Logistics
Bolloré Transport & Logistics has a long-standing presence in Nigeria. It has a strong compliance and safety record and offers multinational transport networks. The company is ideal for shipping large-scale or international shipments. It has many top professionals who can handle consignments and offer invaluable value-added services.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder in Nigeria
These are some factors to consider when choosing a freight forwarder in Nigeria.
1. Licensing & Industry Certifications
Licensing and industry certifications can help determine a forwarder’s credibility. Research whether they are registered with organisations such as the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
They should have licenses from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). Ensure they are duly registered as a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission and are tax-compliant. Verify that the freight forwarder has relevant international licenses.
2. Transparency in Pricing
Your freight forwarder should provide you with a detailed, clear, upfront quote for their services. It should also contain a breakdown of any potential additional expenses.
3. Experience with Customs
A freight forwarder experienced in dealing with customs can clear your cargoes quickly. They will settle the required duties and levies on your behalf. Experienced freight forwarders will correctly classify your goods under HS codes to ensure you do not overpay.
4. Tracking Capabilities
Work with a freight forwarder who offers tracking services. It ensures you can monitor your shipments as they are being transported nationally or internationally. Getting accurate status about the location of your shipments can help you respond quickly to emergencies.
5. Responsiveness & Support
Don’t compromise on customer support when choosing a freight forwarder. It ensures that you can easily reach them on any concerns or queries. You should also evaluate their responsiveness. Ensure that they respond helpfully to any query that may arise.
6. References from other Businesses
Ask your business partners for reviews and references. A forwarder who has consistently provided quality services for them will do the same for you. Ask the references about what they like about the forwarder’s services to discover whether they are a fit for your business. You can also request references from the company itself.
Common Challenges in Freight Forwarding (And How Top Companies Solve Them)
Your freight forwarding services may experience certain operational challenges. However, top companies act proactively to mitigate these challenges. These are common freight forwarding challenges and how top companies solve them.
1. Port Delays and Congestion
Freight forwarders may experience delays and congestion in ports due to high volumes of cargo and ships that exceed the port’s capacity, poor infrastructure, labour shortages, or unfavourable weather. Congestion in ports can lead to shipment delays and increased storage costs.
Air freight can also experience equal challenges, especially during unfavourable weather. Custom clearance issues or a shortage of labour can cause congestion or delays.
Freight forwarders like D2D Cargo use advanced tools to monitor port congestion levels. The forwarder’s technologically advanced vessels help increase loading and unloading time at ports. Their vast networks and presence in many ports allow them to reroute if a port is congested.
2. Incomplete Documentation
Freight forwarders may encounter issues with incomplete or inaccurate documentation. These documents may include, but are not limited to: bill of lading, packaging lists, commercial invoices, and certificate of origin. Failure to submit these documents can cause delays or a serious regulatory breach.
Leading freight forwarders verify that they have all the required documents before shipping goods. They inspect the document for accuracy to ensure compliance with regulations.
3. Changing Customs Policies
Freight forwarding’s centrality to the economy makes it a common topic among policies and lawmakers. Therefore, it is subject to regular regulatory or policy changes. These frequent regulatory or policy changes can cause uncertainty in the industry and affect freight forwarders’ operations.
Top Nigerian freight forwarders, such as D2D Cargo, have experts proficient in Nigerian and international shipping laws. It keeps them informed about major regulatory or policy changes, enabling them to implement them in their operations.
4. Inland Transport Risks
It is becoming increasingly challenging for shipping companies to operate inland transport due to security and infrastructural challenges. Drivers must navigate poor road networks and deal with potential security threats.
Top freight forwarders provide optimal security for their drivers and cargo during inland shipping. They hire drivers experienced in navigating Nigerian roads and can determine the best routes for inland transport.
Tips for First-Time Importers & Exporters in Nigeria
International trade is intricate, regardless of whether you are importing or exporting. It is imperative to consider essential factors and vet your freight forwarder to ensure it is the right one for you. Here are tips for first-time importers or exporters.
1. Understand Incoterms (e.g., FOB, EXW)
According to Investopedia, “International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) clarify the rules and terms that buyers and sellers use in international and domestic trade contracts.” These rules define their responsibilities. There are 11 Incoterms, and it is imperative to understand them for effective international trade.
2. Ask About Insurance and Tracking
Work with a freight forwarder that offers insurance and tracking. Insurance alleviates your risk of losses while real-time tracking ensures transparency. A forwarder that provides both services is committed to optimal service.
3. Get Quotes in Writing
A quote is a document that details the cost of a freight forwarder’s logistical services. It also contains other integral information such as the estimated delivery time, mode of transport, payment terms, and additional expenses. Request a quote from a forwarder and study it.
4. Build Long-Term Relationships with a Single Trusted Forwarder
Building long-term relationships with a single freight forwarder will make them understand your business requirements and effectively meet them. They will know how to package, handle, schedule, and deliver your shipment. Such forwarders can provide better support in critical situations and offer you the best deals, even amidst rising costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does freight forwarding cost in Nigeria?
Freight forwarding in Nigeria costs from a few thousand Naira to millions of Naira. Factors that influence the costs include size and type of shipment, mode of transport (air, sea, or inland haulage), cargo origin and destination, and the exact service type. For example, bigger shipments cost more than smaller ones.
What documents are handled by freight forwarders?
Documents handled by freight forwarders include, but aren’t limited to, shipping bill, bill of lading, customs documents, form M, and import/export declarations. These documents are integral for national and international shipping. For example, ‘For M’ is mandatory for all imports of physical goods to Nigeria.
Do freight forwarders offer delivery to a warehouse or office?
Freight forwarders like D2D Cargo offer delivery to a warehouse or office. They will ship the goods from the origin to the destination port. The forwarders will then ship from the port to your preferred destination. They also provide door-to-door inland haulage services.
Can freight forwarders help with customs delays?
Freight forwarders can help with customs delays by identifying the issue and working to resolve it. For example, they will source and provide the relevant documents if your cargo is being delayed due to insufficient documentation. Their network of agents and relationship with customs hasten how they handle delays.
Conclusion
Nigeria has top options for freight forwarders. The five companies listed here provide excellent services and are a good fit for any business. Conduct due diligence and consider critical factors such as licensing, pricing transparency, experience with customs, and tracking capabilities. Understand the forwarder’s scope of services.
If you need a trusted freight forwarder without the stress of extensive research, consider D2D Cargo. We provide reliable air, sea, and inland haulage shipping services for heavy, light, and specialized cargo. Whether you’re shipping from China or managing logistics, we can make it easy.
1 Comment
Gugu Prisca
I want to buy items from Nigeria to SA
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