Freight Forwarding

By: Alexis Marsh

Edited by: Siyana Randolph

First designated as a port of entry in 1706, the Port of Baltimore is a major shipping port in Baltimore, Maryland. Within the port—and any other port—are many different parts that keep it functioning. Without even just one of these parts, the port would not operate as well. This article addresses various aspects of freight forwarding, including its function, location, and importance within the Port of Baltimore.

Freight Forwarding Spans Transport Via Sea, Air, and Land. (US Department of State)

Freight forwarding involves the coordination and management of shipping goods from one place to another. Freight forwarders manage transportation, storage, logistics, insurance needs, and tracking capabilities. They might ask questions such as, “How soon does this product need to reach its destination?” or “Is this product fragile, or does it contain a dangerous substance?” Overall, a freight forwarder is a firm specializing in arranging cargo on behalf of shippers.

Freight forwarders handle shipments, but they are not the ones who physically move the cargo. They work as intermediaries between shipping customers and the services that move cargo. Freight forwarders play a significant role in ensuring that goods reach their destinations safely, on time, and efficiently. Customs brokers are licensed individuals or companies regulated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who assist importers and exporters in meeting federal requirements (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

Baltimore's Seagirt Terminal Serves Cargo Ships, Trains, and Trucks (Port of Baltimore FaceBook)

On the East Coast, freight forwarders often face different challenges than on the West Coast. Many West Coast ports have expanded to accommodate larger ships, giving them better infrastructure (EFI). East Coast ports have faced space limitations and older infrastructure but have made improvements in recent years. These differences affect freight forwarding because port size determines how many products arrive and depart—and thus how much management is required.

According to the Port of Baltimore Directory, there are 99 companies advertising as customs brokers or freight forwarders within the port. One of these is John S. Connor Global Logistics, founded in 1917 when John Connor’s mother lent him $300 to start the business after he obtained his customs broker license (Global Logistics Associates). Today, it is a third-generation, family-owned and operated company serving international trade.

John S. Connor offers services including tramp operations, AMS documentation, and customs clearance for vessel spares. The company coordinates vessels and cargo, ensuring port visits are brief and efficient. As ship owners’ agents, they act as project managers and primary contacts for vessel port calls, providing real-time updates and reports. Their headquarters are in Hanover, MD, near Baltimore-Washington International Airport; they have an additional office in Glen Burnie.

Freight forwarding locations are scattered around the port, often more inland near the Patapsco River. Many forwarders and customs brokers manage importing and exporting operations from their offices rather than physically at the port. Freight forwarders primarily handle documentation, shipping regulations, scheduling, and coordination.

According to RocketReach, John S. Connor’s revenue is about $23.8 million, demonstrating the financial scale of freight forwarding within the Port of Baltimore. Employees perform various roles, including coordinating shipments, communicating with clients, processing customs paperwork, and determining efficient shipping methods. The process involves multiple parties allowing many opportunities for delays or errors especially when dealing with long transportation chains and different regulatory agencies such as the FDA.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024, disrupted operations across the port. However, according to President Butch Connor, John S. Connor Global Logistics was not severely affected. While vessel agents used the bridge frequently, the company’s broad national scope allowed it to remain resilient.

Technology continues to shape freight forwarding. President Connor and his team noted ongoing efforts to digitize customs processes and use AI tools for business management. Although the Port of Baltimore lags behind European and Asian ports in technological modernization, improvements are expected over time.

Freight Forwarding Is Being A Travel Agent For Cargo (AI image)

Freight forwarding is vital to the Port of Baltimore. It simplifies the import and export process, ensuring efficient, secure, and timely transportation of goods (Doc Shipper). Without freight forwarders, the port would experience significant delays, lost revenue, and job reductions. John S. Connor bridges the gap between shippers and transport services, maintaining the flow of commerce.

Freight forwarding plays a critical role in the Port of Baltimore’s operations. Companies like John S. Connor Global Logistics ensure that trade continues smoothly by managing logistics, documentation, and transportation coordination. Without them, the port—and the regional economy—would be far less efficient.