Why might forwarders charge more for arranging a through intermodal bill of lading with an ocean carrier?

Charging more for arranging a through intermodal bill of lading with an ocean carrier is often due to the additional time required to coordinate the various elements involved in this process. Managing shipments that utilize multiple modes of transport—such as ocean and land—necessitates careful planning, documentation, and coordination with various parties including shipping lines, trucking companies, and logistics operators.

This complexity increases the time involved in creating and managing the logistics of such a shipment, as it typically requires thorough communication to ensure that all aspects of the supply chain align properly and that the necessary paperwork is correctly prepared for each segment of transportation. Thus, the forwarder must invest more effort and resources to facilitate this process, which justifies the higher charges associated with arranging a through intermodal bill of lading.