In shipping terminology, what is another term for a cargo broker?

• A. Special Agent
• B. Carrier
• C. Ship's Agent
• D. Insurance Underwriter

Answer: (A)

In shipping, a cargo broker acts as a Special Agent—the shipper’s representative authorized to arrange transportation and negotiate with carriers for a shipment. This role involves securing space, obtaining rates, and setting up the contract, but not owning the cargo or performing the carrier’s duties. The other terms refer to different roles: a carrier is the company that actually transports the goods, a Ship’s Agent is a port-side representative handling formalities for a vessel, and an Insurance Underwriter provides cargo insurance. So the cargo broker is best described as a Special Agent.