Freighter operators are the operators of freight only aircraft. The role of the forwarders has developed over the years with the largest forwarders describing themselves as logistics providers. Normally integrators contract directly with the shipper. They started principally as express operators, but are now competing more directly with freight forwarders and the airlines. Their function is to receive cargo from the aircraft, de-palletise and deliver to truck or vice versa via a transit shed where customs clearance is required.
Most companies work on behalf of the airlines in servicing the forwarders requirements.
This enables the latter to buy freight space more economically than they might otherwise by contracting directly with the airline. Courier parcels are therefore carried on passenger tags and not classified as cargo. The advantage of these services to the shippers or importer is the more rapid transfer at the airport, of origin and destination. At London-Heathrow a purpose built courier reception facility has been built thus avoiding the need for courier bags to be handled across the passenger baggage desks.