Customs (AQIS) don't organize freight, they clear it into the country. Bringing in anything from overseas over a certain value will require customs clearance. A freight forwarder is necessary at the origin as they look on your behalf for the cheapest shipping lane amongst other things. Customs don't bring anything into the country. They assess imports and clear them. A freight forwarder is the liaison point between the exporter, the shipper, customs and the importer.
As mentioned, at the destination, the importer has the option of clearing the item through a Customs Agent / Freight Forwarder OR they can clear it themselves.
Advantages of clearing customs without a Freight forwarder are that you CAN save money is SOME areas. The MAJOR disadvantage is that the money you "saved" will be spent on hidden claims you won't know about UNLESS you know the system, or you know a GOOD Freight forwarder. Customs will not let you know that there are Tariffs you can claim which will save you at least 10% on imports of coin operated devices. Also, if you clear customs yourself, you are effectively putting your hand up to be at the end of the queue and customs will do everything in their power to make life difficult for you. Freight forwarders do all the hard work for you. My last import was 2 phone calls. Dealing direct with customs would be a nightmare. Even speaking to the right person is a four hour bureaucratic nightmare !
