Groups of forwards confused a carrier (10)

I believe the answer is:

packsaddle

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'a carrier' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'groups of forwards confused' is the wordplay.
'groups of forwards' becomes 'packs' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'confused' becomes 'addle' (I've seen this before).
'packs'+'addle'='PACKSADDLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for packsaddle that I've seen is " Holder of loads for horses or donkeys".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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