Freight Forwarders

Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.

Median Annual Wage: $41,380

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (45%); Bachelor's degree (21%); Some college, no degree (21%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Account Manager; Air Export Agent; Air Export Coordinator; Export Coordinator; GSA Coordinator; Ocean Export Coordinator; Ocean Forwarder; Relocation Coordinator; Route Specialist; Special Services Agent

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Freight Forwarders.

More Office and Administrative Support Careers

  • Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
  • Prepare shipping documentation, such as including bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
  • Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
  • Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
  • Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
  • Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
  • Keep records of goods dispatched or received.
  • Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
  • Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.
  • Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
  • Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
  • Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
  • Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
  • Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
  • Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.
  • Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.
  • Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.
  • Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.
  • Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.
  • Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
  • Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Freight Forwarders.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Freight Forwarders.

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