Occupation · SOC 43-5011.01
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 wage
$49,900
$37,240–$76,350
Projected growth
+8.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
860
per year
Employed (US)
97,800
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
90 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCoordinationMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingTime ManagementSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationNegotiationPersuasionComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingLearning StrategiesInstructingManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations MonitoringManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisProgrammingTroubleshootingRepairingOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
TransportationAdministrativeCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityGeographyPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsTelecommunicationsEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentProduction and ProcessingSales and MarketingEducation and TrainingForeign LanguagePsychologySociology and AnthropologyEngineering and TechnologyPhilosophy and TheologyDesignChemistryMechanicalHistory and ArcheologyPhysicsFine ArtsBiologyBuilding and ConstructionTherapy and CounselingFood ProductionMedicine and Dentistry
Technology & tools
AESDirectArcline ArcFreightCEDAS GatewayCargoWise ediEnterpriseEmail softwareIES EcellerateKewill Global Trade and LogisticsManufacturing resource planning MRP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOrder management softwarePackage tracking softwareQuestaWeb TradeMaster QWRedBerry LogisticsRiege Software International ProcarsSAP softwareStar Tec Software Hercules ExportTMW Enterprise Transportation Management SystemsTailwind Management Systems TailwindWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Getting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsWorking with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsScheduling Work and ActivitiesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleAnalyzing Data or InformationThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping and Building TeamsSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic shipping documentation such as bills of lading and packing lists — prepare under direct supervision using office suite software in a freight forwarding office.Standard customs paperwork fields and entry requirements — identify and complete with guidance from a senior forwarder for routine import or export shipments.Freight carrier rate sheets and published tariffs — read and interpret under supervision to support cost quotation preparation.Client inquiries about shipping options and estimated timelines — respond to using provided reference materials under direct oversight.Shipment tracking data entered in logistics software — monitor and record status updates following established office protocols.Dock receipts and certificates of origin — assemble and organize as directed, verifying completeness against a checklist prior to submission.Basic geographic routing maps and carrier service guides — reference to identify feasible shipment routes for common cargo types under supervision.Applicable import duties and tax schedules — look up using compliance software with guidance to support customs clearance paperwork.Incoming freight instructions and regulatory notices — read and summarize accurately for review by a supervising forwarder.Data entry tasks in transportation management and ERP software — perform with attention to detail following step-by-step instructions in a shared office environment.
developing
Freight invoices and cost quotations for standard shipments — prepare independently using spreadsheet software, applying current carrier rates and applicable surcharges.Customs paperwork for routine import and export consignments — complete accurately with reduced oversight, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and deadlines.Carrier selection decisions for common cargo types — make by evaluating transit times, costs, and security needs using logistics and supply chain software.Client communications about shipping regulations, transfer requirements, and timelines — draft and deliver clearly via email, adapting language to the client's level of familiarity.Shipping rates with freight carriers for recurring lanes — negotiate to secure competitive pricing, referencing historical rate data and volume commitments.Special transport arrangements for temperature-sensitive or regulated cargo such as food and medical supplies — coordinate with carriers and regulatory contacts following established procedures.Bills of lading, packing lists, and related export documents — prepare consistently and accurately for a varied portfolio of shipments within familiar trade lanes.Shipment progress against promised timelines — monitor using database and tracking software, escalating delays to supervisors and proactively updating clients.Basic accounting entries for freight charges and duties — calculate and record using spreadsheet software, applying correct currency conversions and tax codes.Routine compliance checks against customs and safety regulations — conduct for assigned shipment files, flagging discrepancies and correcting errors before submission.
proficient
Optimal shipment routes for diverse cargo including livestock, hazardous materials, and oversized loads — select autonomously by weighing transit times, regulatory requirements, and security considerations.Complex customs clearance scenarios involving multiple jurisdictions or restricted goods — manage independently, preparing all required documentation and liaising directly with customs authorities.Freight rate negotiations with carriers across multiple modes including air, ocean, and ground — lead to achieve cost targets while maintaining service quality for a full client portfolio.Non-routine client situations such as urgent shipments, regulatory holds, or cargo damage claims — resolve using critical thinking and knowledge of carrier contracts and trade regulations.Comprehensive shipping documentation packages for complex multi-leg international shipments — prepare and audit end-to-end, ensuring accuracy across bills of lading, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices.Client advisories on regulatory changes, trade compliance updates, and emerging shipping risks — develop and communicate proactively using authoritative regulatory sources and industry publications.Cost-benefit analyses for alternative routing and carrier options — produce using ERP and spreadsheet software to support client decisions on time-sensitive or high-value consignments.Special transport logistics for sensitive or high-priority cargoes — orchestrate across multiple vendors and regulatory bodies, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation throughout transit.Shipment data trends such as transit delays, carrier performance, and cost variances — analyze using database query tools to identify process improvement opportunities.Inbound and outbound shipment compliance obligations for assigned accounts — manage comprehensively, applying deep knowledge of customs law, tariff classifications, and trade agreements.
advanced
Departmental rate strategy and carrier relationship portfolio — develop and oversee at organizational level, setting negotiation targets and performance benchmarks across all freight modes.Freight forwarding compliance framework including customs, safety, and documentation standards — design and implement, ensuring the organization meets regulatory obligations across all operating jurisdictions.Junior and mid-level freight forwarders — mentor and train in documentation accuracy, customs procedures, and client communication, building team capability through structured on-the-job coaching.Operational workflows for shipment processing, documentation, and client reporting — evaluate and redesign using ERP and logistics software capabilities to improve efficiency and reduce error rates.Strategic client relationships at the account management level — lead by advising on end-to-end supply chain solutions, cost optimization, and risk mitigation for high-value accounts.Organizational response to major service disruptions such as port closures, regulatory embargoes, or carrier failures — direct by activating contingency routing plans and coordinating cross-functional communication.Pricing models and cost quotation standards for the forwarding operation — establish and review periodically, incorporating market intelligence, fuel surcharges, and currency risk into rate structures.Technology adoption decisions for logistics, compliance, and ERP platforms — drive by evaluating vendor solutions, leading implementation projects, and overseeing staff transition and training.Freight forwarding service portfolio and geographic coverage — assess against industry trends and client demand, recommending and pursuing expansion into new trade lanes or specialized cargo segments.Organizational culture of regulatory integrity, attention to detail, and client service excellence — model and reinforce through performance standards, team recognition, and ongoing professional development investment.
Also known as
36 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Air Cargo AgentAir Export AgentAir Export ClerkAir Export CoordinatorAir Freight ForwarderCargo AgentDomestic Freight ForwarderExport ClerkExport CoordinatorExport Freight ClerkExport Freight ForwarderExport Freight ManagerExport Freight PlannerExport Freight SpecialistFreight AnalystFreight Flow ManagerFreight ForwarderFreight Operations SupervisorFreight RouterFreight SpecialistGSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator)Import AgentImport Export ClerkImport Freight ForwarderInternational Freight ForwarderOcean Export ClerkOcean Export SpecialistOcean Freight Customer Relations SpecialistOcean Freight ForwarderOcean Freight ManagerOcean Transportation IntermediaryRelocation CoordinatorRoute SpecialistTransportation ClerkTransportation Technician (Transportation Tech)Truck Driver