Freight Forwarder

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AVG. SALARY

$51,760

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Freight Forwarders Career Video

About This Career

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

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster Sales and Service pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Negotiates shipping rates with freight carriers.
  • Arranges for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
  • Arranges for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
  • Informs clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
  • Prepares shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
  • Completes customs paperwork.
  • Prepares invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
  • Selects shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
  • Calculates weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
  • Arranges delivery or storage of goods at destinations.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator)
  • Import Agent
  • Ocean Export Specialist
  • Air Export Agent
  • Air Export Coordinator
  • Export Coordinator
  • Relocation Coordinator
  • Route Specialist