Freight Forwarders
People classed as Freight Forwarders research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. The skills rated most useful are reading comprehension, coordination, and monitoring. One core duty is to negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers. On the six-type interest model it reads CER, meaning orderly work with data, records and clear procedures comes first, followed by leading, persuading and making business decisions. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. A regular part of the work is to arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies. If you want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.
What they do
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.
Main tasks
- Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
- Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
- Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
- Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
- Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
- Complete customs paperwork.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You like taking the lead and making the call.
- You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and coordination.
May not suit you if
- You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
- You want a career built on years of advanced study.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CER takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.
Preparation
Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Air Export Agent
- Air Export Coordinator
- Export Coordinator
- Freight Forwarder
- GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator)
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.