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  1. Occupations
  2. Freight Forwarders

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.

SOC: 43-5011.01

Common Job Titles

  • Air Export Agent
  • Air Export Coordinator
  • Freight Forwarder
  • GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate compliance with international cargo regulations and customs requirements across multiple jurisdictions to ensure legal shipment of goods.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAssess cargo documentation accuracy and completeness including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and export declarations to prevent shipping delays.
    Proficient
  • MindsetReconcile conflicting client priorities with carrier constraints and regulatory requirements when negotiating shipping arrangements under time-sensitive conditions.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeOrganize multi-modal shipment schedules and ancillary services including warehousing, inland transport, and insurance using enterprise logistics systems.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeInterpret tariff classifications and trade agreement provisions to advise clients on duty implications and optimize landed costs.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAnalyze international shipping rates, routings, and transport modes using freight management software and industry databases to determine optimal solutions.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeCompare transportation service providers and logistics options by analyzing cost, transit time, and reliability factors to meet client needs.
    Developing
  • MindsetEngage with clients, carriers, and customs brokers to coordinate complex international shipments and resolve service issues.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeCalculate freight charges, duties, and total landed costs using multiple currency conversions and variable rate structures.
    Developing
  • MindsetSupport client service expectations through proactive communication and problem resolution while managing multiple shipments across global supply chains.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply knowledge of geography, trade routes, and port operations to design efficient logistics networks and contingency plans.
    Developing

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Freight Forwarders (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

97,800

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $43,490. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,900. 75th percentile: U.S. $62,230. 90th percentile: U.S. $76,350. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$37,240
10% of workers earn the following or more$76,350
Workers on average earn$55,420

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Transportation4.8/5
  • Administrative4.6/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • Administration and Management4.3/5
  • English Language4.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • AESDirect
  • Arcline ArcFreight
  • CEDAS Gateway
  • CargoWise ediEnterprise
  • Email software
  • IES Ecellerate
  • Kewill Global Trade and Logistics
  • Manufacturing resource planning MRP software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Cargo and Freight Agents 43-5011.00
  • Customs Brokers 13-1041.08
  • Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks 43-5071.00
  • Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors 53-1041.00
  • Postal Service Clerks 43-5051.00

Moderately Similar

  • Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks 43-4181.00
  • Postal Service Mail Carriers 43-5052.00
  • Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance 43-5032.00
  • Couriers and Messengers 43-5021.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators 53-1043.00

Related

  • Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 11-3071.00
  • Logistics Analysts 13-1081.02
  • Transportation Inspectors 53-6051.00
  • Logisticians 13-1081.00
  • Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products 13-1021.00
  • Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products 13-1023.00
  • Light Truck Drivers 53-3033.00
  • Procurement Clerks 43-3061.00
  • Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service 43-9051.00
  • Supply Chain Managers 11-3071.04

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificationCertified Zone Specialist (CZS)Issuer: National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones
  • CertificateCertificate of Proficiency - Introduction to Office AssistantIssuer: Highline College
  • CertificateOffice Software Specialist One-Year CertificateIssuer: Columbia Basin College
  • CertificateCertificate - Administrative Office SystemsIssuer: Peninsula College
  • CertificateCertificate - Project SupportIssuer: Bellevue College
  • Associate's DegreeAdministrative AssistantIssuer: Aims Community College
  • CertificateEssential Skills for College & Career SuccessIssuer: Fresno City College
  • CertificateWord Processing Specialist One-Year CertificateIssuer: Columbia Basin College
  • Associate's DegreeOffice ProfessionalIssuer: Pikes Peak State College
  • CertificateGoogle for BusinessIssuer: San Diego College of Continuing Education