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Freight Forwarders

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
  • Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.

Skills that matter

  • Coordination
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Negotiation

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

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

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