Freight Forwarders
Human Advantage 76%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.7 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Air Cargo Agent, Air Export Agent, Air Export Clerk, Air Export Coordinator, Air Freight Forwarder, Cargo Agent, Domestic Freight Forwarder, Export Clerk +28 more
Core 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.
- Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
- Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
- Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
- Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
- Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.
- Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
- Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.
- Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.
- Keep records of goods dispatched or received.
- Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
- Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.
- Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
- Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.
- Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
- Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
- Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.
Supplemental Tasks (8)
- Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.
- Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.
- Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.
- Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.
- Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.
- Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.
- Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.
- Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (25)
Tools & Equipment (5)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Marine Transportation Supply Chain & Transportation
Ground & Rail Transportation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
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Zone 3
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