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Freight Forwarder

Also called: Air Export Agent, Air Export Coordinator, GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator), Export Coordinator

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.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Business & office
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Median pay
$52,260/yr
Typical range
$38,340 – $79,810
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Freight Forwarder 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.

How to become a Freight Forwarder

Training: Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma or GED. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Reading work related informationKeeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvementsChanging what is done based on other people's actionsBringing people together to solve differencesNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Is it a fit for you?

  • Cautiousness
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Perseverance

Tools and technology

Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneSAP softwareMicrosoft PowerPointArcline ArcFreightTMW Enterprise Transportation Management Systems

Questions people ask

How much does a Freight Forwarder make?

About $52,260 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $38,340 and $79,810. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Freight Forwarder?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Freight Forwarder?

No four-year degree is needed. Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma or GED.

Is Freight Forwarder a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Cargo & Freight Agent$52,260 a yearAdministrative Assistant$44,080 a yearBookkeeper$47,440 a yearFarm Labor Contractor$58,460 a yearMedical Secretary & Administrative Assistant$45,930 a yearOffice Clerk$45,010 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services 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.

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