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Freight Forwarder

What Does it Take to Be a Freight Forwarder?

Freight Forwarder Definition 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.

Life As a Freight Forwarder

  • Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
  • Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
  • Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
  • Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.
  • Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Freight Forwarder?

Freight Forwarders state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Other Freight Forwarder Job Titles

  • Ocean Freight Forwarder
  • Air Cargo Agent
  • GSA Coordinator
  • Route Specialist
  • Relocation Coordinator

Is There Going to be Demand for Freight Forwarders?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 89,800 jobs in the United States for Freight Forwarder. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,300 new jobs for Freight Forwarder by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,600 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Freight Forwarder are Utah, Georgia, and New Jersey. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Tennessee, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Freight Forwarders Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Freight Forwarders ranges between about $25,970 and $66,920 a year.

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Freight Forwarders who work in New Jersey, South Dakota, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.

How much do Freight Forwarders make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $51,330
Alaska $39,620
Arizona $43,420
Arkansas $53,310
California $45,830
Colorado $47,350
Delaware $42,790
Florida $40,810
Georgia $44,560
Hawaii $39,920
Idaho $49,710
Illinois $44,760
Indiana $43,210
Iowa $42,470
Kansas $45,880
Kentucky $42,390
Louisiana $42,950
Maine $49,190
Maryland $42,820
Massachusetts $44,840
Michigan $45,460
Minnesota $50,120
Mississippi $43,340
Missouri $47,000
Montana $46,230
Nebraska $52,610
Nevada $41,400
New Hampshire $50,220
New Jersey $56,470
New Mexico $49,740
New York $45,310
North Carolina $45,060
North Dakota $41,100
Ohio $43,890
Oklahoma $46,040
Oregon $53,400
Pennsylvania $46,150
South Carolina $44,170
South Dakota $52,230
Tennessee $43,530
Texas $45,890
Utah $42,470
Vermont $38,040
Virginia $48,660
Washington $54,600
West Virginia $37,750
Wisconsin $39,710
Wyoming $44,340

Tools & Technologies Used by Freight Forwarders

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Freight Forwarders may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • SAP
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Manufacturing resource planning MRP software

Becoming a Freight Forwarder

Education needed to be a Freight Forwarder:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Freight Forwarders?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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