Freight Forwarder Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of global commerce, the focus on freight forwarders has never been more critical.

As international trade progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can organize, coordinate, and secure our global supply chains grows stronger.

But let’s unpack this: What’s truly expected from a freight forwarder?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of freight forwarding,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable freight forwarder job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Freight Forwarder Duties and Responsibilities

Freight Forwarders play a crucial role in the shipping industry by organizing and monitoring all aspects of cargo shipment.

They liaise with various parties, including shipping companies, carriers, and customs officials, to ensure that goods arrive safely at their destinations.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Arranging transportation and tracking shipments to ensure they reach their destination
• Negotiating contracts, transportation costs, and insurance matters
• Preparing and checking documentation, such as bills of lading, invoices, and packing lists, to ensure accuracy
• Advising clients on the best shipping methods and routes based on the nature of their goods
• Coordinating with customs agents to facilitate the smooth passage of goods through customs checks
• Handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues or delays that may arise during shipment
• Maintaining knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including those related to customs, duties, and taxes
• Keeping accurate records of all transactions, including costs, delivery times, and transport arrangements

 

Freight Forwarder Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an organized and experienced freight forwarder to join our team.

Freight forwarder responsibilities include tracking shipments, coordinating with shippers and transporters, ensuring smooth customs clearance, and managing documentation related to shipping and import/export activities.

Our ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of freight forwarding processes, customs regulations, and international shipping protocols.

A significant part of the role is to ensure cost-effective and secure solutions to transport goods on schedule.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and track movement of goods through logistic pathways
• Execute orders and coordinate with carriers and shipping companies to ensure prompt pick-up and delivery of shipments
• Prepare and manage all import/export documentation required for freight forwarding
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulations, laws, and customs procedures
• Negotiate freight rates and cargo space bookings
• Maintain communication with clients, customs officers, and shipping agents throughout the shipping process
• Resolve any arising problems or complaints related to freight forwarding
• Keep accurate records and provide regular updates to clients

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Freight Forwarder
• Knowledge of freight forwarding terms and standards
• Understanding of principles of accounting and financial processes
• Effective negotiation and communication skills
• Proficient in freight software or system
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to handle unforeseen issues
• High level of organizational and logistics skills
• High school diploma; Degree in logistics or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Freight Forwarder
• Work Environment: Office setting, with occasional visits to shipping, warehouse facilities. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Logistics Manager or Freight Forwarding Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Freight Forwarder Do?

Freight Forwarders are essentially the intermediaries in the logistics industry, typically employed by shipping or transportation firms, and can also operate as independent entities.

Their primary role is to arrange and oversee the transportation of goods from the producer or manufacturer to the market, customer, or final point of distribution.

Freight Forwarders negotiate the best possible rates with carriers like shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and rail freighters, ensuring that the goods reach their final destination in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

They also handle all related legalities and paperwork such as customs declarations, insurance, packing, storage, and inventory management.

Freight Forwarders must keep track of shipments, constantly staying aware of the goods’ status, and keeping the clients informed of the same.

Additionally, they also provide advice and consultation to their clients about freight costs, port charges, consular fees, costs of special documentation, insurance costs, and handling fees.

In the case of any unexpected incidents during the shipment, Freight Forwarders are tasked with handling and mitigating such situations to ensure minimal impact on the delivery of goods.

 

Freight Forwarder Qualifications and Skills

A competent Freight Forwarder should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Excellent knowledge of freight forwarding and international shipping, including preparation of shipping documents, tariffs, and regulations.
• Ability to coordinate and track shipments to ensure timely delivery, using meticulous organizational skills.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure deals with shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies, as well as to resolve disputes.
• Proficient in using logistics and shipping software to schedule shipments, prepare documents, and track deliveries.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently manage any issues that may arise during the shipping process, such as delays or damaged goods.
• Understanding of customs procedures and regulations in various countries, and ability to ensure compliance.
• Detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in all documentation and processes.

 

Freight Forwarder Experience Requirements

Entry-level freight forwarders typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in logistics, supply chain management or a related field.

They could also gain essential skills from roles such as Operations Coordinator or Logistics Assistant.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience have usually developed their knowledge in the field, specifically in areas such as customs regulations, shipping procedures, and freight costs.

This experience might have been accrued in roles like Freight Coordinator or Logistics Specialist.

Freight forwarders with more than 5 years of experience often have a solid understanding of international trade, including import and export regulations.

They might have also gained leadership experience, making them suitable for supervisory or managerial roles within the freight forwarding industry.

Moreover, those who have experience in managing multimodal transportation and dealing with customs agents, shipping lines, and other logistics intermediaries are highly sought after in the industry.

Certifications, such as the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) credential, might also be required, especially for more advanced roles.

This certification helps validate a professional’s competency and experience in the field of freight forwarding.

 

Freight Forwarder Education and Training Requirements

A Freight Forwarder usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Completing post-secondary education in areas such as transportation, logistics or supply chain management can be beneficial.

Comprehensive knowledge of customs regulations, tax laws, insurance provisions, and other relevant import-export regulations is often necessary.

Freight Forwarders should also have strong organizational and communication skills, which are often developed through on-the-job training.

Experience with logistics software and computer databases is also highly valued in this industry.

Certifications such as the Certified Transportation & Logistics Professional (CTLP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) can be beneficial for advancement in the freight forwarding industry.

Many Freight Forwarders also undergo continual professional development to keep up with changes in laws, regulations, and technology affecting international trade.

 

Freight Forwarder Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Freight Forwarder is $49,122 (USD) per year.

This can vary based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the work, the size of the company, and the location of the job.

 

Freight Forwarder Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Freight Forwarder need?

Freight Forwarders should possess excellent organizational skills to coordinate various shipments simultaneously.

They need to be able to negotiate well to secure the best prices and services from carriers.

Due to the global nature of the role, they must have a good understanding of geography, cultures, and languages.

They should also be familiar with different shipping methods, legal requirements, and customs processes.

 

Do Freight Forwarders need a degree?

While a degree is not essential to become a Freight Forwarder, a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or international business may be beneficial.

More important is gaining practical experience in logistics or shipping.

Many Freight Forwarders start as clerks or operatives and work their way up.

 

What should you look for in a Freight Forwarder resume?

Look for a strong background in logistics, transportation, or a related field.

Experience in coordinating and tracking shipments, managing paperwork, and dealing with customs is crucial.

Proficiency in foreign languages can be an asset in international freight forwarding.

Excellent negotiation and customer service skills are also essential.

 

What qualities make a good Freight Forwarder?

A good Freight Forwarder is highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills to handle any issues that arise during the shipping process.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for liaising with clients, carriers, and customs officials.

A good Freight Forwarder also stays updated on regulations and industry trends.

 

What are the daily duties of a freight forwarder?

A Freight Forwarder’s daily duties typically involve coordinating transportation and shipping logistics, negotiating with carriers, tracking shipments, and ensuring delivery schedules are met.

They also handle paperwork related to shipping and customs, maintain records, and communicate with clients regarding shipping status and issues.

They need to be prepared to handle unexpected situations like transport delays or customs issues.

 

Is it difficult to hire freight forwarders?

The difficulty of hiring Freight Forwarders depends on the specific requirements of the role.

If the position requires specialized knowledge, such as experience in a certain type of shipping or familiarity with specific markets, it may be more challenging to find qualified candidates.

However, many people in the logistics and transportation industry have transferable skills that could qualify them for a role as a Freight Forwarder.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the mysteries behind the role of a freight forwarder.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about moving goods from one place to another.

It’s about navigating the complex world of international trade and logistics, one shipment at a time.

With our ready-to-use freight forwarder job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute brilliance.

Bear in mind:

Every shipment is a cog in the vast machine of global trade.

Let’s navigate this world. Together.

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