Freight forwarder

Freight forwarders ensure that cargo is moved quickly and efficiently between locations. They select routes, handle all the necessary paperwork and negotiate cargo space.

Also known as:

• Export freight clerk

Work activities

Freight forwarders arrange the movement of cargo in or out of the country, using all modes of transport. They have to make sure that this is done as quickly, efficiently and economically as possible. For example, air travel is preferred over shipping, for perishable or urgent goods.

A freight forwarder’s duties are likely to include:

• Selecting routes and carriers.
• Booking cargo space.
• Dealing with rates and schedules.
• Preparing invoices and quotations.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• A clear speaking voice as so much business is conducted over the telephone.
• To be able to explain complex issues to clients in a clear and simple way. In some cases, the people you will be speaking to won’t have English as their first language.
• IT skills.
• To pay strict attention to detail.
• An awareness of geography, business and other cultures.

Some maths ability will be useful, as you’ll be dealing with financial information. You’ll also need the confidence to negotiate with people to get the best possible deals for your company or organisation.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates vary from company to company. The pay rates given are approximate. Freight forwarders earn in the range of £18,000 - £30,000 per year, depending on level of experience.

Freight forwarders usually work a 37–39-hour week, Monday to Friday, and some Saturday work may be required. Overtime may also be available.

Demand for freight forwarders is steady.

Employers are freight forwarding companies, shipping departments of major retail companies, warehousing and distribution firms and the armed forces logistics services. Opportunities for freight forwarders occur in towns and cities throughout the UK, particularly near airports and seaports. Opportunities sometimes occur with international firms on secondment in company offices in other countries.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

It is possible to enter this job straight from school or college and train on-the-job. You’ll usually need to be educated to at least GCSE level and have passes (grades 9-4) in English and maths. Some entrants have A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship as an international freight forwarding specialist is also a great place to start.

Some larger employers may ask that you have an HND, foundation degree or a degree. Courses linked to logistics and supply chain management may be useful. The Institute of Export and International Trade offers professional qualifications that are of relevance to people wanting to go into freight forwarding or make progress within the career.

To do the Institute’s courses, you first need to register as a student member. Each course has different entry requirements. The courses can be done at college or by distance learning.

Training will usually be on-the-job, sometimes combined with the study of external courses. The British International Freight Association (BIFA) runs relevant training courses.

Experienced freight forwarders can move into managerial positions.

Qualifications

To become a trainee freight forwarder, there are no specific entry requirements. However, employers usually prefer applicants with at least four GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and maths. A pass in geography and knowledge of a foreign language would also be useful.

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

For entry to a degree course in a relevant subject, the usual minimum requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• BTEC level 3 qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To do a relevant HND or foundation degree, you will usually need:

• One A-level.
• A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
• A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including maths and English.

For alternatives to A-levels, see above. However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details. 

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Previous work experience in administration or customer service would be an advantage.

The most common skills gaps reported by freight forwarding employers are technical, practical and job-specific skills.

Related careers

• Export sales manager
• Flight dispatcher
• Road transport manager
• Transport planner