Freight Forwarder

Also known as:

Export Freight Clerk

Introduction

Freight forwarders ensure that cargo is moved quickly and efficiently between countries. They select routes, negotiate cargo space and handle all the necessary paperwork. They are also responsible for insuring cargo and keeping up-to-date with trade regulations.

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Work Activities

Freight forwarders arrange the movement of cargo in or out of the country. They have to ensure that this is done as quickly, efficiently and economically as possible.

A freight forwarder's duties are likely to include selecting routes and carriers, booking cargo space, deciding on time and safety requirements, arranging for the packing, collection and storage of goods, dealing with rates and schedules, making calculations using computers, and preparing invoices and quotations.

Importing and exporting goods creates a lot of paper work which freight forwarders have to deal with. For instance, when working on behalf of an importer, they have to clear goods through Customs and organise the payment of duties and taxes. They then arrange for the goods to be delivered to the importer's premises.

The majority of freight forwarders' time is spent communicating with other people, mostly by email, but also on the telephone.

Some freight forwarders may specialise in one type of business such as exporting engineering equipment or importing perishable fruit and vegetables.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As so much business is conducted over the telephone, you must have a clear speaking voice. You must be able to explain complex issues to clients in a clear and simple way. In many instances, the people you speak to will not speak English as a first language. Knowledge of a foreign language is useful.

You will also need common sense and patience, and you must be able to pay strict attention to detail. You should be good at planning and problem solving, able to understand and handle complex details and you should have good numerical skills.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates vary from company to company.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Freight forwarders earn in the range of £18,000 - £21,500 a year, rising to £25,000 - £27,500. Higher earners can make around £33,000 a year. Freight forwarders usually work a 37-40 hour week Monday to Friday, and some Saturday work may be required. Overtime may also be available.

Employment opportunities throughout the UK are with logistics or freight forwarding companies. These range from small local firms, through national companies with several offices and warehousing facilities, to major international concerns with bases in the UK and overseas.

There may also be opportunities with major retail companies, warehousing and distribution firms and the armed forces.

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Adult Opportunities

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.

• 8% of people in occupations such as freight forwarding work part-time.
• 11% have flexible hours.

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