Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder will be responsible for selecting safe routes and carriers, booking transport cargo space, dealing with transport rates, insurance and schedules. A freight forwarder will also make calculations by weight, volume and cost, using a computer to input freight details and routes. Most freight forwarders will also be responsible for preparing quotations and invoices and communicating with carriers and clients by letter, phone, fax and email.

A freight forwarder would normally work office hours, from Monday to Friday, but may work some weekends or shifts.  Freight forwarder offices are usually light, airy and well equipped with computers and other office equipment.

A trainee freight forwarder can earn around £9,000 a year. A senior freight forwarder can earn around £30,000 a year.

A freight forwarder needs a clear speaking voice, good spoken and written communication skills, good numerical skills, the ability to pay attention to detail, good computer skills and to be interested in geography.

More than 3,000 companies operate as freight forwarders in the UK, employing around 50,000 freight forwarder people. These include local, national and international firms.

The qualifications needed to begin training for a freight fowarder post vary between employers. Some require there freight forwarder to have GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), but many people join with A levels/H grades and, increasingly, have a relevant diploma or degree.

It is also possible to undertake a Freight Forwarder Apprenticeship in International Trade and Services.  There is no upper age limit for a freight forwarder. Previous commercial or related experience is advantageous.

A freight forwarder may work towards NVQs/SVQs, or qualifications from the British International Freight Association or The Institute of Export.

Promotion for a freight forwarder is possible to supervisory or managerial roles. There may be opportunities for a freight forwarder to work overseas.

Jobs of this type currently available

There are currently no jobs of this type available.