Freight Forwarders
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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.
Sample of reported job titles: Air Export Agent, Air Export Coordinator, Export Coordinator, Ocean Export Coordinator, Ocean Forwarder, Relocation Coordinator, Route Specialist, Special Services Agent
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Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
All 31 displayed- Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
- Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
- Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
- Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
- Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
- Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
- Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
- Keep records of goods dispatched or received.
- Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
- Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.
- Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
- Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
- Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
- Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
- Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
- Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.
- Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.
- Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.
- Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.
- Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
- Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.
- Complete customs paperwork.
- Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
- Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.
- Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.
- Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.
- Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.
- Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.
- Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.
- Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.
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Technology Skills
All 11 displayed Show 5 tools used- Compliance software — IES Ecellerate; QuestaWeb TradeMaster QW
- Data base user interface and query software — AESDirect
- Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Manufacturing resource planning MRP software; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne ; SAP
- Industrial control software — Package tracking software
- Internet browser software — Web browser software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Arcline ArcFreight; CargoWise ediEnterprise; Tailwind Management Systems Tailwind; TMW Enterprise Transportation Management Systems (see all 9 examples)
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
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Knowledge
All 10 displayed- Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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Skills
All 18 displayed- Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
- Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
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Abilities
All 16 displayed- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Work Activities
All 20 displayed- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Detailed Work Activities
All 19 displayed- Calculate shipping costs.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
- Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
- Verify shipping documentation.
- Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
- Record shipping information.
- Track goods or materials.
- Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
- Negotiate financial arrangements.
- Execute sales or other financial transactions.
- Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
- Recommend packing or shipping methods.
- Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
- Arrange insurance coverage.
- Assist individuals with paperwork.
- Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
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Work Context
All 26 displayed- Telephone — 100% responded “Every day.”
- Electronic Mail — 96% responded “Every day.”
- Contact With Others — 83% responded “Constant contact with others.”
- Time Pressure — 78% responded “Every day.”
- Spend Time Sitting — 71% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Frequency of Decision Making — 76% responded “Every day.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 68% responded “Extremely important.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 65% responded “Extremely important.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 52% responded “A lot of freedom.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 62% responded “Every day.”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 51% responded “Extremely important.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded “Some freedom.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 43% responded “Very important results.”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 71% responded “Every day.”
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 53% responded “More than 40 hours.”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 47% responded “Extremely important.”
- Deal With External Customers — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
- Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 33% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 35% responded “High responsibility.”
- Frequency of Conflict Situations — 30% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 41% responded “Every day.”
- Letters and Memos — 30% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Level of Competition — 33% responded “Moderately competitive.”
- Physical Proximity — 47% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
- Consequence of Error — 29% responded “Very serious.”
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 28% responded “Never.”
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Job Zone
| Title | Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed |
| Education | These occupations usually require a high school diploma. |
| Related Experience | Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| Job Zone Examples | These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers. |
| SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
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Education
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
|---|---|
45   |
High school diploma or equivalent
 |
| 21 |
Some college, no degree |
| 21 |
Bachelor’s degree |
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Credentials
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Interests
All 2 displayedInterest code: CE Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
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Work Styles
All 16 displayed- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Work Values
All 3 displayed- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Cargo and Freight Agents.
Employment data for Cargo and Freight Agents.
Industry data for Cargo and Freight Agents.
| Median wages (2020) | $21.04 hourly, $43,770 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2020) | 95,600 employees |
| Projected growth (2020-2030) |  Average (5% to 10%) |
| Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 10,700 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2020) |
Transportation and Warehousing
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data 
and 2020-2030 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
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Sources of Additional Information
All 2 displayedDisclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.