Occupation AtlasFreight Forwarders

O*NET · 43-5011.01

Freight Forwarders

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.

Also called Air Cargo Agent · Air Export Agent · Air Export Clerk · Air Export Coordinator · Air Freight Forwarder · Cargo Agent · Domestic Freight Forwarder · Export Clerk
30 more

Export Coordinator · Export Freight Clerk · Export Freight Forwarder · Export Freight Manager · Export Freight Planner · Export Freight Specialist · Freight Analyst · Freight Flow Manager · Freight Forwarder · Freight Operations Supervisor · Freight Router · Freight Specialist · GSA Coordinator · GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator) · Import Agent · Import Export Clerk · Import Freight Forwarder · International Freight Forwarder · Ocean Export Clerk · Ocean Export Specialist · Ocean Freight Customer Relations Specialist · Ocean Freight Forwarder · Ocean Freight Manager · Ocean Transportation Intermediary · Relocation Coordinator · Route Specialist · Transportation Clerk · Transportation Tech · Transportation Technician (Transportation Tech) · Truck Driver

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CER35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Architectural and Civil Drafters

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.60
  • E Enterprising3.94
  • R Realistic3.51
  • I Investigative2.59
  • S Social1.84
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent25%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%
  • Bachelor's Degree44%
  • Master's Degree14%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (31%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (39%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (39%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • NegotiationImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23

Tasks

23 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.Importance 4.6
  2. Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.Importance 4.5
  3. Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.Importance 4.5
  4. Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.Importance 4.5
  5. Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.Importance 4.5
  6. Complete customs paperwork.Importance 4.5
  7. Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.Importance 4.4
  8. Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.Importance 4.4
  9. Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.Importance 4.4
  10. Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.Importance 4.4
  11. 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.Importance 4.4
  12. Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.Importance 4.3
Show the other 19
  1. Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.Importance 4.3
  2. Keep records of goods dispatched or received.Importance 4.3
  3. Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.Importance 4.3
  4. Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.Importance 4.3
  5. Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.Importance 4.2
  6. Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.Importance 4.2
  7. Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.Importance 4.1
  8. Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.Importance 4.1
  9. Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.Importance 4.1
  10. Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.Importance 4.1
  11. Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.Importance 3.9
  12. Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.Importance 4.5
  13. Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.Importance 4.5
  14. Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.Importance 4.4
  15. Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.Importance 4.3
  16. Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.Importance 4.2
  17. Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.Importance 4.2
  18. Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.Importance 4.1
  19. Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.Importance 3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • TransportationImportance 4.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • AdministrativeImportance 4.6Level 5.7
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.6
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • GeographyImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
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  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • MathematicsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.8
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • ChemistryImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.8
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
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  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.9
  • Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.5Level 0.9
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • StaminaImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Time Pressure5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.5
  • Spend Time Sitting4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.3

Technology

24 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (3; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (18)
  • AESDirect
  • Arcline ArcFreight
  • CargoWise ediEnterprise
  • CEDAS Gateway
  • Email software
  • IES Ecellerate
  • Kewill Global Trade and Logistics
  • Manufacturing resource planning MRP software
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Order management software
  • Package tracking software
  • QuestaWeb TradeMaster QW
  • RedBerry Logistics
  • Riege Software International Procars
  • Star Tec Software Hercules Export
  • Tailwind Management Systems Tailwind
  • TMW Enterprise Transportation Management Systems
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database 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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.