Skip navigation

Freight Forwarders - 43-5011.01

O*NET-SOC Description

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

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
  • Arrange insurance coverage.
  • Assist individuals with paperwork.
  • Calculate shipping costs.
  • Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
  • Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
  • Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
  • Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
  • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
  • Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
  • Negotiate financial arrangements.
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
  • Recommend packing or shipping methods.
  • Record shipping information.
  • Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
  • Track goods or materials.
  • Verify shipping documentation.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Air Transportation (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Air Transportation Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Air Transportation Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Air Transportation Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Air Transportation Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Air Transportation Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cargo Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Defense Courier Service Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Distribution Management Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Distribution Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Household Goods Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Landing Support Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Mobility Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Mobility Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Traffic Management Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Traffic Management Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Transportation Management Coordinator (Army - Enlisted)
  • Transportation, General (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Rate Analyst, Freight