Job Description
Freight Forwarders will organise the transportation of goods and cargoes around the world, they will decide on the most cost effective type of transport to be used based on what is to be delivered and where it is to be delivered to.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
Apprenticeship
You could do an international freight forwarding advanced apprenticeship.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You could do a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:
- transport and distribution management
- logistics and supply chain management
- business and management
- foreign languages with business studies
You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
Click here to search for a suitable course.
Work
You could start as an office assistant in a freight forwarding or logistics department and work your way up through training and promotion.
You'll find it useful to have office experience and computer skills.
You're likely to need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Some employers may prefer you to have A levels or higher qualifications.
Other routes
You could take an introductory course, like the ones offered by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and The Institute of Export and International Trade.
Career tips
You'll find it useful to speak a foreign language if the company operates internationally.
You can find out more about becoming an freight forwarder from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Career Path and Progression
With experience and training, you could become a senior freight account manager, business development officer or specialise in a particular type of work like sea freight.
You may also have the opportunity to work abroad, shipping freight back to the UK.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Courier
- Delivery van driver
- Road haulage load planner
- Road transport manager
Required Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- good interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients
- a logical and methodical approach to work tact and diplomacy
- good organisation and planning skills
- excellent IT skills
- a foreign language would be an advantage
Salary Range
£18,000 to £30,000
