15 Freight Forwarder Skills for Your Career and Resume

Freight forwarders are responsible for organizing the transportation of goods and materials. They use a variety of skills to coordinate shipments, track shipments, and communicate with clients. If you’re interested in a career as a freight forwarder, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for success in this field.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Freight forwarders often communicate with clients, suppliers and other freight professionals via phone, email or text message. They also use communication skills when working with customs officials, truck drivers and others involved in international shipping.

Distribution

Distribution is the process of moving goods from one location to another. Freight forwarders often use their distribution skills when they prepare shipments for delivery by a courier service or transportation company. They also use these skills when they receive shipments and move them to storage, where they may apply barcodes and other tracking information before sending them on to customers.

Customs Regulations

Customs regulations are the laws that govern how goods can be imported and exported. Freight forwarders need to understand customs regulations so they can ensure their clients comply with all necessary requirements. Customs regulations vary by country, so it’s important for freight forwarders to know which ones apply to their clients’ shipments.

Intermodal Transportation

Freight forwarders often work with intermodal transportation, which involves moving freight from one mode of transportation to another. For example, a truck may deliver goods to a rail yard and the freight forwarder ensures that the train can pick up those goods at their destination. Freight forwarders also use intermodal transportation when they ship goods overseas because cargo ships are the most common form of international transportation.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for freight forwarders because they help you understand your customers’ needs and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions. Customer service also includes resolving any issues that may arise during a shipment, such as delays or damage. For example, if a customer calls in to ask about their package’s status, you can use customer service skills to explain what steps they can take to track it down themselves.

Negotiation

Freight forwarders negotiate with clients to determine the best shipping options for their freight. They may also negotiate with suppliers and other service providers to get discounts on services or products that will help them save money when fulfilling customer orders. Negotiation skills can help you find the most cost-effective solutions for your customers, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Warehousing

Warehousing is the process of storing and organizing materials. Freight forwarders use warehousing skills to organize incoming shipments, track outgoing shipments and store inventory. This skill set includes knowing how to read shipping labels, understanding storage methods for different types of materials and using software that tracks shipments.

Adaptability

Freight forwarders must be able to adapt to changing circumstances in order to meet their clients’ needs. For example, if a shipment is delayed or damaged during transit, the freight forwarder may need to find an alternate shipping method or repair service for the client. Freight forwarders also often work with different types of shipments and clients, so they must be willing to change how they perform their duties when necessary.

Import/Export Documentation

Freight forwarders often work with multiple parties to ensure shipments are delivered on time and in the correct location. They use documentation skills to create records of their transactions, including details about the shipment’s origin, destination and contents. This information is necessary for tracking shipments and resolving any issues that may arise during transit.

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills are necessary for freight forwarders to solve issues that arise during the shipping process. For example, if a shipment is delayed or lost, a freight forwarder may need to find alternative methods of transportation and communicate with clients about the changes. They also use problem-solving skills when they encounter challenges in their work environment, such as software glitches or equipment malfunctions.

Freight Rates

Freight rates are the cost of shipping goods from one location to another. Freight forwarders use their knowledge of freight rates to determine which transportation methods will be most cost-effective for their clients. They also use this skill when negotiating contracts with suppliers and customers, as they can ensure that both parties understand what each party is responsible for paying.

Packaging & Crating

Freight forwarders are responsible for ensuring that cargo is properly packaged and crated before it’s shipped. This ensures the safety of the items during transit, as well as making sure they arrive at their destination undamaged. Freight forwarders also need to be able to identify different types of packaging materials so they can choose the most cost-effective option for each shipment.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of information and files. Freight forwarders use organizational skills when they create shipping manifests, which include detailed information about shipments such as addresses, contents, weights and dimensions. They also use organization skills when they file paperwork or enter data into a computer system.

Attention to Detail

Freight forwarders must be able to accurately record and track all information related to shipments. This includes the details of incoming packages, outgoing shipments and any other documentation that may be required for a shipment. Attention to detail is also important when entering data into shipping software or databases so that it can be easily retrieved later.

Truckload & LTL Shipping

Truckload and LTL shipping are two common types of freight forwarding. Truckload is when a truck transports an entire shipment, while LTL is when the shipment is divided into multiple trucks. Having knowledge of these types of shipments can help you provide your clients with accurate information about their shipments. You may also need to know how much space each type of shipment requires in order to plan for storage or arrange transportation.

How Can I Learn These Freight Forwarder Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a freight forwarder. One way is to find a job with a freight forwarding company and shadow or work with a more experienced freight forwarder. Another way is to take classes or get a degree in logistics or a related field. Finally, you can also read books or online articles about freight forwarding to learn more about the industry and the necessary skills.