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Transportation & Logistics > Freight Forwarder

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40131.0000 49875.0000 62995.0000

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Short Description:

The Freight Forwarder acts as an intermediary between shippers and transportation services, coordinating the efficient movement of goods through complex supply chains. This role involves arranging and organizing shipments from origin to destination, negotiating with carriers, preparing necessary documentation, and solving logistical challenges to ensure timely delivery. The Freight Forwarder must maintain expert knowledge of shipping routes, transportation modes, customs regulations, and international trade requirements to optimize costs and transit times. This position requires a detail-oriented professional who can manage multiple shipments simultaneously while providing excellent customer service and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Arrange and coordinate transportation of goods via air, ocean, rail, and truck, selecting optimal routes and carriers based on client requirements
  • Negotiate freight rates, insurance terms, and service agreements with carriers to ensure cost-effective solutions
  • Prepare and process shipping documentation including bills of lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and customs declarations
  • Track shipments throughout the transportation process and provide regular status updates to clients
  • Resolve problems and discrepancies related to shipments, including delays, damages, or documentation issues
  • Advise clients on import/export regulations, customs requirements, and international shipping procedures
  • Coordinate with customs brokers, warehouses, and other logistics partners to ensure smooth movement of freight
  • Maintain accurate records of all shipments, costs, and documentation for reporting and compliance purposes
  • Develop and maintain relationships with carriers, agents, and other service providers worldwide
  • Stay current with industry trends, trade regulations, and shipping restrictions that may impact client shipments

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or international shipping
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
  • Technical Knowledge: Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS), freight forwarding software, and Microsoft Office suite
  • Certifications: Industry certifications such as Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF), Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), or similar credentials preferred
  • International Trade Knowledge: Understanding of international shipping practices, Incoterms, customs regulations, and documentation requirements for various countries
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, carriers, and customs officials; foreign language proficiency valuable
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities to address logistical challenges and develop alternative solutions
  • Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple shipments, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. 
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. 
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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