Freight Forwarder

Freight Forwarder

Role Overview

A Freight Forwarder is responsible for coordinating the international movement of goods on behalf of customers. They manage shipments from initial booking through to final delivery, working with customers, airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, customs brokers and overseas agents.

The role is focused on making sure cargo reaches its destination safely, on time and at the agreed cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage international air and/or ocean freight shipments from origin to destination.
• Arrange bookings with airlines, shipping lines, trucking companies and other transport providers.
• Coordinate collections and final deliveries.
• Prepare and check shipping documentation, including bills of lading, air waybills, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Liaise with customers regarding bookings, shipment status and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with overseas offices and international freight forwarding agents.
• Manage import and export shipments.
• Work with customs teams or brokers to ensure shipments are cleared correctly.
• Provide customers with rates and quotations for new shipments.
• Track shipments and proactively deal with delays, missed connections or other operational issues.
• Ensure shipments comply with relevant customs, security and international trade regulations.
• Negotiate rates with carriers and suppliers where required.
• Maintain accurate shipment information within the company's freight management system.
• Monitor the profitability of individual shipments and ensure costs are correctly recorded and invoiced.
• Build strong relationships with customers, carriers and overseas partners.

Typical Requirements

• Previous experience within freight forwarding, logistics or international transportation.
• Knowledge of air freight, ocean freight or both .
• Understanding of import and export processes.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping documentation.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Good problem-solving skills, particularly when dealing with delays or disrupted shipments.
• Experience with freight forwarding systems such as CargoWise is beneficial.

In Simple Terms

A Freight Forwarder takes responsibility for getting a customer's cargo from A to B internationally . They don't normally physically move the goods themselves. Instead, they coordinate all the different parties involved and make sure the shipment gets where it needs to go.