What You'll Do

  • Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
  • Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
  • Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
  • Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
  • Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
  • Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.
  • Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
  • Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
  • Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
  • Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.75/5
Coordination 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.5/5
Active Listening 3.38/5
Critical Thinking 3.38/5
Writing 3.25/5
Speaking 3.25/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.25/5
Negotiation 3.25/5
Service Orientation 3.25/5
Time Management 3.25/5
Active Learning 3.12/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Stress Tolerance, Analytical Thinking, Adaptability/Flexibility

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 3.88/5
Written Comprehension 3.88/5
Oral Expression 3.88/5
Information Ordering 3.62/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.5/5
Near Vision 3.5/5
Written Expression 3.38/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

AESDirect Arcline ArcFreight CargoWise ediEnterprise CEDAS Gateway Email software IES Ecellerate Kewill Global Trade and Logistics Manufacturing resource planning MRP software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Order management software Package tracking software QuestaWeb TradeMaster QW RedBerry Logistics Riege Software International Procars SAP software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.9/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.73/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.48/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.45/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Air Cargo Agent Air Export Agent Air Export Clerk Air Export Coordinator Air Freight Forwarder Cargo Agent Domestic Freight Forwarder Export Clerk Export Coordinator Export Freight Clerk Export Freight Forwarder Export Freight Manager Export Freight Planner Export Freight Specialist Freight Analyst Freight Flow Manager Freight Forwarder Freight Operations Supervisor Freight Router Freight Specialist GSA Coordinator (General Services Administration Coordinator) Import Agent Import Export Clerk Import Freight Forwarder International Freight Forwarder Ocean Export Clerk Ocean Export Specialist Ocean Freight Customer Relations Specialist Ocean Freight Forwarder Ocean Freight Manager Ocean Transportation Intermediary Relocation Coordinator Route Specialist Transportation Clerk Transportation Technician (Transportation Tech) Truck Driver