A Career in Freight Forwarding
The fortunes of the freight forwarding sector are a barometer of the state of world
trade. A market report compiled by Key Note, showed declining world trade led to
a corresponding decline of 23.7% to £12.08bn in the UK freight forwarding
market between 2008 and 2009. 2010 saw a return to growth with the value of UK freight
forwarding increasing by 20% to an estimated value of £14.5bn. Key Note
estimates that the UK market for international freight services will increase by 15.7%
from £18.71bn in 2011 to £21.69bn in 2015, which is positive news in terms
of employment prospects in the sector (www.keynote.co.uk).
A freight forwarder is an intermediary who acts on behalf of importers, exporters or
other companies or persons, organising the safe, efficient and cost-effective
transportation of goods by road, rail, air and sea. In some cases, the freight
forwarding company itself provides the transportation service.
The Skills
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Organisational skills and good attention to detail
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Ability to handle pressure and work to tight deadlines
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IT skills – general office packages and specialist route planning and
tracking software
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Communications skills – written and verbal
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Numeracy skills
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Good customer care
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Problem solving
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Language skills
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Flexibility – may need to work shifts to accommodate different time
zones
Entry Requirements
There are apprenticeship opportunities in transport-related occupations, so it is
worth visiting the Apprenticeship websites to see what is available (there are separate
sites for each of the four nations):
A degree is not a prerequisite for a career in freight forwarding, although a degree
in logistics, supply chain management, transport planning, business management,
economics and other related disciplines can prove advantageous. Employers will also
consider a range of degree disciplines, provided the candidate meets the other skills
requirements of the job.
Salary and Career Development
Salary levels for freight forwarders vary by market, location and the type and size
of the company. For salaried personnel in the early stages of their career, the
potential earnings tend to range between £15,000 and £20,000 per annum,
while freight forwarders with over three years’ experience can earn between
£20,000 and £25,000. Senior professionals with over ten years’
experience can earn over £40,000 a year. Progression is often to the level of
senior freight forwarder or senior export administrator and then to export office
manager or shipping manager.
Freight forwarding is a specialist profession and there are many opportunities to
study for professional qualifications (see contact information for key professional
bodies and trade associations supporting this occupational area).
Some larger companies offer graduate training schemes, with the opportunity to learn
on the job, gaining experience across various functions of the business, whilst
studying for relevant professional qualifications. The level of training support varies
widely between companies, so research this area carefully when looking for
vacancies.
Career progression is dependent upon individual performance, work experience and the
attainment of relevant professional qualifications. In larger, international firms
there will be opportunities to gain some overseas experience, which can help to boost
career prospects Some opt to gain generalist experience across all freight-related
industries and move into general managerial positions, while others chose to specialise
in particular areas either by product type or market location. There are a number of
self-employed freight forwarders providing a freight/transport and/or customs brokerage
consultancy service.
Employers
Companies vary in size and type, from those operating on a national or international
basis to smaller, more specialised firms, who deal with particular types of goods or
operate within specific geographical areas.
Typical employers include:
- Freight forwarding agents - local, national or international
- Road transport operators
- Express operators/couriers
- Airlines
- Shipping lines
- Exporters and importers – such as major retailers or manufacturers
- Physical handling – ports, airlines, warehousing
Most freight is handled by around 3,000 third-party logistics (3PL) firms, with
London, the north-west, the midlands, the south-east and Scotland being the main
centres in the UK. The British International Freight Association (www.bifa.org) website includes a list of members, which is
useful way to identify potential employers.
Contacts
There are a number of relevant professional bodies and trade associations: