Career profile · SOC 43-5011.01

Freight Forwarders

Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.

Freight Forwarders research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation. The role reports a median annual salary of $49,900 in the US and is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows high AI exposure (0.79 on a 0-1 scale) — significant portions of core tasks are already being automated. The most in-demand skills for the role include international tariffs, cartography, types of packaging used in industrial shipments, principles of cargo stowage, manage freight payment methods.

Median salary
$49,900
per year
Growth outlook
Faster Than Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
AI exposure
7.9/10
automation risk

Top skills

international tariffs cartography types of packaging used in industrial shipments principles of cargo stowage manage freight payment methods weigh shipments prepare bills of lading apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations set import export strategies control trade commercial documentation

Frequently asked questions

What does Freight Forwarders do?

Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.

How much does Freight Forwarders earn?

The median annual salary for Freight Forwarders in the US is $49,900.

What is the job outlook for Freight Forwarders?

The role is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 100,600 workers.

How do I become freight forwarders?

The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Freight Forwarders need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include international tariffs, cartography, types of packaging used in industrial shipments, principles of cargo stowage, manage freight payment methods, weigh shipments. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Freight Forwarders?

Our AI-durability model gives Freight Forwarders a score of 0.79 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at high AI risk — many core tasks are already being automated by generative AI and workflow tools. Focus on AI-adjacent skills or plan a pivot to an AI-durable adjacent role.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Freight Forwarders has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.

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