Freight Forwarder
Arrange international transport of goods across sea, air, road and rail for clients.
This UK freight forwarder career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £26,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £75,000
- Work environment
- Office
- Time to entry
- 0 - 18 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Logistics and Supply Chain
What a Freight Forwarder does
Arrange international transport of goods across sea, air, road and rail for clients.
How to become a Freight Forwarder
- Look up Freight Forwarder roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Freight Forwarder - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Modes & routing
- Documentation
- Negotiation
- Customer service