20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You start by checking email and your freight-management system (CargoWise, ArcFreight, or SAP) for new bookings and updates. Mornings often mean booking cargo space on ships or planes, confirming rates, and updating clients about departures and ETA.
Afternoons go to paperwork: preparing and issuing bills of lading in Word or your TMS, completing customs forms in AESDirect, and coordinating door-to-door legs with carriers. Expect interruptions to resolve delays, damage claims, or insurance questions.
Learn Microsoft Excel and Outlook first — employers always expect spreadsheet skills and clear email. Then learn a freight system like CargoWise, Kewill, or ArcFreight; many entry jobs use one of these for bookings and documentation.
Also get familiar with AESDirect for US export filings and basic Word skills for bills of lading. If a company uses SAP or ediEnterprise, they’ll train you on the company system once you know the basics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 97,670 freight forwarders employed. The median annual wage is $52,260; the lowest tenth is $38,340 and the top tenth is $79,810.
Wages vary by region, company size, and whether you handle specialized cargo or manage international trade compliance.
Yes, AI can help summarize tracking updates, draft standard emails, and check documents for missing fields. Use it to speed repetitive tasks, but never let it sign documents or replace customs filings. Always verify AI outputs against systems like AESDirect, CargoWise, or the carrier’s tracking data.
Keep confidential client data secure: don’t paste full bills of lading or insurance details into public AI tools unless they meet your company’s data policy.
A freight forwarder arranges transport, books cargo space, issues bills of lading, coordinates door-to-door movement, and helps with insurance. A customs broker specializes in clearing goods through customs and completes entry paperwork.
A logistics manager focuses inside a company on inventory, warehousing, and supply-chain planning. Forwarders may refer exporters to customs brokers, trade finance experts, or marine insurance specialists when needed.
You’ll prepare and issue bills of lading, complete customs export filings (AESDirect in the U.S.), and publish or use tariffs for rate quotes. You’ll also control commercial documentation like invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
A big part is ensuring compliance with trade regulations — checking HS codes, export controls, and carrier rules — and coordinating with carriers and customs brokers when questions arise.
Learn to communicate clearly by phone and email (Outlook), because you’ll constantly coordinate with clients, carriers, and insurance companies. Be organized: manage bookings, track shipments, and keep documentation current in systems like CargoWise or SAP.
Also build basic math and attention to detail for calculating weight/volume and checking tariffs, plus problem-solving so you can resolve delays, damages, or insurance claims quickly.