Summary Report for:
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.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- 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.
- Complete shipping documentation, such as including bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, and 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.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Facsimile machines — Fax machines |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Personal computers |
| Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Compliance software — IES Ecellerate; QuestaWeb TradeMaster QW |
| Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook |
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Manufacturing resource planning MRP software; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; SAP software |
| Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Arcline ArcFreight; CargoWise ediEnterprise; Tailwind Management Systems Tailwind; TMW Enterprise Transportation Software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
Interests
Interest code: CE
| Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
| Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. |
Work Values
| Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
| Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Cargo and Freight Agents.
Employment data collected from Cargo and Freight Agents.
Industry data collected from Cargo and Freight Agents.
| Median wages (2010) | $17.86 hourly, $37,150 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 86,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 40,300 |
| Top industries (2008) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Cargo and freight agents
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.