Freight forwarder
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.
Taking into account the type of goods and the customers' delivery requirements, freight forwarders arrange the best means of transport, using the services of shipping lines, airlines and road and rail freight operators. In some cases, the freight forwarding company itself provides the service.
Companies vary in size and type, from those operating on a national and international basis to smaller, more specialised firms, who deal with particular types of goods or operate within particular geographical areas.
Typical activites include:
At more senior levels, the role may also involve managing staff and overseeing activities within a department or specialising in a particular area, such as sea freight or air freight.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
Although this area of work is open to all diplomates, the following HND subjects may improve your chances:
Only a very small number of first degree and HND courses are devoted specifically to logistics and transport. However, a range of other subjects, such as business studies, economics, geography and planning, often incorporate modules relating to various aspects of supply-chain management.
Entry without a degree or HND is commonly possible, although larger companies may prefer a degree.
Pre-entry experience in the freight industry is not essential, but any relevant work experience which provides evidence of the skills sought by employers is advantageous.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Language skills are very useful and may lead to the chance to specialise later in your career. Opportunities to work abroad are more frequently offered to those with good language skills.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Some larger companies offer comprehensive graduate training schemes. These normally last up to two years, with periods spent on rotation in various departments. You learn on the job, whilst studying for relevant professional qualifications. Training support varies widely between companies, so it is essential to research this area carefully when looking for vacancies.
Freight forwarding is a specialist profession. The British International Freight Association (BIFA) provides training leading to professional qualifications recognised both inside and outside the industry. They include the BTEC Intermediate Awards in Multimodal International Freight Procedures, Customs Export and Import Procedures and Customs Import Entry and Procedures. For more information about training, please see the BIFA website.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK offers the Level 5 Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport for new managers or recent graduates with non-business degrees, and also the Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) offers a range of qualifications, aimed at new starters through to senior management levels, in areas such as compliance, health and safety and dangerous goods.
For those involved in the import and export of goods, the Institute of Export offers the Advanced Certificate in International Trade (ACIT) and the Diploma in International Trade (DIT).
Progression is often to the level of senior freight forwarder or senior export administrator and then to export office manager or shipping manager.
Some large export or import companies have their own freight forwarding staff. Career progression in such companies is likely to be limited due to the small size of the departments, and the working environment may be less exciting.
Vocational and professional qualifications will certainly help in career development. Gaining chartered membership of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK is particularly useful. In order to gain chartered member status, you will need to have a degree or N/SVQ at level 5 and a total of five years’ management experience, of which at least two must be at a senior management level. It is also possible to achieve chartered status through accredited in-company development schemes and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Management Training Programme. See the CILT website for full details of the different levels of membership.
As you gain general experience as a freight forwarder, employers will value your broad expert knowledge of procedures including customs, business risk management, insurance services, ISO quality procedures, business continuity planning, security, road transport management, warehouse and logistics management, supply chain management, sales and IT development. However, there are also opportunities to apply this knowledge in specialist fields. Specialist industries and their related goods include:
Specialist knowledge will contribute to expertise in a particular area of freight forwarding. For example, in shipping fruit, it is necessary to account for packing methods, temperature requirements and the time allowable for delivery. If you intend to focus on a particular region or country, knowledge of language, culture and geography is helpful.
Freight forwarders also work in the manufacturing sector at senior logistics management levels. Professional qualifications are helpful, and mobility is usually necessary for career progression. With some of the larger organisations, career development may involve working overseas.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has around 1,400 corporate members, who account for a majority share of all freight forwarding business in the UK. There is also approximately 1,000 other companies working in freight transport.
Companies fall roughly into three types, although there are overlaps within these groups:
Many freight forwarders have taken the opportunity to extend their range of services, which now include warehousing, sorting, order picking, packaging and goods assembly. A few firms just work with other freight forwarders.
Specialist recruitment agencies such as Freight Personnel also handle vacancies. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of relevant member agencies specialising in logistics and freight.
Larger companies recruit graduates throughout the year, although they do not usually advertise in directories or attend careers fairs. Write speculatively to companies from January of your final year at university. Use directories such as the Freight Services Directory (free to members) to find contact details. Member contact details are also available on the British International Freight Association (BIFA) website.
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