What's a Freight Forwarder's Day Really Like?

This month, we're diving into the role of a Freight Forwarder, one of the most frequently advertised positions in the Felixstowe and Suffolk logistics sector. It's a key job in keeping goods moving globally, and often misunderstood. We'll look at the daily tasks and skills you'll use.

Your Daily Responsibilities

A Freight Forwarder coordinates the movement of goods between an exporter and an importer. This involves a lot of communication and problem-solving. You are the central point for many parties.

• Booking Shipments: You'll book space on ships, planes, trains, or lorries. This means negotiating rates and schedules with carriers.
• Documentation: A huge part of the role is preparing and checking paperwork. This includes Bills of Lading, customs declarations, and commercial invoices. Accuracy is vital.
• Tracking and Updates: You'll constantly track shipments and provide updates to clients. If there are delays, you’re the one telling them why and what’s being done.
• Problem Solving: Unexpected issues are common. Customs delays, carrier problems, or unforeseen port closures will need your quick thinking to find solutions.

Skills You'll Use Every Day

This role demands a blend of organisational and communication skills. You'll be juggling multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Communication: You'll talk to clients, customs officials, shipping lines, and hauliers. Clear, concise communication is essential, often by phone and email.
• Organisation: With multiple shipments running at once, you need to be highly organised. Keeping track of deadlines, documents, and client requests is paramount.
• Attention to Detail: Small errors in paperwork can cause significant delays and costs. You must be meticulous.
• Problem-Solving: When things go wrong, and they sometimes do, you need to think on your feet and find practical solutions quickly.
• Geographical Knowledge: An understanding of world geography, trade lanes, and port operations will help you immensely. Working as a Freight Forwarder can be fast-paced and challenging, but it’s also very rewarding when you successfully deliver goods for your clients. We currently have 17 live vacancies in freight forwarding, with a median advertised salary of £33,500.

What to do this month

• Update your CV to highlight any customer service or administrative experience.
• Look at our current Freight Forwarder and Junior Commercial Assistant roles.
• Research Incoterms to understand international shipping rules.
• Consider any LME Freight Forwarding Co-ordinator roles and see if your skills match.
• If you're unsure, register as "Speculative / General Application" and attach your CV.