How do I build a career in freight forwarding?

Michel Rothgaenger

Mar 14, 2023

Freight forwarding is a dynamic and competitive environment that is continually growing and changing. If you are looking to build a career in freight forwarding, there are several steps you can take to develop your skills, enhance your credentials, and familiarize yourself with the latest industry trends. Here are some additional details about each step:

Step 1: Develop the skills and knowledge you need

To develop the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in freight forwarding, you can take relevant courses or pursue a degree in logistics, transportation or a related field. You can also gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in the industry. It's important to stay up to date on industry news and trends and continually look for opportunities to improve your skills.

Step 2: Acquire the necessary qualifications and certifications

Acquiring relevant qualifications and certifications can improve your career prospects and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. In addition to the previously mentioned certifications, there are other industry-specific certifications that may be relevant to your career goals.

Step 3: Gain work experience

Gaining work experience is crucial to advancing your career in freight forwarding. You can start by working in an entry-level position in the industry, such as a logistics coordinator or freight forwarding assistant. As you gain experience, you can take on more responsibilities, such as managing shipments and coordinating with customers and carriers.

Step 4: Network and build relationships

Networking and building relationships with customers, carriers and other stakeholders can help you advance your career in freight forwarding. Attend industry events, join professional associations and network with other industry professionals through social media and other channels. Building a strong network can lead to new job opportunities, partnerships and valuable insights into industry trends and developments. You can read about our Young Talent Network.

Step 5: Stay up to date on industry trends and developments

The transportation and logistics industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new trends and developments is critical to success in the trucking industry. You can stay current by reading industry publications, attending seminars and webinars, and taking professional development courses.

Step 6: Consider specializing in a particular industry or type of transportation

Freight forwarding is a broad field with many specialized areas. If you want to pursue a career in freight forwarding, it may be helpful to specialize in a particular industry or type of transportation. For example, you may specialize in the transportation of medical supplies, hazardous materials, or food. Or you can focus on specific types of transportation, such as air or ocean freight. Specializing can help you achieve your career goals and build an expertise that is attractive to potential employers.

Step 7: Take on more responsibility

To advance your career in freight forwarding, you need to continually face challenges and take on responsibilities. If you're already working in the industry, you can look for opportunities to take on more responsibility and demonstrate your skills. If you are still working in an entry-level position, you should look for opportunities to improve your skills and move up in your company.

Step 8: Pursue your career goals and look for opportunities for advancement

Pursuing your career goals and looking for advancement opportunities is critical to advancing your career in trucking. You should clearly define your goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Look for opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge, such as professional development, training or mentoring.

In summary, a career in freight forwarding is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a growing and dynamic industry. To build a successful career in freight forwarding, you will need to develop your skills and knowledge, obtain relevant qualifications and certifications, gain work experience, network, stay up-to-date on industry trends, specialize in a particular industry or type of transportation, take on more responsibility, and pursue your career goals.