Freight forwarding is the process of verifying and directing packages, cargo and deliveries for export and import. Freight forwarder clerks may also be referred to as freight agents, export clerks and logistics clerks depending upon the company they work for. These individuals are charged with the task of identifying a transportation route and preparing the appropriate documents to initiate a shipment. They also record the receipt of incoming items and alert internal departments when expected packages have arrived. Forwarding clerks use all types of transportation options when preparing a delivery route including air, ocean, land and rail transport.
Daily Tasks
Freight forwarding clerks are tasked with the daily tracking and verification of all freight being exported and imported by the company for which they work. Exported cargo is weighed and measured for shipment, identified and classified, and destination charges are figured and verified. Data accompanying imports is linked to an internal purchase order, damage to the package is recorded, the package is opened and the items are checked against the original purchase order.
How the forwarder accomplishes his tasks depends upon the size of the company. Smaller companies may depend on a paper business model coupled with the use of a computer and printer. Paperwork may be filled out by hand or data entered into the computer and printed for attachment to the cargo or sent as a computer document to the appropriate internal department. Larger companies train clerks to use scanning equipment to capture data for forwarding.
Ongoing Job Responsibilities
Clerks are also responsible for understanding and translating the documents that accompany all incoming and outgoing freight. This includes understanding import, export and excise requirements, assembling documents in the correct order, measuring shipments and correctly calculating forwarding charges. Forwarding freight may require the clerk to track individual shipments from an origination point through to receipt or delivery.
Most freight processes use computer software programs to return accurate readings of weight and transportation charges and to remind the clerk of shipping requirements of certain countries. Some freight software may link into company accounting software to record received and shipped items.
Job Requirements
Freight forwarder clerks are typically required to have a high school education. As the shipping process has become more automated, more companies require clerk applicants to have basic computer skills before being hired. Experience with record-keeping and other clerical skills are helpful, too. Working as a forwarding clerk requires attention to detail, communication skills, the ability to follow a task from beginning to end and the ability to work at repetitive tasks.
Job Training
Many of the tasks freight forwarders perform are taught on the job in an informal setting. Companies with special or proprietary scanning or computer equipment may provide a more formal training experience for the clerk. Several years or more of working as a freight forwarder can help some clerks advance into the role of a freight broker.
