Freight Forwarders
O*NET 43-5011.01 · SOC 43-5011
Freight Forwarder is a risky career choice. Median pay is $52k a year with +6.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,000 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Arrange international shipping routes through multiple carriers
- →Prepare customs declarations and export documentation for shipments
- →Negotiate rates with carriers to reduce shipping costs
- →Ensure cargo complies with import and export regulations
- →Coordinate warehousing and consolidation of freight shipments
Education & How to Get In
Freight Forwarder roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Freight Forwarder involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Freight Forwarder?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Freight Forwarder Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Freight Forwarders is projected to grow 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·56% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Freight Forwarder make?
The median Freight Forwarder earns $52k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Freight Forwarder jobs?
Our model puts Freight Forwarder at 69 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 56% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Freight Forwarder a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Freight Forwarder?
Most Freight Forwarder roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Freight Forwarder?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Freight Forwarder career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes