Occupation
Freight forwarder
Freight forwarders arrange international movement of cargo by sea, air, road, or rail on behalf of shippers, without owning the vehicles themselves. They select routings and carriers, produce transport documents, and coordinate customs clearance and delivery at both ends. Time zones, cut-offs, and paperwork accuracy drive the rhythm of the job.
Also known as: Forwarding agent · Freight agent · Cargo agent · International freight specialist
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Occupation content
Part of Supply chain, transport and logistics
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Quote routings and rates for a consignment across available modes and carriers.
Book space with airlines, shipping lines, or road hauliers and confirm cut-off times.
Issue and check bills of lading, air waybills, and export documentation.
Coordinate customs clearance, port handling, and final delivery with local agents.
Track consignments and inform customers about delays, rollovers, and exceptions.
Handle claims for loss or damage and reconcile carrier and agent invoices.
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
Direct entry as a forwarding clerk or operations assistant with on-the-job training.
A college certificate or diploma in international trade, logistics, or supply chain.
An apprenticeship or trainee route in international freight operations where one is offered.
Transferring from shipping line, airline cargo, or customs brokerage work.
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Regulated in some jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Desk based
- Team based
- Fast paced
- Hybrid office
- High responsibility
Desk based · Team based · Fast paced · Hybrid office · High responsibility
Related interests
- Conventional (organizing)
- Enterprising (leading)
Conventional (organizing) · Enterprising (leading)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Related learning
Family-level learning links for Supply chain, transport and logistics.
Official sources
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Supply chain, transport and logistics in Canada, not a figure for Freight forwarder. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Supply chain, transport and logistics family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Supply chain, transport and logistics: education pathways
Some roles in Supply chain, transport and logistics may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Supply chain, transport and logistics: licensing
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