Forwarder career – what is worth knowing?
Working in the forwarding industry has recently been a very fashionable professional direction. Potential candidates for work in forwarding see the advantages of this profession, which is why there is no shortage of applicants. The forwarding industry is one of those industries that is constantly changing, and the demand for employees is constantly growing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the number of applications that are constantly flowing to shipping companies is not surprising. The possibility of continuous development and attractive remuneration are just examples of the advantages that speak for taking up this job.
Who is the freight forwarder?
The freight forwarder is responsible for coordinating the transport of goods between the principal and the recipient. It is up to him to plan routes, supervise deadlines and be responsible for any problems that may arise during this time. The customer ordering the shipment of the goods, as it were, entrusts his cargo to the forwarder. Therefore, the freight forwarder must have extensive knowledge of transport, logistics, as well as customs and insurance procedures.
The work of a forwarder from the kitchen
The forwarder starts his working day with a short analysis of orders and planning delivery routes. Many factors come into play here. Starting from the distance that the driver has to travel, to the costs involved, the availability of the fleet, or customs formalities related to the transport of cargo. A freight forwarder’s work routine can vary depending on the company they work for, as well as the type of transport they deal with. However, regardless of these factors, the daily work of a forwarder usually includes contact with customers, transporters, customs agents, and other entities in the industry, as well as analyzing and optimizing the flow of goods. The freight forwarder may also participate in negotiating prices and conditions of carriage, as well as in solving problems that may occur during transport.
Opportunities to work in a shipping company
When applying to a forwarding company, we can choose one of the many directions that this industry offers. Working in the sales department will help us develop negotiation skills, as well as get to know the market and the expectations of our customers. The logistics department, on the other hand, will contribute to the development of planning, and management of transport processes, as well as the broadly understood organization. There will also be a place for those who like technological innovations. Freight forwarding companies are more and more willing to use tools such as IT systems or process automation. This translates into more effective management of the flow of goods.
Why is it worth it?
Working in forwarding is an opportunity to constantly learn, observe industry trends, and meet people from different backgrounds. Professional development opportunities are very wide, starting from work in the route planning department, through fleet management, and ending with work in the marketing or sales department. The forwarding industry is also technologically well-developed, which allows the use of modern solutions and work tools. Starting your adventure in the forwarding industry, we can apply for various positions, according to what competencies we have. Interestingly, employers willingly allow you to change your position within the company, if only you express such a desire, and our skills will allow us to cope with new tasks.
To sum up, the work of a freight forwarder is a responsible job involving several soft skills that must be acquired. Although this job seems to be extremely difficult, there is no shortage of people willing to take it. Mainly due to an attractive salary, additional benefits, and, finally, the possibility of continuous development. It is also an extremely tempting solution for all those who simply do not like to be bored at work. It is very difficult to experience boredom in forwarding.
