{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:37.657Z","occupation":{"soc":"43-5011.01","title":"Freight Forwarders","group":"Office & Administrative Support","sector":"55","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers the full career arc of freight forwarders working in commercial freight forwarding and logistics offices, spanning domestic and international shipments, multi-modal carrier coordination, customs clearance, and client advisory services calibrated to Job Zone 2 vocational preparation.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Basic shipping documentation such as bills of lading and packing lists — prepare under direct supervision using office suite software in a freight forwarding office.","Standard customs paperwork fields and entry requirements — identify and complete with guidance from a senior forwarder for routine import or export shipments.","Freight carrier rate sheets and published tariffs — read and interpret under supervision to support cost quotation preparation.","Client inquiries about shipping options and estimated timelines — respond to using provided reference materials under direct oversight.","Shipment tracking data entered in logistics software — monitor and record status updates following established office protocols.","Dock receipts and certificates of origin — assemble and organize as directed, verifying completeness against a checklist prior to submission.","Basic geographic routing maps and carrier service guides — reference to identify feasible shipment routes for common cargo types under supervision.","Applicable import duties and tax schedules — look up using compliance software with guidance to support customs clearance paperwork.","Incoming freight instructions and regulatory notices — read and summarize accurately for review by a supervising forwarder.","Data entry tasks in transportation management and ERP software — perform with attention to detail following step-by-step instructions in a shared office environment."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Freight invoices and cost quotations for standard shipments — prepare independently using spreadsheet software, applying current carrier rates and applicable surcharges.","Customs paperwork for routine import and export consignments — complete accurately with reduced oversight, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and deadlines.","Carrier selection decisions for common cargo types — make by evaluating transit times, costs, and security needs using logistics and supply chain software.","Client communications about shipping regulations, transfer requirements, and timelines — draft and deliver clearly via email, adapting language to the client's level of familiarity.","Shipping rates with freight carriers for recurring lanes — negotiate to secure competitive pricing, referencing historical rate data and volume commitments.","Special transport arrangements for temperature-sensitive or regulated cargo such as food and medical supplies — coordinate with carriers and regulatory contacts following established procedures.","Bills of lading, packing lists, and related export documents — prepare consistently and accurately for a varied portfolio of shipments within familiar trade lanes.","Shipment progress against promised timelines — monitor using database and tracking software, escalating delays to supervisors and proactively updating clients.","Basic accounting entries for freight charges and duties — calculate and record using spreadsheet software, applying correct currency conversions and tax codes.","Routine compliance checks against customs and safety regulations — conduct for assigned shipment files, flagging discrepancies and correcting errors before submission."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Optimal shipment routes for diverse cargo including livestock, hazardous materials, and oversized loads — select autonomously by weighing transit times, regulatory requirements, and security considerations.","Complex customs clearance scenarios involving multiple jurisdictions or restricted goods — manage independently, preparing all required documentation and liaising directly with customs authorities.","Freight rate negotiations with carriers across multiple modes including air, ocean, and ground — lead to achieve cost targets while maintaining service quality for a full client portfolio.","Non-routine client situations such as urgent shipments, regulatory holds, or cargo damage claims — resolve using critical thinking and knowledge of carrier contracts and trade regulations.","Comprehensive shipping documentation packages for complex multi-leg international shipments — prepare and audit end-to-end, ensuring accuracy across bills of lading, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices.","Client advisories on regulatory changes, trade compliance updates, and emerging shipping risks — develop and communicate proactively using authoritative regulatory sources and industry publications.","Cost-benefit analyses for alternative routing and carrier options — produce using ERP and spreadsheet software to support client decisions on time-sensitive or high-value consignments.","Special transport logistics for sensitive or high-priority cargoes — orchestrate across multiple vendors and regulatory bodies, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation throughout transit.","Shipment data trends such as transit delays, carrier performance, and cost variances — analyze using database query tools to identify process improvement opportunities.","Inbound and outbound shipment compliance obligations for assigned accounts — manage comprehensively, applying deep knowledge of customs law, tariff classifications, and trade agreements."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Departmental rate strategy and carrier relationship portfolio — develop and oversee at organizational level, setting negotiation targets and performance benchmarks across all freight modes.","Freight forwarding compliance framework including customs, safety, and documentation standards — design and implement, ensuring the organization meets regulatory obligations across all operating jurisdictions.","Junior and mid-level freight forwarders — mentor and train in documentation accuracy, customs procedures, and client communication, building team capability through structured on-the-job coaching.","Operational workflows for shipment processing, documentation, and client reporting — evaluate and redesign using ERP and logistics software capabilities to improve efficiency and reduce error rates.","Strategic client relationships at the account management level — lead by advising on end-to-end supply chain solutions, cost optimization, and risk mitigation for high-value accounts.","Organizational response to major service disruptions such as port closures, regulatory embargoes, or carrier failures — direct by activating contingency routing plans and coordinating cross-functional communication.","Pricing models and cost quotation standards for the forwarding operation — establish and review periodically, incorporating market intelligence, fuel surcharges, and currency risk into rate structures.","Technology adoption decisions for logistics, compliance, and ERP platforms — drive by evaluating vendor solutions, leading implementation projects, and overseeing staff transition and training.","Freight forwarding service portfolio and geographic coverage — assess against industry trends and client demand, recommending and pursuing expansion into new trade lanes or specialized cargo segments.","Organizational culture of regulatory integrity, attention to detail, and client service excellence — model and reinforce through performance standards, team recognition, and ongoing professional development investment."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}